So you’ve made the decision to Teach English Abroad. Welcome! The following 10 places are among the best in the world for finding work, making a living, and having a great time doing it!

10. Brazil

Brazil’s effort to internationalize yields many opportunities to teach English, in both business and traditional school settings. However, you must have a lot of patience to legally obtain a work visa. CEL LEP and Alumni School are good places to start looking.

9. Saudi Arabia

The Middle East is where you will find some of the highest paying jobs offered for native English speaking teachers. This is not for the faint of heart; you must be interested in life in the Middle East and well versed in cultural differences to appreciate the experience. Bayt Recruiting is a good job reference.

8. Italy

Cheap travel and fantastically inexpensive gourmet food are just some of the benefits of living in Italy. There is, however, an annoying amount of red tape. It is recommended to go through a TESOL online certification program in which the school you are paying guarantees you job placement.

For a list of recommended programs, visit Transitions Abroad .

7. Thailand

Thailand is as close as you get to paradise. The American University Alumni (AUA) Language Center, the oldest and largest language school in Thailand with almost 400,000 graduates, is a nonprofit school with an excellent reputation in the country. The AUA is always looking for TESOL teachers.

6. Japan

Asian nations are practically begging for English teachers and you can find work via the Internet quickly. Most recruit year round, and provide successful applicants with visa sponsorship, apartment, partially-paid national insurance, etc.

The largest schools in Japan are with AEON. You can also find work with JET or The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program.

5. Russia

Old stereotypes of an economic system fueled by vodka and general lawlessness have made native English teachers scarce in Russia. The demand for teachers far exceeds the supply, making it easy to gain employment with the benefits of visa support, accommodations and often airfare reimbursement.

The largest schools in the area are BKC International and English First are by far the best places to find employment.

4. China

With great compensation packages including salary, apartment, visa sponsorship and sometimes airfare, China is becoming a popular choice for English teachers. Journey East offers links to internships, paid positions and other information.

3. Mexico

If you’re looking for sun and comfort, Mexico is the place to be. In general, the minimum academic requirement for English teaching positions in Mexico is a university degree and a TESOL certificate.

Jobs are difficult to find pre-entry, but are plentiful upon arrival. One option is to look for work in a University. If you have any teaching experience, this is the way to go. Visit ESL Employment for more details.

2. South Korea

Offering many perks such as airfare, housing, insurance benefits, decent salaries and a low cost of living, South Korea offers the ability to travel and make good money. A good place to start is the job board at Dave’s ESL Cafe. Contracts are usually for 1 year and a bachelor’s degree is required.

1. Czech Republic

Chosen for its idyllic location, amazing scenery, high demand and relative ease of entry, the Czech Republic—specifically Prague—is the traveler’s dream come true. The Prague Post, a weekly English language newspaper, is the best place to look for possibilities from home.

One final note: if you don’t get the salary, housing options and benefits that you are seeking, politely negotiate, or decline.


Editor’s Note: Since the original publication of this post (9 Jan 2008) we’ve created a new blog Matador Study, dedicated to study and teaching abroad programs and opportunities. Please check it out for more in-depth profiles and resources.

Want to learn the craft of travel writing?

Sign up for Matador’s new Travel Writing School and get the skills you need.


ESL Teaching
 

About The Author

Kelly Lalonde

Kelly Lalonde writes: “I get bored with normalcy, love pasta, love watching the city come alive on a long walk in the morning.”

  • http://www.matadortravel.com/travel-community/deva Eva

    Cool post, I never knew there were so many opportunities to teach outside of Asia/Eastern Europe.

    For your next post you’ll have to share your “Cheap Italy” secrets! :D

  • http://www.linguaphonegroup.com Peter Trinder

    If you are a native English speaker looking to teach in some of the countries above it may be worth your while checking out our website at http://www.linguaphonegroup.com/ as we have licensed partners in over 20 countries in the world who are always looking for eager new teachers! Good luck!

  • Kris

    Great article. Very informative!

  • http://www.bravenewtraveler.com Tim Patterson

    Solid! I can personally recommend JET – a really high-class program run by the Japanese government.

