How Much Money Can I Make Teaching English Abroad

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Top 5 Countries to Make the Most Money Teaching English Abroad in 2021

Wondering which countries pay the highest salaries for teaching English abroad? These 5 top-paying TEFL markets offer the best financial benefits for ESL teachers, form competitive wages to attractive savings opportunities.

Written By: John Bentley | Updated: November 3, 2021

Top 5 Countries to Make the Most Money Teaching English Abroad in 2021

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Everybody is familiar with the saying "you don't become a teacher for the money," and while going to teach English abroad will almost certainly be one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences you will ever undertake, you probably don't want to count on it to buy that tropical island you fantasize about for your retirement.

But there are countries where you can make an excellent salary and receive top benefits, and if you're here and reading this post, you've probably already decided you are interested in teaching English abroad. Naturally, the next steps in your research would be to understand what the best paying English teaching jobs abroad are, and how to find them.

Teach English abroad for a year:

There are thousands of opportunities around the world for TEFL certified English teachers who want to find a job abroad that pay well and offer exceptional benefits. In most cases, you will be expected to make a one-year commitment to receive contracts in the most lucrative countries for teaching English abroad.

We've done the work for you and compiled a list of the highest paying ESL countries, so read on for the top 5 countries for teaching English abroad in 2021.

Note: With the onset of COVID-19, many schools and even many countries have closed. Luckily, the countries listed here have been among the most effective in containing the pandemic are open (or are opening) for TEFL jobs. To learn more about individual countries, call an advisor at 773-634-9900 or fill out a form to request your free TEFL Starter Kit.

South Korea
China
Japan
Taiwan
Gulf Arab States
Bonus: Vietnam

1. South Korea

A prosperous economy and a deep-rooted commitment to education make South Korea a top destination for teaching English abroad, especially those looking to make money. Offering a fantastic combination of high-tech, modern cities with thousands of years of history & culture, Korea offers a great international experience in addition to fantastic travel opportunities throughout Asia. In addition, South Korea has been one of the first countries to hire foreign English teachers since COVID-19.

On top of that, South Korea is the country where you're likely to make the most money teaching English abroad.

Highlights of teaching English in Korea:

English teachers in Korea typically make enough to save around 50% of their salary each month, saving which can top $1,000 a month, or up to $15,000 a year.
Free furnished housing is provided to English teachers in Korea.
English Teachers will be reimbursed for their airfare and provided with a stipend for a flight home at the end of their contract.
English Teachers in Korea who complete their 12-month contract will typically receive an extra month's salary as a bonus.

Read More to learn more about teaching ESL abroad in South Korea: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in South Korea

2. China

From the spectacular skylines of Shanghai and 250 mile-per-hour bullet trains to the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing and the ancient treasures of Xi'an, China offers a wealth of contrasts between ancient and modern and East and West. And, with 300 million Chinese taking English classes every year, it's also the largest TEFL job market in the world, with some of the highest-paying ESL jobs for English teachers abroad.

Highlights of Teaching English in China:

Make enough money to save $500-$1,500 a month or more after expenses.
Most English teachers in China receive free housing and free or reimbursed airfare.
Discover the treasures of one earth's oldest civilizations.
Live in modern, fast-paced cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen offering world-class shopping, fantastic cuisine, exciting nightlife and state-of-the-art modern public transportation.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in China

3. Japan

Offering an unparalleled combination of culture, cuisine, history and stunning natural beauty, Japan has long been a top market for qualified English teachers to teach ESL abroad.

Highlights of teaching English in Japan:

Make enough to save $600-$800 a month after expenses.
Remote hiring is a common practice in Japan, meaning you can get hired to teach English from home so you have a job waiting for you before you depart.
Step back in time while strolling through the historic streets of medieval cities like Kyoto and mesmerize your senses amid the uber-modern city center of Tokyo.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in Japan

4. Taiwan

Another great destination for teaching ESL overseas, Taiwan is located on an island off the southeast coast of China and offers a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture in a subtropical environment (think Florida or Jamaica). In addition, Taiwan has had one of the lowest cases of COVID-19 in the world.

Highlights of teaching English in Taiwan:

Make enough money to save $500-$700 a month after expenses.
Live in a prosperous and democratic Asian society where living standards are high.
Enjoy the vibrant street life, colorful markets, and world-class shopping of Taipei.
Spend your weekends enjoying Taiwan's gorgeous coastlines or exploring the country's lush, mountainous interior, known for its innumerable hot springs and awe-inspiring views.
Learn Mandarin and discover Chinese & Taiwanese culture.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in Taiwan

5. Gulf Arab States

(Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) – Tremendous oil wealth and a desire to become international players in the economic and political arenas have led the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf region to invest billions of dollars into their educational systems, particularly English language instruction. As a result, qualified English teachers are offered very attractive pay and benefits packages to come to teach. However, because the number of opportunities is only a fraction of what is found in Asia or Europe, the job market can be competitive (a MA and/or a professional background in education is often required for many positions).

Highlights of teaching English in the Persian Gulf region:

Salaries ranging from $2,000 - $5,000 per month (tax-free).
Benefits may include free health insurance, furnished housing/housing stipend, and flights to and from your home country.
An opportunity to experience a region rich in culture and history.
Enjoy fantastic regional travel opportunities, with access to Europe, Africa & South Asia.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in the Middle East

Honorable Mention: Vietnam

One of the up-and-coming nations of Asia, Vietnam represents a distinct blend of Chinese Confucianism and the Buddhist Khmer cultures of Southeast Asia with a taste of French colonial charm. Boasting thousands of miles of coastline, mountainous highlands, and a collection of colorful and bustling cities, Vietnam offers something for everyone, including a great job market for teaching English.

Highlights of teaching English in Vietnam:

Low cost of living and good salaries enable English teachers in Vietnam to save up to $600 a month after expenses.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a bustling, dynamic Asian city that combines modern conveniences and cosmopolitanism with traditional street markets and local color.
An ancient center of Vietnamese culture with a touch of French colonial charm, Hanoi offers an alluring combination of historic monuments, serene lakes and bustling streets lined with colorful shops and food stalls.
The beaches of Vietnam are said to be some of the most spectacular of all Southeast Asia.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in Vietnam

Bonus Tip: Wherever you decide to teach ESL abroad, you can always increase your earnings by Teaching English Online.

With demand for online English language instruction skyrocketing worldwide, teaching English online provides TEFL certified teachers with opportunities to earn extra pay at virtually any time from anywhere in the world, including your own home. Most starting teachers are able to make at least $10-$20 (USD) an hour & hours are very flexible.

Read more: Teach English Online: Your Guide on How to Make Money & Travel the World

Read More: How Much Money Can I Make Teaching English Online?

Check out the webstory: 5 Top Countries to Make Money in 2021

Posted In: Teach English Abroad, Money & Finances, Teach English in Qatar, Teach English in South Korea, Teach English in Vietnam, Teach English in Saudi Arabia, Teach English in Kuwait, Teach English in Middle East, Teach English in China, Teach English in Bahrain, Teach English in Taiwan, Teach English in United Arab Emirates, Teach English in Japan, Oman

John Bentley

John Bentley is Co-Founder & Senior Writer for International TEFL Academy (ITA), the world leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad. A graduate of Harvard University and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern, John is a recognized expert in the field of TEFL. His articles have appeared across the field's top websites, including GoAbroad.com, StudyAbroad.com, InterExchange, GoOverseas.com, Adventure Teaching, & many others. He has also spoken as an expert on Teaching English Abroad & TEFL certification at major conferences like MeetPlanGo and Lessons from Abroad (LFA) in Portland & San Diego.

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