Foreign Language Teacher Salary

Latin America contains several countries such as Chile, Costa Rica, and Mexico that are well known destinations for teaching English abroad. However, there are a few other countries across the region that are starting to challenge the dominance of these traditional teaching markets. Ecuador is certainly one of these as it boasts a wide range of extraordinary environments to explore, from the Andean Mountains to the Amazon rainforest. Big cities such as Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, all have plenty of potential job opportunities, although there are many smaller towns and cities across the country to look at if you want to stay off the beaten track. The average salary for a foreign teacher in Ecuador is generally quite low when compared to many other popular destinations around the...  [Read more]

Although violence and drug related crime have dominated the headlines in Colombia in the past, the country is now changing dramatically. Peace has largely returned to the streets and the tourism industry is thriving as people flock to enjoy the country?s many attractions. Colombia is an exotic and exciting place to teach English, but just make sure you get there before the whole world finds out. Although the average salary of between $700 and $1,000 per month is not particularly high, teachers can still live well in Colombia due to the relatively low cost of living. The best salaries are usually found in private schools which also typically provide extra benefits such as housing assistance and health insurance. The average hourly rate for private tutoring is around $12 to $25,...  [Read more]

Due to its popular culture, entertainment options and delicious cuisine, Thailand is always a popular choice for teaching English abroad. There are plenty of job options year-round in the capital Bangkok, as well as other popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. Previous experience is often not required, so it is particularly popular with newly qualified teachers and those who are looking for a more relaxed environment to live and work. A large number of people choose to teach English in Thailand due to its laid-back lifestyle, however, the average salary is typically quite low in comparison to some other countries in Asia. First time teachers can expect to earn around $1,000 per month which should cover your everyday expenses. If you have previous experience and...  [Read more]

To answer this question we will look at five of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad in four different regions. We will also give a brief overview of the region and a breakdown of the average monthly salary you can expect to earn in the equivalent US$ figure. Finally, we will provide a current job posting taken from an online job board to give you an idea of what to expect. Just remember that when evaluating your expected monthly income you need to factor in the local cost of living. What would be considered a high salary in one country might not be enough to live comfortably in another. Asia is home to the largest markets for TESOL qualified teachers anywhere in the world, with several countries having a very high demand year round. High income countries such as...  [Read more]

Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years, as well as one of South America?s most popular countries for teaching English abroad. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, a unique European influenced culture, and a laid back approach to life, Argentina has plenty to offer first time teachers and those with more experience. Demand for teachers is particularly strong in the capital Buenos Aires, although there are also significant markets for ESL teachers in other major cities such as Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and the beach resort of Mar del Plata. Although it is an attractive destination for many different reasons, Argentina is not a country where teachers tend to earn a large salary. However, if you are patient and willing to work hard to get yourself...  [Read more]

EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea. This government run scheme places foreign teachers into schools across South Korea where they work as English language instructors. EPIK is probably the most popular program of its kind anywhere in the world as it includes a good salary, several extra benefits, and the once in a lifetime chance to live and work in a unique cultural environment. If you are accepted by the program you will join the thousand or so others who head to South Korea each year via this route. If this is something you might be interested in, we recommend you contact our TESOL recruitment partner Reach To Teach. Reach To Teach is an official partner of the EPIK program and works with the Korean Ministry of Education during the recruitment process. Applicants for the...  [Read more]

The NET (Native-speaking English Teachers) Scheme is a long running program that recruits foriegn teachers and is operated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau. Through the program qualified teachers from across the world are placed into state run schools to work as English language teachers. Every year, hundreds of teachers are recruited via the scheme to work in primary or secondary level schools. The mission statement of the program is to share and promote innovation in teaching practice, and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students. Successful applicants receive a generous salary, several extra benefits, and the opportunity to live and work in one of Asia?s most vibrant destinations. Applicants need to be native or near native English speakers. If accepted by...  [Read more]

Thailand is one of the undisputed top destinations in Southeast Asia for ESL teachers. Jobs are relatively easy to find in many areas of the country, although the average salary is not as high as in several other countries across Asia. However, many teachers still flock to Thailand to enjoy the laid back lifestyle, vibrant culture, and extensive entertainment options. In years gone by it was common for teachers to work in Thailand without an official work permit, however, things have moved on and you will now need to meet the set requirements if you want to earn a good income. The main requirement for gaining a work permit is a university degree in any subject. A TESOL qualification is not officially required, although without one you may struggle to find a job with a reputable...  [Read more]

If you're a TESOL teacher with no teaching experience, you may be wondering where the best countries are to kickstart your career in teaching English as a foreign language. While having experience can certainly open up more opportunities, there are still several countries where you can find teaching positions and gain valuable experience. One option is to consider countries in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand, or Cambodia. These countries have a high demand for English teachers and are known for being welcoming to those new to the field. Additionally, the cost of living in these countries is relatively low, making it easier to support yourself while you gain experience. Another popular destination for new TESOL teachers is South Korea. South Korea offers competitive salaries and...  [Read more]

Portugal is a very popular tourist destination, which is one of the main reasons why the demand for ESL teachers is high in many areas. However, the local economy has had a rough time in recent years, so the salaries on offer for foreign teachers are not particularly high. Despite this, teachers are still drawn to the country by the promise of a pleasant lifestyle. All employers of foreign ESL teachers in Portugal require a university degree and a TESOL qualification, while many also expect at least one years teaching experience. If you are new to teaching, a TESOL course that included a practical teaching component is often accepted instead of previous work experience. The salary offered to teachers is generally determined by their level of experience, with contracts lasting either...  [Read more]