  • http://www.tylerbell.net Tyler

    Great post! Would love to see this expanded even more too.

  • http://comingsoon TomTeacher

    Taiwan is ahead of Korea, China, and Japan. Few places (no place?) can match Taiwan’s cost of living vs. pay ratio. You should check this out.

  • http://indietravelpodcast.com Craig

    I’ve spent the last five years travelling and teaching in NZ and Europe. I have to say it’s much more fun finding a company that’ll send you places than signing those terrible 6+ month contracts!

  • http://www.shareyourride.net/nippel.php Carpool Guy

    great list. and they pay very good in japan as far as i know :)

  • spencer

    I totally agree with the Taiwan comment. Too bad people don’t know enough about hidden parts of the world to include them on a list.

  • http://matadorpulse.com/teach-english-abroad-and-laugh-out-loud/ Teach English Abroad and Laugh Out Loud

    [...] Connection: Considering teaching abroad? Check out some of our favorite articles on the subject: Top 10 Places for Teaching English Abroad; How to Become an English Teacher in Mexico; and Beginner’s Guide to Teaching English in [...]

  • http://tesljobs.com/ James

    If you are looking for an opportunity abroad teaching English. Have a look at TeslJobs.com.
    It’s free!
    You never need to register and has hundreds of postings monthly.

  • Alessandro

    Your next post should be about teaching italian abroad, because I’m not that good at english…

    What’s the red tape you talk about when writing of Italy?

  • http://destinationhotelandvacationrentals.blogspot.com/ Travel Blog

    This is mt dream, what are the best programs to go through? Does anyone know?

  • http://balkanatolia.wordpress.com Osman

    Those who are interested in teaching abroad should check Dave’s ESL Cafe out. There are lots of useful stuff and experienced people.

  • Peter

    In Korea, the GEPIK program is a good way to get started. It’s in the province that surrounds Seoul (Gyeonggi), so usually you’re only a subway ride from the city, and since it’s run by the government, they honor the contract. Hagwons (private language academies) are hit or miss. Some are great, some fire you without paying. Be sure and find a reputable recruiter if you go the language academy route.

    Busan is a city not on most people’s radar, since most end up in Seoul. But having visited there a few times, I like it more than Seoul, and could definitely see myself teaching there. Besides, it’s only a 2 hour train ride to the capital if you need a bigger city on the weekends…although Busan is plenty big!

  • Abbie

    I was just looking for some information about this! Great post!

  • habibti

    I strongly disagree with the inclusion of Saudi – unless you are after money exclusively and are experienced and informed. For the past two years I have enjoyed life in Bahrain and currently in Dubai, but Saudi is a whole different situation. I DO NOT recommend ESL teaching there unless you are already accustomed to life in the middle east, the local “ways” including what it means to be under strict Sharia law.

    (This is not a condemnation of the Saudi people – those that I have had the pleasure of meeting are kind and generous, my intention is simply to inform westerners to do *in depth* research before signing a contract in Saudi.)

  • http://byteresawu.com Teresa

    Thanks for this post — I’m looking to teach English abroad after I graduate (seeing as I probably can’t find a writing job that pays haha).

  • scott lee

    what companies send you places to teach? i would like more info on them if you have it.

  • j

    Please don’t say more about Taiwan. We don’t want loads of foreigners making a bum rush over here.

  • shruti

    hey. nice post . very informative for job seekers. I would like to know if you know anything about Singapore. I am very kieen to visit in live in Singapore. I am an Indian with a Masters Degree in English Language and Literature. Will I be able to get an ESL job in Sinagpore?

  • http://www.asianramblings.com Stevo

    Thailand has cracked down on visa regulations for foreign teachers. It is difficult for a first-timer to get a legal job.

    Your information on China is almost laughable. Having lived and worked in China for 4 years I can say good compensation packages are few and far between. China should be listed as 10th on you list.

  • Anne

    I do not have a degree, my highest level of education is Australian HSC& Dip in Project Managment.

    Can some one please give me advice on what course I need to do – TESOL, CELTA/ DELTA?

