Most Popular Teaching Locations Abroad
TEFL, meaning Teaching English as a Foreign Language, has always been a lucrative source of income for people from around the world. It has opened doors to travel and experiences in other countries while making a living teaching English abroad. Perhaps you have taught English in Asia before and would like to try out something new next year. Chances are that you have already collected some teaching experience abroad, but even if that is not the case, many teaching locations have changed over the years so it is always a good idea to stay up-to-date before starting your new teaching adventure abroad 2025. Let's take a closer look into recommended teaching locations for 2025, and those you should definitely avoid: The good news is that openings in Latin America and also the demand for ESL jobs in the Middle East has increased a whopping 17% in the previous 8 months. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the countries which have the greatest demand for TEFL teachers in the Middle East. The average pay for ESL teachers at a private language school in the UAE is around 15,000-25,000 AED per month ($4,000-$6,800). Of course, the higher monthly income for TEFL teachers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is among the main reasons for being popular among ESL instructors. But keep in mind that other factors such as the high amount of teaching hours as well as cultural differences can easily make your teaching experience an unpleasant one. While Europe is still highly popular in the TEFL world, producing the highest number of TEFL course graduates every year, we certainly suggest you keep an open mind when it comes to particular locations that have been the most popular in recent years, such as the Czech Republic, Spain, France, and Turkey. While the Czech Republic remains highly popular, Turkey continues to be politically a troubled environment in recent times. While Spain and Italy remain among the favorite teaching spots among British nationals, Latin America and especially the Caribbean have become more popular for North American ESL teachers. One of the reasons for their popularity is of course the short distance from home and the relatively cheap flight connections, but the Caribbean also offers an outstanding tranquility that you likely won't find in any European country. We all have different expectations and objectives, and if your goal is to make lots of money, teaching abroad in the Middle East is still your best bet. If tranquility and quality of life are a high priority in your life, then take a closer look at teaching locations throughout the Caribbean. Let's have a look at the most popular teaching locations in 2025:
Teach English in Italy
There is high demand for English tuition in Italy. As one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and boasting some of the world’s finest cuisine, it is a popular destination for TEFL teachers. Be warned that you will not become rich teaching English here and may need to take on more than one job to pay the high city rents and taxes. As usual in Western Europe, it is much easier for English-speaking EU nationals (i.e British and Irish) to find work due to European bureaucracy. Click Here to search available teaching position in Italy
Teach English in China
There is huge demand for English tuition in this vast nation and salaries range depending on your experience and qualifications and the location of the school or language centre. Some people love their experience in China and others find the country culturally challenging. A never-ending supply of teaching opportunities means that it is quite straightforward to find a position that appears to suit you. Nevertheless, luck often plays a part meaning that dream positions on paper can turn out more frustrating than expected and apparently bog-standard, poorlypaying, first-year jobs can turn into some of the most memorable and exciting experiences of your life. Click Here to search available teaching position in China
Teach English in Japan
After a slump in demand during the economic troubles of the late 1990s, the opportunities to teach English in Japan are growing once again. Well-known for being one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in, it can be expensive to make the move to Japan. However, teaching salaries are very high and should should be able to make a good living. Click Here to search available teaching position in Japan
Teach English in Thailand
Many people fall in love with Thailand and think about extending their holiday indefinitely by becoming a teacher. There are certainly plenty of opportunities out there, but pay is low and you face plenty of competition for the better jobs. It is time-consuming to arrange a work visa once you are in Thailand (you have to visit a neighbouring country for the paperwork and then come back again) but only a relatively small proportion of the opportunities available are advertised online. Demand remains high for English tuition just as salaries remain rather low. Female teachers are more sought after because of the already high proportion of male teachers. Click Here to search available teaching position in Thailand
Teach English in South Korea
High salaries and reasonably low living costs enable many teachers to save significant portions of their wages each month. The demand for English tuition exceeds the supply of English teachers so many contracts offer excellent employment terms and conditions such as free housing, medical and paid airfares. However, this has begun to change recently and many schools only offer one-way airfare. Most teachers have a great time in South Korea but others complain of an unwelcoming host culture. One thing is for sure – with so many jobs out there it is fairly simple to meet a large group of other English teachers and have a great social life. Click Here to search available teaching position in South Korea
Teach English in the U.A.E.
Along with Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. offers some of the very best TEFL salaries in the world. If you work here for a few years you should be able to buy a nice house outright back in the West. But that’s if you can handle living in such a place for such a length of time. As with all Gulf States, the ultra-strict Muslim way of life is not particularly compatible with other belief systems and therefore many Westerners will require considerable time to adjust to what can be a stifling and rigid cultural environment. For example, even playing music in public is forbidden. Besides the generous tax-free salaries, the other positive points include the excellent cuisine and opportunities to explore the desert and coastline. Experience is essential and many employers require at least three years. Click Here to search available teaching position in the UAE
Teach English in Costa Rica
A land of beautiful beaches and a laidback lifestyle, Costa Rica is one of the most popular Latin American destinations for TEFL teachers. The level of demand for native speakers in Costa Rica is reasonably high. TEFL salaries are relatively low but more than cover the low cost of living. As in most Latin American countries the students are lively and sociable and therefore a pleasure to teach. Costa Rica has a mixed reputation when it comes to crime so make sure you do your research on how to stay safe. More generally, there is a high turnover of staff at language centres across Latin America. If you hold a TEFL certificate, are experienced, persistent and hard-working then you may be lucky to find one of the more well-paid positions, such as those at bilingual schools. For the majority, TEFL in Costa Rica is a fun experience. Click Here to search available teaching position in Costa Rica
Teach English in Taiwan
The island of Taiwan has long been known as a good place to teach English. The local people are friendly, there are lots of jobs, living costs are relatively low and the pay is good. It used to be very easy to find work but in recent years there has been more competition for jobs and a crackdown on teachers without suitable qualifications and experience. In addition, a low national birth rate means that the demand for English tuition is not likely to grow much further. However, Taiwan definitely remains one of the best choices in Asia. Click Here to search available teaching position in Taiwan
Teach English in Spain
Very popular as a TEFL destination, especially with Brits looking for a less stressful lifestyle, Spain is actually a very mixed bag. The capital, Madrid, is home to the Royal Palace and singular Prado museum, housing works by European masters, and Segovia to the north has a fairy-tale medieval castle and Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s quirky modernist architecture, including the Sagrada Família basilica. Click Here to search available teaching position in Spain
Teach English in France
There are plenty of TEFL opportunities in most French cities and only a small percentage are widely-advertised. Private language centres offer generous salaries. Be warned that you may find it a rather isolating experience unless you can speak intermediate level French. France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval and port cities, tranquil villages, mountains and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is known worldwide for its couture fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its sophisticated cuisine and its wines. Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings, Lyon’s Roman theater and the immense Palace of Versailles are testaments to its long history. Click Here to search available teaching position in France
Teach English in Germany
Germany is an excellent place to teach English although in places such as Berlin there are many, many other native speakers who drive the prices down somewhat. Business English and English for a Specific Purpose classes pay the most and experienced teachers with initiative and focus can, with effort, find pleasant working conditions and a decent salary. Outside of work you will be in one of the most incredible nations on the planet when it comes to culture. Expect fascinating, intellectual conversations with people on a daily basis. Click Here to search available teaching position in Germany