Most foreign ESL teachers working in South Korea are employed by government run public schools or private language academies known as hagwons. Both of these employers typically offer a good salary and a range of extra benefits, but there are some differences between the two that might lead you to choose one over the other. Both types of employers hire the majority of their teachers in advance from within their own country. Public school recruitment follows a set timetable that has two start dates each year. Applications for the start date in August/September need to be filed online beginning in April. The application process for the February/March start date begins in October. A large percentage of teachers who work in public schools are recruited via a government program known as...  [Read more]

As 90% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is made up of expatriates from all over the world, it provides a great environment for English language teaching. Demand for foreign teachers is very high in major centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, as salaries are famously high, competition for jobs can often be very strong. If you are new to teaching and have little or no classroom experience, you are unlikely to get employed in the UAE. For those who are successful, you can expect to live a very comfortable lifestyle during your stay. You will find a wide variety of employers across the country, all of which should pay a competitive salary of between 9,000 AED (currently $2,500 US) and 20,000 AED ($5,500 US) per month. The exact figure will depend on the employer,...  [Read more]

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world which means there is a constant demand for English language instruction within the tourism sector. Across the country, you will find hundreds of privately run language schools and a government sponsored program that recruits teachers to work in the public school system. The large markets for ESL teachers are located in big cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, although a smaller number of options can also be found in other towns, cities and beach resorts in all areas of the country. How much you can expect to earn while teaching in Spain will vary significantly depending on several factors such as your previous classroom experience, your academic qualifications, the area where you choose to work, and the type...  [Read more]

Some people see Saudi Arabia as the ideal destination for teaching English abroad as potential salaries and other benefits are as good as anywhere in the world. Cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah have a strong and continuous demand for qualified teachers, with universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies all looking to fill vacant positions. Although salaries are very high across the country, Saudi Arabia has a unique cultural environment that you also need to be aware of before getting on the plane. The country has very conservative laws and traditions that might make it unsuitable for some teachers. Drinking alcohol is completely forbidden and close interaction between unmarried couples is not allowed. It can be particularly challenging for female...  [Read more]

The job market for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teachers in the USA is generally strong and offers a variety of opportunities for qualified professionals. As English continues to be a global language of communication, the demand for English language instruction remains high, both within the country and abroad. TESOL teachers in the USA can find employment in a range of settings, including public and private schools, language institutes, community colleges, universities, and online platforms. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of English language proficiency in an increasingly interconnected world. This has led to an increased focus on English language education in the USA, creating more job openings for TESOL teachers....  [Read more]

Completing a TESOL certification course has many different benefits, including the following five: There are a number of valuable transferable skills obtained when completing a TESOL course. These include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of teaching/learning and the English language, organizational skills related to lesson planning and classroom management, motivational theories and practice. All of these have a place in the business world and other sectors of education outside of ESL and are therefore very useful. Employers who are aware of what a TESOL certificate contains will welcome these skills regardless of whether the job is teaching related or not. A TESOL qualification is a great addition to your CV, or resume. Having knowledge of a subject is not enough for you to be...  [Read more]

Due to the ever-increasing popularity of English as a second language, there are dozens of great options when it comes to picking a destination for teaching abroad. There are popular destinations on every continent (maybe not Antartica), where jobs are widespread and the quality of life you can expect as a teacher is above the local average. However, there are some places that are easier to get set up in than others. We have looked at a wide range of criteria such as job availability, the visa process, average income compared to average outgoings, how welcome you will feel on arrival, and even the local cuisine, to come up with the following list of great destinations for teaching English abroad. To provide a range of options we have limited it to one country per region. There are...  [Read more]

Having adequate health insurance is clearly an important issue wherever you are living and working around the world. Whether health insurance is covered by your employer or not is something that varies from one situation to the next so it is important to confirm this whenever you are interviewed for a teaching position. Here we take a brief look at health insurance within the ESL teaching world. In most of the big ESL job markets across Asia such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam, health insurance is typically included in a teaching contract. In most cases the cost will be fully covered by the employer, although a small sum might be deducted from your salary in certain situations. In other less developed markets, health insurance is less likely to be...  [Read more]

Taiwan is an increasingly popular teaching destination as it offers good salaries and a relatively low cost of living, as well as a highly developed infrastructure and a stable economy. If you are a native English speaker with a TESOL certification you should have no problem landing a teaching job in a public school or a privately owned language academy. Positions can be found in all parts of the country, but the largest markets are in big cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. Your expected salary in Taiwan will be heavily influenced by your qualifications and your previous teaching experience. It is quite common to pay an hourly rate rather than a fixed salary, with rates starting at around 600 NTD (currently $20 US). If you have plenty of experience, you might be...  [Read more]

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) has been run in conjunction with the Japanese government for over 30 years. Up to 5,000 foreign nationals join the scheme each year with the intention of raising the language skills of young people across the country. This program is a little different to many other programs of its kind as it also has a strong focus on cultural exchange between program members and the local community where they are placed. The scheme is very popular as it includes a good salary and a range of extra benefits. Although the program is officially open to college graduates up to the age of 40, its purpose as a youth culture exchange means that preference is often given to more recent graduates. The minimum requirements are a bachelor's degree or a three year...  [Read more]