    And also with out experience, what countries would except me?

  • Baluda Bladula

    Forgot to mention Hong Kong…well, for certified teachers anyway…

  • Baluda Bladula

    Oh by the way, Anne, I just read your comment…
    To teach in South Korea or Japan you need at least a B.A or B.S.
    Most EFL teachers holding a TESOL/CELTA certificate, end up working in countries like the Czech Republic, Russia, Thailand, China (excluding Hong Kong), and Vietnam, as well as some Latin American countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, Equador etc..). These countries do not require teaching experience, but they do expect you to have either your CELTA or TESOL certification.
    CELTA and TESOL are pretty much considered the same thing, and you can only obtain a DELTA certificate after completing a CELTA course. As the author of the article mentioned, there are some TESOL courses that guarentee placements in certain countries once you have completed the course.

  • http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography

    Craig, I’d love to talk to you. I too have worked all over the world as a foreign correspondent but am going backwards now back to TE ! I have a lot of credentials and have been looking for companies to work for that would appreciate what I have to offer and who I would be an asset to.
    sbjorkgren at yahoo.

  • tom

    i’d be interested in seeing more info on pay scale/ability to support oneself in each of these places…i’ve heard that it’s really, really hard to make a decent living doing esl in brazil and mexico…

  • http://christinecackles.blogspot.com Christine

    I’m leaving soon to teach in Vietnam for Teachers for Vietnam, its a great place to teach and the program in particular is amazing. They only send a handful of teachers so not only do you get a teacher’s salary but your flight, Tet travel, and housing is paid for!

  • http://matadortravel.com/travel-community/simonemarie Simone Marie

    Great post! I’ve been wading through books on the subject, and the time spent does not always feel so illuminating. This was short, sweet, and direct. Does anyone know of any south american countries (besides Brazil) that offer some kind of pay/living stipend? Most of what I have found on the continent are volunteer opportunities.

  • http://www.sethmbaker.com/blog Seth

    I’ve been in South Korea for the past seven months, and would like add that while Korean ESL jobs are plentiful and well paying, travelers need to remember one thing:

    If you work at a hagwon (private language school), you’re vacation is pretty much limited to 10 days per year, and good luck getting a full week.

    Public schools and universities offer more vacation time, unis up to a couple months. Some public schools offer up to a month during winter break.

    Korea makes an excellent base to explore Asia, but only if you have time off to do it.

  • http://www.bayarea-wedding-photography.com Amanda

    I’m also interested in specific wage info like Tom mentioned. I wonder if there is an online resource that gives rough wages for each ESL employer. You could do the cost of living chart of your own and see what lines up.

  • doohdoohhead

    This article presents teaching abroad in an overly simplistic manner.
    The truth is that while there’s a lot of demand, doors aren’t just gonna be swinging open- and those that do, you may need to be weary of.
    First, teaching in Europe is usually restricted to residents of the EU, so it’s hard for americans or canadians to get a job there (many other places as well- the writer mentions Brazil- I tried there).
    Second, developing countries like China, Russia etc. should be approached cautiously. If you’re interested in teaching in places like that which offer all kinds of benefits, it’s extremely important to assure they are legit, because all types of abuse can occur (holding the teacher’s passport, return flight tickets, transferring the teacher to a different city etc). Furthermore, they pay in places like that is not great if you don’t have a specialized degree (the same applies to all Latin America). DOn’t expect to be living it up, unless you take money with you.
    Next, places like Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Arab countries usually require a Master’s degree.
    Last, places which are reliable for ESL work with decent pay: Japan, Korea, Taiwan-often have a slightly more demanding work ethic that many North Americans may consider overwork, employer abuse etc.
    I highly recommend travelling and teaching, but first understand what you are getting into : )

  • http://londoniscool.com William Wallace

    I think the main criteria for choosing where to teach, would be whichever country had the best looking girls.

  • Rebecca

    Does anyone know if I need a TESOL certificate to teach in another country if I have a Master’s degree in ESL? I also have an SEI endorsement. I would assume that would be more than enough but with all the talk of a TESOL cert. I’m wondering if it’s required.

