If you have an English language degree and you are tired of the job hunt in your native country, or you just want to explore new countries, then you should definitely check our list of 5 best countries to teach English in Asia.
You probably know that there is a high demand for English teachers in non-English speaking countries, especially in Asia. English is an international language, and Asian countries want to progress in every possible way, so the English fluency is a major deal for the natives. According to some sources, there are more than 20,000 monthly job ads for English teachers in foreign countries. The demand is so high that hiring foreigners as English teachers is a must. Kindergartens, high schools, universities, they all need English teachers. To teach English in some countries, you don’t even have to have a college degree in English. If you want to know more about that, check out our list of 7 Easiest Countries to Teach English Without a College Degree.
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Not having a degree is an exception from the rule. To be considered for a job as an English teacher in Asia, you have to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in English. This is if you are looking to work in schools or any other private or government educational institution in the bigger cities. Getting away with not having an English language degree and teaching English is only manageable if you are ready to work in villages and rural areas. There isn’t a lack of demand there, only a lack of people who are willing to work, hence everyone who has more extensive knowledge of the English language is welcomed to try.
Now you will probably ask why someone would go to Asia in a foreign country to teach English. Well, the main reason is the earlier mentioned demand and fact that the salary is good. As an English teacher in most Asian countries, you would be able to earn the same salary or even a greater one than in the United States for example, and you will spend less of it on the living costs. Also, most of these countries offer additional benefits like contract bonuses and accommodation. Since English knowledge in Asia is desirable not just for students, but for almost everyone, there are people who are willing to pay for English lessons via Skype, which is perfect for people who don’t want to relocate.
The highest demand is currently in the Northeast and Southeast Asia, but the trend is gaining traction all over the continent. Central and South Asia are joining in as the countries that attract a large number of English teachers, with reported experience being very positive. Also, there is a demand in the Middle East, but your chances of success in finding a job there depend on many factors.
According to most of the online sources, including The Huffington Post, holding only a college degree in English isn’t enough. You will have to have appropriate certifications, which will also determine your salary, besides your odds for a job. TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) and TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) certifications are cheaper and if you find the right provider, they can be obtained online. They also require less time to complete them. The price is in the range from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousands. The CELTA (certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages) certification is more appreciated due to its connection to Cambridge University. The course takes longer; it is more intensive and can’t be completed online. This comes with a price, which is usually around $2,000 to 4,000. It may seem like a heavy investment, but it will largely increase your chances of finding a well-paid teaching job in Asia. There are a lot of recruiting websites that post English teaching jobs from all over Asia, so if you dig a bit, you will find plenty of good ones. To save you some trouble, here are a few of them: Go Overseas, Asia Teaching Jobs, and TEFL. This way you can see what is out there.
We hope we gave you a proper introduction, so let’s get to our list of 5 best countries to teach English in Asia. To compile the list we looked into the 10 most recommended Asian countries for English teacher among lists made by Matador Network, International TEFL Academy, and Go Abroad. Using various sources like the Economist and the International TEFL Academy we checked the each country for monthly average salaries for English teachers, its rank for the quality of life, and the monthly cost of living. We made separate rankings and then summed up the scores. The ones that had the best overall results made it on our list of best countries to teach English in Asia. Let’s check them out.
5. Thailand
Average Monthly Salary: $850 – $1,000
Monthly Cost of Living: $500 – $700
Quality of Life Rank: 60
We are starting off our list of best countries to teach English in Asia with Thailand, thatis a rapidly rising economy, connecting to the world, so English teachers are more than welcomed here. The country offers one of the lowest average salaries, but also the lowest cost of living. The contracts are mostly in length of 6 & 12 months. The peak of the hiring season happens in May and November. After application, you will be required to do a face to face interview, although it is sometimes possible to get it done via Skype. There is an important difference betwgovernment-operatedated schools and private ones. You won’t be required to work during weekends and nights in government schools, but the salary will be lower. In private schools, the salary is higher, but weekend and night work is almost obligatory.
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4. Taiwan
Average Monthly Salary: $1,300 – 2,000
Monthly Cost of Living: $935 – 1,300
Quality of Life Rank: 21
There is something in Taiwan, the number 4 in our list of best countries to teach English in Asia, that makes it appealing, although the cost of living can be rather high. This beautiful country will give you an amazing cultural experience, so the money may well not be so important. You will probably be able to get a 12-month contract in Taiwan, with the interview being handled over Skype or phone in advance. You will also have to secure the visa in advance. The public schools are better paid and offer bonuses at the end of the contract, but they have less vacation time. Private schools offer smaller salaries, but the included benefits are often better with more vacation days and possible accommodation allowance that can mean much in Taiwan. The hiring peaks are in July and August.
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3. Japan
Average Monthly Salary: $2,250 – 2,600
Monthly Cost of Living: $1,660 – 2,600
Quality of Life Rank: 17
Japan has the most complicated hiring process out of all countries on our list of 5 best countries to teach English in Asia. The interviews are often scheduled up to 6 months in advance and take place in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. If you wish to experience Japanese culture, this is a perfect way. Have in mind that like in all other countries, there is a big difference between public and private schools. Public schools are paid better, have more vacation time, but the teaching jobs are located in the smaller cities and villages. Private schools pay less and require you to be flexible about teaching hours, providing less vacation time. The good thing about private schools in Japan is that you can work part-time and the majority of them are located in Tokyo or some other bigger city. Hiring happens all year. And now, let’s see the top two best countries to teach English in Asia.
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2. Singapore
Average Monthly Salary: $2,400 – 3,000
Monthly Cost of Living: $2,100 – 2,500
Quality of Life Rank: 11
Don’t be fooled by the big money that comes with being an English teacher in Singapore, since the cost of living is the largest among all our featured countries. You would be able to save money only if you know how to tightly manage your costs. Teaching English in Singapore that ranks second in our list of best countries to teach English in Asia. It could well be the trickiest one. Salary is lower in public schools, but other conditions are great and include health benefits, accommodation allowance and extended vacation time. The hiring is handled by the Ministry of Education. There is a lot more money to be earned in private and international schools, but the job there is less secure. According to some sources, there were cases of teachers dismissing out of the blue if the private school would determine that certain teacher doesn’t do a good job. All this aside, if you have a chance to teach in Singapore, you should definitely grab it. The quality of life is among the highest in the world, and living here will be an amazing experience.
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1. South Korea
Average Monthly Salary: $1,550 – 2,000
Monthly Cost of Living: $600 – 900
Quality of Life Rank: 30
South Korea didn’t land on the top spot among 5 best countries to teach English in Asia by chance. It has a tempting salary – cost of living ratio, with the quality of life being high. Also, on the most online sources we visited when researching the topic, South Korea was mostly the top recommended destination. Finding work in public school can be a tougher challenge since there is only one teacher per school. This results in large sized classes. The salary is lower, but you will work fewer hours and have bonuses at the end of your contract. Also, you’ll get extended paid vacations with accommodation provided for you. In some cases, your trip costs will be covered as well.
There is less competition, the salary is bigger, and the classes are smaller in private schools. The accommodation is provided along the trip costs. But, you will work more hours, have less vacation and be ready to work in the afternoons and during the night. It is up to you to determine what fits you the best. Overall, the teaching experience in South Korea is among the best in Asia. The life standard is high, and there is plenty to do and see in your spare time. What else do you need? Pack your bags, and good luck!
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