Once you have embarked on the exciting journey of TEFL certification, you come face to face with an important question “Which country should I teach English Abroad in?”
There are several factors that come into play like your personal preference, salary, culture,weather, etc. However, there is one key element that ranks above the rest: ‘The cost of living’. Whether you are earning less or more as a TEFL teacher overseas, if you do not take into account the living expenses before committing to a country, your savings might dwindle rapidly.
Stress not as we have rounded up 5 affordable countries where you can teach English, travel around,earn a good salary and save a good portion of it as well.
Vietnam
Instagram-worthy destinations, diverse culture, scenic beaches, traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and breath-taking landscapes is what Vietnam has to offer. Add to that decent TEFL salaries and relatively low cost of living, it quickly becomes one of the exciting choices among individuals looking for TEFL internships or TEFL jobs in Vietnam.
Average monthly salary: $1000 to $2000
Average monthly expenses: $500 to $1300
Czech Republic
Whether you want to explore famous castles, live in one of the safest countries, enjoy the excellent nightlife or relish the world-famous beer beverage crafted by Budweiser Budvar Brewery, Czech Republic has you covered. As you lose yourself in the timeless architecture on your weekends, you can expect to earn good salaries as a TEFL teacher in the Czech Republic. There are also accommodation options for teachers coming from abroad and a reliable public transportation system.
Average monthly salary: $700 to $1800
Average monthly expenses: $350 to $800
China
As the Chinese economy continues to grow, the demand for TEFL teachers in China has also risen significantly. The country has a lot to offer in terms of culture, rich cuisine, and spectacular destinations. Teachers can expect to earn a decent amount of wages meanwhile the cost of living is much lower. You can also benefit from housing options and covered flight expenses; however, the same is not guaranteed for beginners.
Average monthly salary: $1500 to $4300
Average monthly expenses: $600 to $1000
South Korea
Yes, we know, South Korea is not exactly affordable. But when the cost of living is compared with the TEFL salaries and benefits, it certainly makes the list. The land of K-pop, fashion trends, cosmetics, and Kimchi, Korea as a country has a lot to offer. It is a heaven for tech-junkies and people who are looking to experience their pulsating culture. As a TEFL teacher in South Korea, you can expect housing and flight expenses covered by your employer.
Average monthly salary: $1500 to $3100
Average monthly expenses: $800 to $1400
UAE (United Arab Emirates)
When you work as a TEFL teacher in UAE, you will not have to worry about crippling bills or making ends meet. Not only you are handsomely compensated but you can expect benefits like housing accommodation, flight expenses, health insurance, and an end-of-contract bonus. As you immerse yourself in the various attractions offered by the country like desert safari or the Burj Khalifa, you can be assured that you will have good savings in your bank account.
Average monthly salary: $3000 to $5500
Average monthly expenses: $1500 to $2800