  • http://matadortravel.com/travel-community/alainaob Alaina

    Though it may be a more difficult application/selection process, applying for to Fulbright as an ETA is a really good option (if you are a US citizen). You don’t have to be certified to teach, you don’t teach full-time (but receive a great salary for the hours worked) and it’s a reputable program. They place assistants in many countries, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

  • http://www.dragonbonesoup.com Si Knight

    I totally agree with doohdoohhead, the notion that ‘the world is your oyster’ for English speakers is a fallacy and getting a job is a lot harder these days – a white face just doesn’t cut it anymore.
    Most of the countries listed, like Mexico, Russia, Brazil, pay a pittance and can be dangerous especially for women.
    Jobs in the Czech Republic dont’ offer housing so negotiating won’t help so this will eat away half your salary. Jobs in Japan are scarce and now, with the economic crises, and are mostly offered to people in Japan.
    Of the places listed, Korea and China stand out for the amount of opportunities and pay versus cost of living but both have pitfalls – namely dodgy employers.
    Of the places not listed, Taiwan and Vietnam are good options but you will be teaching young kids, paying your own housing and will need start up capital.
    Good luck for where ever you choose – oh and be ready to work hard!

  • Tyler

    JET and the Japan Exchange Teaching Program are the same thing, and you definitely didn’t give them enough of a writeup here. $40,000 a year tax free plus airfare and often accomodations is what you can expect from a job with JET.

  • Hannah Welch

    Thanks for writing this article it’s awesome and really helped me narrow down which places I am most interested in teaching abroad! Do you have any insight on people who get certified online versus people who get certified in classrooms? I have noticed that there is a major price difference so I was wondering if preference is given to teachers who have been certified through an official classroom course. Also, I was surprised to see Saudi Arabia on your list. I say that because I have family who live in Saudi Arabia and it doesn’t seem like an easy country to go and work in! I would like to find out more information on that. Again, thanks for the useful article!

  • Adam

    I’m just beginining to research teaching English as a Second Language and this website has clarified much for me. Does anyone what opportunites there are for an English Literature Ph.D. with a CELTA in South Amerca, particularly Brazil? I’m in the writing up stage of my doctorate and I’m really looking to go abroad once I’m finished. I have quite a few years teaching experience at Adult Level, including two years in a university department and six months ESOL experience, but I don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese. I noticed above that there might be opportunities in Mexico, but what about generally? This is an initial enquiry but any information would be appreciated.

  • Shogun Sam

    I have been searching for an objective study upon this topic, one not susceptible to sensory overload.

  • http://tesolcertification.net/ Tesol Australia

    This is cool list, but the only thing that require is TESOL certification.

  • http://danitravels.wordpress.com Dani

    I’m currently a Fulbright ETA in Indonesia and I must say, I love it. The pay is good, the program is decent, but it varies greatly from site to site. Some ETAs are in great locations with minimal expenses, some are in crappy ones with high expenses. My school is wonderful with great facilities and staff, but a very modest living situation (think: converting an office to a bedroom, no bathroom sink, and who needs a kitchen, anyway?) The other ETA in my city has a palace of a guest house with her own swimming pool and personal chef. Her school, however, doesn’t have electricity. It all evens out. Biggest downfall? Stupid in-country travel restrictions. Some people have a 5 bedroom house in a gated neighborhood all for one person.

    For this country in particular, I’ve heard that EF’s benefits are very similar after all the bonuses come in. I highly recommend Fulbright ANYDAY, but EF’s prospects are looking pretty good for next year since I don’t have the option to renew for next year with my program.

    Hope this helps!

  • Treehouse

    Great article, I wish I could teach English in another country, but it is not my first language, so I am scared. Does anyone know where I could teach Spanish? I just can’t find a good website with information about it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/chalon.washington?ref=profile chalon

    craig i need to save money and i want to teach in europe….can u give me pointers? i was gonna default to japan with this jet program. its got a lot backing it up…

  • Gregory Vincent

    I would like to teach English abroad. I have a degree (in Psychology) and I am an author of a booklet – and of a local history. I worked for many years in the computer industry developing database systems, until the work dried up. But I have no certificate in TEFL. Does this rule me out?

