The largest continent in the world, Asia has it all—gorgeous nature, amazing culture, and thousands of English teaching opportunities. From big cities to rural towns, English teachers are needed everywhere, which means that your options are wide open.
But will it be a busy city in Japan, a beach town in Thailand, or an expat city in the United Arab Emirates? The best places to teach English in Asia depend on your preferences, interests, and lifestyle.
No matter where you go, you can find a job in various institutions, including language schools, international schools, and universities. You’ll only have to decide where to go, what type of school you want to work in, and which program to apply for. Let’s start from the beginning—the best countries to teach English in Asia!
Why teach English in Asia?
Ready to launch your career teaching English? Asia is one of the best places to find your classroom.
Teaching English in Asia benefits not only your professional career but also your personal development. Here’s what you’ll get out of the experience as an aspiring English teacher and expat:
- Competitive salaries: While salaries depend on the country, many Asian countries offer competitive salaries for English teachers with a TEFL certificate. Former teachers have reported that they were able to travel, save money, and enjoy life!
- Additional benefits: Depending on the program, your contract will include free accommodation, return tickets from your home country, and paid vacation days.
- Amazing experience: As an expat, you’ll get to experience the country more like a local rather than a tourist. Learning about a new culture, making new friends, and working in another country will broaden your horizons.
- Travel opportunities: You can use your vacation days to travel to neighboring Asian countries or explore your host country.
- Language learning: One of the best ways of learning a new language is living in a country where that language is spoken.
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8 best places to teach English in Asia
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned teacher, big city lover or outdoor enthusiast, you’ll discover that there are exciting opportunities in different Asian countries. Remember that requirements will vary from country to country. Some countries might strictly require native-speaker teachers, while others only ask for a TEFL certification.
Here are eight of the best countries to teach English in Asia:
1. China
Thanks to its huge ELT market, China is often the first choice of those who wonder where to teach English in Asia. In many programs, English teachers can expect to earn salaries ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per month, depending on qualifications, experience, and location.
With this salary, you’ll definitely be able to afford delicious Chinese food, enjoy an active social life, and save money. While you’re there, take the invaluable opportunity to learn some Mandarin, one of the best languages to learn due to China’s powerful economy. As the third-biggest country in the world, China has a lot of interesting places to see, which might make you want to renew your teaching contract!
- Where? Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou
- Recommended program: Teach English in China + Visa Assistance with CIEE
2. Japan
No matter when you start teaching, you’ll quickly see why Japan is one of the best places to teach English in Asia.
Teaching English in Japan offers a good salary, benefits, and the possibility to choose from different workplaces, including public and private schools, big companies, and language centers. Plus, English teaching jobs in Japan don’t require Japanese proficiency, meaning your teaching job can be your gateway to the Japanese job market.
For 14 consecutive years, Japan was ranked among the top 10 safest countries in the world, providing a good quality of life for locals and expats alike. As well as being safe, it’s also a beautiful country, with each season bringing its own charm. You will see pink cherry blossoms in spring, and red-orange leaves in fall.
- Where? Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto
- Recommended program: Get TEFL Certified & Teach English in Japan!
3. South Korea
Although South Korea isn’t the most affordable country on our list, most paid programs also include free accommodation, flights from your home country, and an end-of-contract bonus. These cut your expenses significantly and help you save money and enjoy life in South Korea.
If you’d like to stay longer and apply for non-teaching jobs in South Korea, start Korean classes as soon as possible. South Korea has highly developed beauty, tech, and automotive industries that might have interesting opportunities for an expat familiar with Korean culture. With the rise of K-pop and K-drama, you’ll have plenty of material for practicing your language skills!
- Where? Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu
- Recommended program: Paid Teaching Program in South Korea with TravelBud
4. Vietnam
Vietnam welcomes new and experienced English teachers who have a strong interest in the country’s culture. Both native and non-native speakers can apply to become English teachers in Vietnam, but non-native speakers need to pass an IELTS proficiency exam.
Most teaching jobs are in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, where you’ll spot Southeast Asian, Chinese, and European influences. On weekends, you’ll have the chance to take language lessons and cooking classes, or go on day trips to picturesque destinations like Ha Long Bay. Vietnam is an affordable country with a lot to do, be it in scenic rice fields or busy cities full of motorcycles.
- Where? Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
- Recommended program: Teach English in Vietnam with Greenheart Travel
5. Thailand
You can’t beat Thailand if you’re looking for an affordable (and gorgeous) place to teach.
As an English teacher in Thailand, you can earn $1,000 and upwards, and live in digital nomad hotspots like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Thailand is popular among remote workers, expats, and digital nomads who are looking for an affordable destination with beautiful beaches and good food.
The requirements to go to Thailand as an English teacher are not strict—you’ll only need a TEFL certification and an English proficiency test (if you’re a non-native speaker). Insider tip: If you don’t have a TEFL certification yet, look for programs that combine TEFL training and job placement.
- Where? Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Phuket
- Recommended program: TEFL Certification and Teaching English in Thailand
6. Taiwan
Taiwan is becoming a go-to country as it increased its investments in English language education. The island nation aims to become a bilingual English-Mandarin country by 2030, which means they need more and more English teachers in Taiwan, especially for K-12 students.
To teach, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree, native English fluency, and a TEFL certificate. You’ll most likely be based in Taipei, the capital city and the economic center of Taiwan. While you’re helping Taiwanese kids become bilingual, join them in the quest to become bilingual and start Mandarin classes!
- Where? Taipei, New Taipei City
- Recommended program: Get TEFL Certified & Teach English in Taiwan!
7. Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the best countries to teach English in Asia if you’re a complete beginner. The only requirement is a TEFL certification, which you can get as a part of your teaching program.
Once you complete your 120-hour advanced TEFL course, you’ll be placed in a classroom, most likely in the capital Phnom Penh or the cultural capital Siem Reap. Your paid English teaching position also includes vacation days—time to check Angkor Wat off your bucket list!
- Where? Siem Reap, Phnom Penh
- Recommended program: Best 12-Month TEFL Internship in Cambodia
8. United Arab Emirates
The UAE offers some of the most lucrative English teaching salaries in the world!
Located in West Asia, the United Arab Emirates is set to become one of the most popular countries thanks to its competitive remuneration and benefits. Keep in mind that most programs prefer native speakers who hold a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification.
By teaching English in the UAE, you’ll meet people from all over the world, live in a country with very low crime rates, and enjoy generous, tax-free salaries. If you’d like to travel in the Middle East, learn Arabic, and save money, the UAE could be a great option.
- Where? Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman
- Recommended program: Teach in the UAE with Teaching Nomad
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Are you ready to step up your teaching career in Asia?
Next stop: Teaching English in Asia!
The most difficult part of your pre-departure list is to decide where to teach English in Asia as there are so many great countries. In any case, you’ll get paid, gain teaching experience, and live a sweet expat life!
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