Teaching English abroad offers an exciting chance for OFWs to see the world while having a life-changing experience. However, the greatest challenge is choosing which country to go to. There are so many countries offering English teaching opportunities that the decision can overwhelm you.
To help you decide, we will explore some of the top English teaching destinations. Each country stands out for a particular reason. Your choice depends on your personal goals and interests, but here is a list of countries that are attractive for ESL teachers.
Top Filipino ESL Teacher Destinations
Japan
Advantage – great for professional development
Salary – 1400 to 4000 USD per month
Cost of living -1300 to 2200 USD per month
Perks – free housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus.
Japan has always been a top destination for English teachers. Here are some reasons why:
- High demand for English teachers in various sectors (public schools, private academies, universities)
- Relatively high salaries and good benefits
- Safe and highly developed country with a rich culture
- Many Filipinos already working there, providing a support network
South Korea
Advantage – good benefits
Salary – 1200 to 3500 USD per month
Cost of living -1000 to 1400 USD per month
Perks – free housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus.
South Korea is known for its high demand for foreign English teachers. The country is also known for providing generous benefits, such as free housing, paid flights, and severance pay when your contract ends. As a result, you can save a lot from your salary. One con is probably the work culture in South Korea which requires you to work longer hours than what you might be used to.
Here are the qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Native English speaker
Here are other advantages of working in South Korea:
- Strong government support for English education
- Competitive salaries and benefits, often including housing allowances
- Modern infrastructure and technology-driven society
- Opportunities in both public schools (through programs like EPIK) and private academies (hagwons)
China
Here’s a summary of why China is a great destination for OFW English teachers:
- Lots of job availabilities
- Salary of 1200 to 3500 USD per month
- Cost of living of 380 to 1000 USD per month
- Perks include free housing, flights and health insurance
China is one of the most popular destinations of ESL teachers because of its high demand for English education. You will not earn as much as when you teach in some Western countries, but the cost of living in China is lower.
Aside from that, the country is rich in culture and various places to explore. To qualify, you must have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL certification
- Native English speaker
- Under 60 for men and under 55 for women.
- TEFL certification
Other advantages include the following:
- Enormous market for English education due to large population
- Growing economy creating increased demand for English skills
- Often lower requirements for teaching qualifications compared to some other countries
- Opportunities in various settings from kindergartens to universities
Taiwan
Advantage: Great infrastructure
Salary: 2,000 to 2,400 USD per month
Cost of living: 1,000 to 1,600 USD per month
Perks: housing, flights, health insurance and contract completion bonus.
Here are some reasons why Taiwan is a great place to teach ESL:
- Taiwanese people are known for their warmth and hospitality.
- Taiwan boasts a unique and vibrant cultural heritage.
- Taiwan is a friendly destination for English speakers.
- Academic excellence is highly valued in Taiwan.
- Taiwan is one of the most free and democratic countries in Asia.
Vietnam
Advantage: a great place to travel
Salary: 1,200 to 2,200 USD per month
Cost of living: 900 to 1400 USD per month
Perks: health insurance
Vietnam is an ideal destination for those who value a good work-life balance. The lower cost of living makes it possible to live comfortably while still saving money. Vietnam is known for its beautiful landscapes and relaxed culture, providing teachers with the opportunity to explore in their free time.
While salaries in Vietnam might not be as high as in some other countries, the opportunity to live well while enjoying a more laid-back work environment makes it a great option for ESL teachers.
Here are some advantages of teaching English in Vietnam:
- Rapidly growing economy increasing demand for English skills
- Lower cost of living allowing savings from teaching salaries
- Diverse job opportunities in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
- Cultural similarities with the Philippines making adaptation easier
A summary of the qualifications are as follows:
- Preferably a native speaker
- Bachelor’s degree
- 120-hour TEFL certification
- Under the age of 60
Thailand
Advantage: great for non-native English teachers
Salary: 850 to 2500 USD per month
Cost of living: 1000 to 2000 USD per month
Perks: Housing and health insurance.
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for English teachers, especially for non-native speakers. The cost of living is low, which allows teachers to stretch their salaries while enjoying the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Thailand is also known for its more relaxed working environment compared to East Asian countries, which means teachers often have more time to explore and pursue their interests outside of work.
The following are the qualifications to work as an ESL teacher in Thailand:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL certification
Spain
Advantage: great work life balance
Salary: 690 to 1770 USD per month
Cost of living: 899 to 1200 USD perm onth
Perks: health insurance
Spain is a popular destination for English teachers in Europe, thanks to its relaxed work culture and focus on work-life balance. While the salaries may not be as high as in some other countries, the lower cost of living helps make up for it.
The country’s rich history, culture, and cuisine are major draws for teachers, and the Spanish government actively encourages North American teachers to work in Spain, making it an excellent option for those from the US and Canada.
Here are the major qualifications to work as an ESL teacher in Spain:
- Bachelor’s degree for teaching assistant positions
- Teaching license for private schools
These are just some of the many countries you can work in as an OFW English teacher abroad. In general, the salary you can earn is higher than what you would working in the Philippines, and in some countries, the perks and work-life balance are much better.