  • http://stephczech.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/1510/ 1/5/10 « Czech Your Math

    [...] Check out the top two places to teach English Abroad [...]

  • Mudde Richard

    My name is Mudde Ricahrd, am a Ugandan by nationality, i would like to teach English in Japan. What could be the procedures. Thanks I hope to hear from you soon.

  • Chris

    Haha…Whoever recommended “Teachers in Vietnam”, your recommendation is either a veiled advertisement or a joke. The salaries listed, through that organization, are for $100-$140 per MONTH.

    The hourly wage for the average freelance ESL teacher in Vietnam would give them that amount in 1-2 days. Even with paid airfare and accommodation, that placement service is a blatant ripoff, and they probably charge the schools the standard fee and pocket the difference.

    If you want to teach in Vietnam, don’t use a placement service such as this. Apprise yourself of your worth as a teacher, save for your flight, stay in a guest house, get your CELTA, pound the pavement for work, and then get an apartment. You’ll make 10X per month what “Teachers in Vietnam” is offering to pay.

  • John Coan

    This list is one to be ignored – the Czech Republic pays teachers badly and Prague is getting expensive. Teachers are regularly warned against working in South Korea due to the large number of dodgy schools. Mexico isn’t much better.

    On what did you base this?

  • http://www.orgoneproducts.org/index.php?xyz=5 Jen

    Brazil has a great english teaching program. Did it myself while I was down there for a couple months. Amazing place, amazing people.

  • http://www.expatheather.com Heather Carreiro

    Good ideas. I wouldn’t include Saudi though if you’re a single woman. Pay may be good, but you really need to be prepared for the strict social constraints. There’s also a LOT of sketchy language schools and “international” schools (that are not so international) in the Gulf region.

  • http://notsoliteral.com JR Moreau

    Does anyone have suggestions for the top countries to teach English if you’ve got significant student loans to keep paying off while you’re abroad?

    I really love Prague, but I’ve heard South Korea is probably the best for salary and perks. Anybody have any advice on picking within these criteria?

  • Kelly

    I am currently obtaining my Masters in Higher Education, however, I am interested in teaching English abroad. Can anyone please tell me the best schools/websites to get TEFL certified?? I live in Illinois. I just want to make sure I don’t get sucked in by a scam company. Thank you!

  • Kelly LaLonde

    Hey all. Just got back into writing after teaching In Tanzania, East Africa for a while.

    I would just like to say that this post is now 2 years old and that Matador has updated their site to include a whole section on this topic. I urge all of you to check it out.

    That being said: The article is overly simplistic. It would take the whole website to list how I have gotten my jobs ( all legally- please don’t work without a visa- not a good idea!).

    Teaching English at home or abroad takes a certain kind of person, it isn’t just about getting paid to travel. You MUST do a lot of research and know what you are getting in to. Things change in the world on a daily basis… and what is great for one person isn’t for another.

    My advice: Choose wisely and be dedicated to the profession.

    Peace, Kelly

  • Jennifer

    I was very interested in what the author had to say until I read her comments about Italy. Italy is expensive. “fantastically inexpensive gourmet food” I’m sorry, was your last trip there before the euro? Italy is expensive. There is no “cheap” living in Italy unless you eat the basics. Now I call into question your advice. I have been to Italy many many times and traveled there on various budget allowances. There is nothing worse than arriving in a country expecting “cheap living” only to get hit with a hefty bill.

  • cj

    Ive taught English in Mexico and Japan and I have to say, Japan is way better as far as pay and working hours. I made about 500 dollars a month in Mexico and that is about enough to rent a crappy apartment in the area where I lived. In Japan Im making about 2800 dollars a month and Im able to save about 1000. If your used to living in the 1st world, you wont be happy teaching in Mexico. (unless you have enough savings to live well, and you dont mind spending it). Japan is slightly more expensive than Mexico for day to day expenses. (I dont live in Tokyo)

  • Joseph Celestin

    Do anyone know any companies that are honest and that will send you over to Asia (China, Japan or South Korea) to teach English plus pay for your room and board, airfare, and etc.

