Our list of 10 best countries to teach in international schools is practically about the best countries for teachers to emigrate to. Once you start searching for international teaching jobs, you’ll be met with an extensive list of opportunities, whichever the subject you teach. Let us give you a hand by narrowing the number of best countries to be a teacher.
It’s often overlooked that teaching is one of the noblest jobs. You are taking care of people and helping them learn the vital information for their future. What is more, your job usually involves shaping young minds and enticing them to become more open to new ideas, people, and cultures. A great teacher is simply invaluable. If the respect for you matches a high international school teacher salary, then you can be perfectly content. By the way, when talking money matters, some of the best countries to teach English and save money can be found in our article about 13 highest paying countries for teachers, or, more precisely, you can take a look at the 15 Highest Paying Cities for Teachers.
This is all nice and neat, but what qualifications do you need to be a teacher abroad? Well, it depends on a particular employer. Most of them are looking for some kind of an international certificate. Sometimes your university certificate is good enough, and sometimes you only need to be a native speaker of English in order to take up one of the English teacher vacancies in international schools. Another question frequently asked is:”Can I teach abroad with a PGCE?”. We heartily agree. Once again, most websites will recommend having a TEFL certificate, too, but you are also well aware there are plenty of native speakers out there who are doing their job without any university degree.
Nevertheless, one thing is for sure. The more prestigious the institution, the higher the degree they require from you.
It’s difficult to say what countries need English teachers the most. According to Bachelors Degree Online, the countries that are most desperate for English teachers are China, Russia, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Checz Republic. Once you take the geographical position and culture into account, it’s up to you to decide where is the best place to teach English abroad.
However, our list is meant for all teachers. In order to determine the best countries to teach in international schools, we looked for the most prestigious and expensive international schools at Business Insider and Expat Focus. Surely the most exclusive schools are the most desirable for teachers, too. Then, we searched for the ones which have the highest international schools salary scales and found them at Teachaway. Our last source was TIC Recruitment with best places to teach English abroad. Finally, once we gathered some 17 countries, the time has come to rank them according to what we believe is the deciding factor, and that is the human freedom index. The human freedom index is an indicator of an individual’s freedom concerning security and safety, religion, freedom of movement and trade, and other similar features. What is worth earning a fortune if you’re feeling a bit trapped?
We strongly believe we’ve chosen the most unbiased norm for ranking 10 best countries to teach in international schools. Take a look and start sending CVs!
10. Thailand
Freedom rank: 105
So many people choose it as a holiday destination. Why not prolong the holiday while earning money?
9. India
Freedom rank: 102
If India’s your choice, head for Delhi. The city will give you the biggest number of employment options.
8. Malaysia
Freedom rank: 97
The Malaysian Government is very active in endorsing international schools. Lush landscapes are certainly a plus for nature lovers.
7. Kazakhstan
Freedom rank: 76
You could be earning up to $5,000 a month if you decide to move here. Health insurance and airfare are usually provided.
6. Mexico
Freedom rank: 73
Most international schools are situated in Cancun and Mexico City. Very nice destinations for work and pleasure.
5. South Africa
Freedom rank: 68
Out of 10 best countries to teach in international schools, this one probably has the least number of international schools, but if you wish to work in Africa, this is the best option. After all, its human freedom rank puts it in top 5, so it’s worth the effort.
4. Spain
Freedom rank: 30
There are plenty of excellent international schools in Spain in Madrid and coastal area. People are very friendly, and the food is absolutely delicious.
3. South Korea
Freedom rank: 29
One of the countries with most innovations per capita certainly has a lot to offer. The salary can vary up to $2,000 per month.
2. Singapore
Freedom rank: 18
It speaks volumes that expat teachers working there send their children to public schools. Imagine what working in an international school could be like.
1. Switzerland
Freedom rank: 1
Who else did you expect to be in the first place in 10 best countries to teach in international schools? Switzerland is world renowned for its international boarding schools, and it’s officially the country with the highest degree of human freedom. It really is the best country to teach in, isn’t it?