Where to Make Money Teaching Abroad

Teaching abroad is a life-changing, transformative experience. It provides the opportunity to travel, learn a foreign language, and immerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture. However, it can often be a break-even sort of deal: you’ll make enough money to cover your living expenses, but not enough to send money back home. Does this mean it’s impossible if you have student loans or are looking to save some money while overseas? Absolutely not! Here are some of the best destinations to experience life overseas while making good money.

South Korea

Sightseeing in lovely South Korea!

The English teaching market in South Korea is currently the strongest is the world, and in this stable, wealthy country, foreign English teachers are very well-paid. In the national public school program, your flights are reimbursed, and your furnished housing is paid for, so you monthly salary of $1,600 to $2,200 USD (tax-deferred) is pretty much all gravy. Frugal teachers on this program have managed to save up to $15,000 during the course of their one-year contract. You’ll also get about 30 days of paid vacation time, so you won’t miss out on exploring South Korea!

China

Greenheart International VP Daniel Ebert on the Great Wall

With a population of over a billion and an ever-increasing presence on the world economic stage, China’s ESL market is exploding. In the Teach English in China program, teachers get flight reimbursements, free housing, and a monthly salary of $1,100-$1,570, plus contract completion bonuses.

Japan

Torii gate at the Hakone Shrine

Legendarily beautiful Japan has the wealth to support a thriving and high-paying ESL market. Teachers in both public and private schools are able to save hundreds of dollars a month. However, due to its high popularity as a destination for foreign teachers, it’s one of the most competitive markets in the world. In order to set yourself apart from the crowd, it’s important to have a high-quality TEFL certification.

Vietnam

Program Manager Sara Dorsey in Ho Chi Minh City

Still fairly new on the ESL scene, Vietnam is a great destination for people looking for something slightly off the beaten path. In the Teach in Vietnam program, teachers earn $1,000 – $1,500 USD per month, while enjoying a very low cost of living. Placements are in public schools, so in addition to making a great salary, you’ll be opening doors for kids whose parents can’t afford to send them to expensive language schools. It’s a great opportunity to make money while feeling like you’re doing some good in the world.

Your student loans don’t have to keep you home! Contact us to start your profitable and enriching adventure abroad!