    If so, please hit me back at joseph_celestin@yahoo.com.

  • Roxy

    Great Post!

    Im teaching English in Daejeon, South Korea with what seems to be one of the best packages. I am from South Africa and came over here with an angecy called TeachKorea.

    If your interested, check out my blog on living in and teaching in South Korea:

    http://farmboyandcitygirlhitasia.blogspot.com/

    Ive had a great experience so far, and Im hoping to continue traveling and working all over the world!
    :)

  • Jason

    Hi all,

    I am a Law Lecturer and hold a Master’s degree in International Law. I also teach Englush on a freelance basis, though I do not hold a TEFL/CELTA qualification of any kind at this time.

    Are there any opportunities for me to work teaching for the summer? I have 6 weeks off until mid-August and would love to teach abroad, I am currently in the UK. All ideas welcome!

    Best Regards

    Jason.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_HALGYCUPTCCR5KOEW3VX5Z7M5I Susan K

     This article is just the tip of the iceberg and rather sketchy. I’ve taught abroad since 1998.  Each country needs more description. For example, teaching in Saudi Arabia is impossible for Jewish people. They won’t even get their resumes read and if you want to practice say Buddhism or Christianity there you can’t so there are serious human rights issues to think about.

    Korea is such a mixed bag. Some schools are fine and others are dreadful. People should use Dave’s ESL Cafe’s job board to see some of the common problems in Korea and choose very carefully.

    If you’re entering this field get more in depth information.

  • http://twitter.com/lukasgohl Lukas Gohl

    Hey Scott,

    I’m currently teaching English in Chile. As far as I know, Chile is going to be one of the highest (if not the highest) paying countries in Latin America. I’m currently investigating other places to teach in and the financial prospects are a little disappointing since I’m facing the same issue as you- paying the bills back home.

    The problem is, Chile is also one of the most expensive countries to live in. Sales tax is like 19% here, so buying things like technology or clothes or even going out to eat can get a little spendy. That said, rent really isn’t all that expensive ($150.000 CLP in Santiago centro or $300 US) and if you live thriftily you can make a respectable living here. If you can find work outside of Santiago (Concepción, Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, Iquique) I’d recommend it, since Santiago is much more expensive than the other big cities.

    Hope that was helpful. Best of luck!

    -Lukas

  • HK

    if you’re teaching in japan do you need to be fluent in japanese?

  • Stella Nova

    Quito Ecuador. Great students, weather, expats…etc.

  • Stella Nova

    Quito Ecuador. Great students, weather, expats…etc.

  • Smitch18

    I am an English teacher and lived in Spain for eight years and in Mexico for ten.  Spain is a much, much better place to find work as an English teacher; there is much more work and the pay is much better.  If you can get into a decent uni job in Mexico you’ll probably be OK (some uni jobs are not decent and pay less than $10 an hour and only pay teaching hours), but if you can’t get that job then forget it.  In ten years I’ve never taught a private class in Mexico (except Spanish to foreigners, ironically enough), while in Spain I was able to live from private classes.  The fact that Mexico comes in at #3 and Spain doesn’t figure at all makes me doubt the validity of this page.

  • Colitheone

    I am in China now, near Beijing after months of confision regarding where to go. China is fantastic if you can understand, or at least accept the  immense differences the country has in comparison to the west. China rocks!

  • Colitheone

    I am in China now, near Beijing after months of confision regarding where to go. China is fantastic if you can understand, or at least accept the  immense differences the country has in comparison to the west. China rocks!

  • Colitheone

    I am in China now, near Beijing after months of confision regarding where to go. China is fantastic if you can understand, or at least accept the  immense differences the country has in comparison to the west. China rocks!

  • Coltheone

    Oh yeah, i forgot to mention that I am being paid 1,200 USD per month, with a beautiful apartment, no bills and large bottle of beer in the local store costs only 50 cents. To eat out in a nice restaurant in north east China you can walk away having had a lovely meal and beers for around 5 bucks per person. I love it here!

