Where do schools provide free housing for English teachers abroad?

As ESL jobs are found right across the world, it is inevitable that salaries and other benefits can vary enormously. The majority of teachers will receive a monthly salary or an hourly rate and nothing more, while others can expect to be provided with free accommodation for the duration of their stay. But in which countries do you need to work to get this very handy bonus?

Where am I most likely to get free housing as an English teacher abroad?

China and South Korea are two of the largest employers of foreign teachers in the world and schools in both these countries routinely provide paid accommodation. The Middle East region is another area where you can realistically expect to receive free housing with the majority of jobs. ESL teaching positions in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain typically pay very high salaries and a range of additional benefits including return airfares and a good standard of accommodation. Many schools in these regions actually own or rent their own housing complexes so teachers often find themselves living close to other foreign teachers.

Who else provides free housing for English teachers abroad?

If you sign up for a government run recruitment program you should also find you have your accommodation taken care of. The South Korean EPIK Program is one of the largest of these and it generally organises housing for its teachers. The Japanese JET Program will also provide financial and practical assistance with accommodation for most of its participants. If you take a short term contract with an English summer camp which are popular in Asia and Europe, your room and board is normally included. Elsewhere it is less common for employers to provide help with your living arrangements, although teaching contracts can vary considerably from one employer to the next so it is always worth asking if they are able to offer any kind of assistance.