  • CD2010

    That’s because it’s incredibly difficult for non-EU citizens to find work in Spain.  Please research before you post.

  • CD2010

    That’s because it’s incredibly difficult for non-EU citizens to find work in Spain.  Please research before you post.

  • Kim Savage

    Hi,
    Do you know if  they hire for 3-9 months contract in China?

  • Kim Savage

    Hi,
    Do you know if  they hire for 3-9 months contract in China?

  • V3r0nicamc12

    I know a lot wanted to work in abroad.Teaching English is not that  easy of course. Although you know how to speak English but in teaching you need to pass all the qualifications such the following:
    1. Good grammar
    2.Know the right diction and pronunciation
    3.A college graduate and etc.
    applying for jobs in english

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_HALGYCUPTCCR5KOEW3VX5Z7M5I Susan K

    I wish you had elaborated more on each country. Also, the information on South Korea is out of date. Even in the countryside prices have surged.  With Mexico how do you find work if you’ve entered the country on a tourist visa?

  • Macie

    Teaching English as a second language is definitely a challenge.  For anyone interested in teaching abroad, there are many sites dedicated to helping them find jobs.  One of those is Teacher Gig.  Here’s a link, for anyone interested in browsing current jobs. 

    Teacher Gig Job Listing For Online Tutor

  • http://www.facebook.com/BruceJoneschicago Bruce Jones

    This is a great article on the Top 5 Countries to Make Money Teaching English:  http://www.internationalteflacademy.com/blog/bid/51364/Top-5-Countries-to-Make-the-Most-Money-Teaching-English-Overseas 

  • Daya Michelle

    This is a really great place to find teaching jobs abroad (& check out photos of the school)-

    http://www.goteachabroad.com/teaching-jobs-abroad

  • http://www.facebook.com/foxhugh Hugh Fox III

    I have taught ESL for the last 13 years in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Thailand.  Needless to say living this lifestyle I have heard it all.  This article is ok but a bit simplistic.  Here are some cons to your pros.

    Brazil – Many parts of Brazil are dangerous, you will need to pay a bribe to get a work permit or your school will.  Without the work permit you are fair game for every scam out there and there are plenty.

    Saudi Arabia is generally considered by far the harshest and most “extreme” environment in the Middle East.  However, the compensation is also very high.  Better for newbies to try Dubai or even Kuwait and see if they can handle that before going to Saudi Arabia.

    Italy and the whole EU for that matter is really hard for none EU members to get a job in.  If you are from English great but Americans will have a hard time getting a legal job and yes you do want a legal job in most EU countries.

    Japan was a great place but due to depopulation and economic hard times, getting a job is really, really, really tough!  Good luck!  If you know Japanese then your chances of getting a job are ten times higher.  Plus your “star up” costs are huge!  If you don’t have five thousand USD in the bank then reconsider.  Many places require “key money”.  There are ways to get around that but again you better figure that out ahead of time and not when the clock is ticking.  Figure a budget of fifty bucks a day and at least a month to get a job and maybe two to three grand USD to get situated.

    I am living in Thailand right now so I will skip this subject except to say you better get a handle on salaries before moving out here!  International schools pay well but prefer to hire persons with teacher certification at international job fairs not people with only a bachelor’s living here.

    Russia!  Are you kidding!  Stereotypes?  If anything the stereotypes do not do the actual situation justice.  However, for brave souls, who have street smarts, and nerves of steel and are really, really tough, Russia can be a great place.  There are jobs.  There is money but you need to be comfortable with dealing with very “flexible” situations.

    China is one of the great myths of the ESL world.  Very, very low salaries even compared to other developing countries. China is not that cheap any more and salaries that were low way back when have not kept up.  The problem is that you might be able to eke out an existence in China but you will be broke if you leave China to travel during your vacations.  What you make in a month will not even pay for a holiday weekend in Japan!!!!   Massive air pollution problems in the big problems so if you have any sort of respiratory problems then think twice.  However, I do a have a soft spot for my Chinese students who were a lot of fun and very sweet.

    South Korea is not cheap!  South Korea is much more expensive than China or Thailand.  South Korea is cheaper than Japan but thats about it.  However, the ratio of salary to expenses can be one of the best in Asia.  I saved almost as much in Korea as in Japan.  Korea is cold!  Again you will need some start up money.  Not as much as in Japan but not the place to arrive broke or worse owing college loan money.  Stay away from the Hagwons ie cram schools.  Maybe the highest scam rate on the planet!  If you do not get paid the first month then you are going to be scammed period!  Your pay is never going to appear and they will just lead you on month after month.  Try to get a job with a public school or university language school. 

  • AbroadSights

    Thank you for this realistic approach. This has helped very much. Do you have a blog of your own?

  • Travelling light

    I have to disagree that Czech Republic is the number 1 destination for teaching English. As of 2007, the market became increasingly oversaturated with English teachers, many of whom didnt even have a valid qualification but are native speakers. Salaries are very low and cost of living is very high indeed. Quality of life is low, quality of food is low and clothing and electronics ridiculously overpriced. Czechs are shopping in Germany for goods. This is not the Prague of 1990 when 10 Dollars could buy you a village. Prague is one of the most expensive cities in Europe and teaching English is not the career path to follow if you have a family to support. Sure, if youre 20 and single and want to have a blast for a year then give it a go.

  • http://www.facebook.com/foxhugh Hugh Fox III

    Sorry for the late reply and I do have a blog at:
    http://foxhugh.wordpress.com/
    I really should write my own article about teaching in Asia but for now all I have along those lines is:
    http://foxhugh.wordpress.com/about-me/countries-visited/

  • Trey Ali

    I currently work in China and I can tell you that you have either never been to China or you got scammed in the job market.  I have a full time job in China making 12,000 yuan per month and it was the first job I got  when I came here and it took me three days of searching to find.  I decided I wanted a part time job to make even more money so I can pay my student debt back in Canada and I got another job working 5 – 8:30 PM.  Now I’m pulling in an extra 9240 yuan per month.  In total I make $3540 CAD per month which is much higher than any job I’ve had in Canada. 

    The salaries here are high but DO NOT GO THROUGH TESOL.  I don’t know if they take a cut or what but every job I’ve been offered, and have heard offered to others has ranged between 4000 – 8000 tops.  The lowest offer I’ve been offered on a job so far has been 8000 and the highest has been 15,000 and that’s only Kindergarten.  I’ve received an offer to teach high-school students for 20,000 yuan per month.

  • Quito0

      Where’s Taiwan! I just spent 8 years teaching there. I haven’t taught in any other countries. But many of my co-workers who came  from other countries claimed that Taiwan was a better place to teach and stuck around. 
      It’s a very modern country with a lower cost of living compared to Korea and Japan. Great health insurance. The students are great. The pay is not bad (starts at about $20 USD an hour for a new teacher) There are  plenty students looking for one on one lesson ( about $26 to $30 USD an hour). Pollution can be bad in the cities, but China is worse. Also the political situation with China means the future is a bit uncertain.   

  • Quito0

      Where’s Taiwan! I just spent 8 years teaching there. I haven’t taught in any other countries. But many of my co-workers who came  from other countries claimed that Taiwan was a better place to teach and stuck around. 
      It’s a very modern country with a lower cost of living compared to Korea and Japan. Great health insurance. The students are great. The pay is not bad (starts at about $20 USD an hour for a new teacher) There are  plenty students looking for one on one lesson ( about $26 to $30 USD an hour). Pollution can be bad in the cities, but China is worse. Also the political situation with China means the future is a bit uncertain.   

  • Silvagni2006

    hi my name is rob, from melbourne australia. can you please email me asap. silvagni2006@yahoo.com.au for advice, teaching in china. thanking you,

  • rai

    Hey!

    would you be able to recommend any websites i could go through, to apply for a teaching position in Taiwan.
    Thank you!!

  • Dawn

    could you also tell me about teaching in china as well my email is dwizzle242@gmail.com

  • Dawn

    could you also tell me about teaching in china as well my email is dwizzle242@gmail.com

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