Dreaming of teaching English in a new country—but worried about the cost of getting started? Good news: you don’t need to be rich to live and teach abroad. In fact, some teaching programs and schools will cover your flights, housing, health insurance, and even give you end-of-contract bonuses. That means you can start a new chapter overseas without draining your savings.
This guide breaks down how to teach English abroad with most (or all) expenses covered—perfect for gap year travelers, career changers, recent grads, or anyone chasing a low-risk, high-reward adventure.
What Does “All Expenses Paid” Really Mean?
When you hear “all expenses paid,” it doesn’t always mean you’ll pay for nothing—but it can come pretty close.
Here’s what’s often included in the best teaching contracts:
- ✈️ Round-trip airfare (or at least reimbursement upon arrival)
- 🏠 Free or subsidized housing
- 🩺 Health insurance
- 🛂 Visa support
- 💰 End-of-contract or holiday bonuses
- 📚 Paid training or orientation
In short: your biggest expenses are taken care of, and that puts you way ahead when living abroad.
What’s Not Usually Covered?
There are a few things you might still need to budget for:
- Meals and daily living expenses (although local food is cheap in many countries)
- Transportation or commuting
- Start-up costs like your TEFL certification, passport, or vaccinations
- Occasional out-of-pocket costs (like utilities or deposits)
Even with those costs in mind, landing a job with covered housing and flights means you’ll start life abroad on the right foot—without burning through your bank account.
Countries with the Best Benefits Packages
Some countries are famous for offering generous perks to foreign teachers. These destinations not only pay well—they also help you get there and stay there.
1. 🇰🇷 South Korea
South Korea is one of the top choices for teaching abroad with benefits included. Whether you go through a government program like EPIK or land a job at a private language academy (hagwon), you can expect:
- Free furnished housing or a housing stipend
- Flight reimbursement (round-trip)
- National health insurance
- A resettlement bonus (~$300+)
- End-of-contract bonus (usually one month’s salary)
Combined with low living costs and a strong savings potential, Korea is ideal for teachers who want a solid financial foundation while exploring a dynamic culture.
2. 🇯🇵 Japan
Japan’s JET Program is one of the most respected government teaching schemes in the world. It places teachers in public schools across the country and provides:
- A full-time salary (~$2,000–$2,600/month)
- Flight coverage to and from Japan
- Orientation and cultural training
- Assistance with finding housing
- Health insurance and pension contributions
While it’s competitive to get in, JET is a game-changer for new teachers. Private schools in Japan may also offer partial housing or travel support—but it varies by employer.
3. 🇨🇳 China: High Demand, High Perks
China’s booming demand for English teachers makes it one of the most accessible destinations—and many schools compete by offering great perks.
Depending on the school (especially international schools and private language centers), you might get:
- Free or subsidized housing
- Flight reimbursement (usually after 6 months or at end of contract)
- Health insurance
- End-of-contract bonus (up to one month’s salary)
- Paid holidays
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou offer the highest salaries, but many teachers opt for smaller cities where the cost of living is lower and savings stretch further.
Note: To get a legal work visa (Z visa), you’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, and a clean background check.
4. 🕌 The Middle East: Big Pay + Full Benefits
If you’re looking to save serious money while teaching abroad, the Middle East—especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia—is hard to beat.
Teachers often receive:
- Tax-free salaries
- Free furnished housing or generous housing allowances
- Round-trip airfare
- Comprehensive health insurance
- End-of-contract bonuses
- Paid vacation (plus national holidays)
Here’s how it looks in some popular destinations:
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
- Salary: $3,000–$5,000/month (tax-free)
- Ideal for licensed teachers or those with experience
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi are popular teaching hubs
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
- Salary: $2,500–$4,000/month
- Cultural adjustment is required, but financial perks are massive
- Many jobs in private schools, universities, or ESL institutes
⚠️ Requirements
Most positions require:
- A bachelor’s degree (often in English or education)
- Teaching experience (2+ years)
- A TEFL certification, especially for ESL-specific roles
If you meet the criteria, the Middle East is one of the most financially rewarding regions for teachers.
🧭 How to Find “All Expenses Paid” Teaching Jobs Abroad
Not every teaching job comes with paid perks—but plenty do. The key is knowing where to look and what to look for in a job listing.
✅ What to Look For
When browsing jobs online, scan for these keywords in the listing:
- “Housing provided” or “housing allowance”
- “Flight reimbursement” or “round-trip airfare”
- “Health insurance included”
- “End-of-contract bonus”
- “Visa sponsorship”
The best packages are often offered by:
- Government teaching programs (like EPIK in South Korea or JET in Japan)
- International schools
- Private language institutes in high-demand countries (e.g., China, Saudi Arabia)
These institutions often provide the most comprehensive support.
🔍 Where to Search
Start your job hunt with platforms that specialize in TEFL and ESL roles:
- Teast
- Facebook groups for teaching abroad (search by country)
- Government program websites (like EPIK, JET, TAPIF)
Apply to multiple listings to compare offers and negotiate the best deal.
6. 🎯 Tips to Land a Fully-Funded Teaching Job
These jobs are competitive, especially when everything is covered—so you want to stand out.
🛠️ Build Your Credentials
- Get a 120-hour TEFL certificate (minimum)
- Highlight any teaching, tutoring, or public speaking experience—even if informal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job
🌍 Be Flexible
- Being open to less popular locations (like rural China or smaller towns in South Korea) often increases your chances of landing a job with perks
- Start dates vary—apply early for programs, and don’t be afraid to look off-cycle for private language centers
💬 Ace the Interview
- Be warm, enthusiastic, and professional
- Research the school and show interest in their culture and students
- Be clear about your commitment to completing your contract—many benefits are tied to it
With the right mindset and preparation, you can land a role that not only pays you to teach—but covers your adventure, too.
📈 Pros and Cons of Fully-Funded Teaching Jobs
Teaching English abroad with all expenses paid sounds like a dream—and for many, it is. But like any opportunity, there are pros and cons to weigh before you commit.
✅ Pros
- Minimal upfront cost: No need to save thousands before moving abroad.
- Lower financial risk: Housing, flights, and insurance are often covered.
- Built-in support: Many funded jobs include orientation, training, and help with visas.
- Great for first-time teachers: Structured programs are beginner-friendly and help you adjust to life abroad.
⚠️ Cons
- More competitive: Programs that pay for everything often get more applicants.
- Location restrictions: You may be placed in rural or less glamorous areas.
- Strict contracts: Breaking a contract early can mean paying back flights or losing bonuses.
- Less flexibility: Set hours, curriculums, and vacation schedules are common in government or corporate-run programs.
🧳 Is This the Right Path for You?
If you're eager to teach, travel, and live abroad—without burning through your savings—a fully-funded teaching job might be your perfect fit.
You might thrive in this path if you:
- Want to start teaching but can’t afford big upfront costs
- Value structure, support, and job security
- Are flexible about location and open to new challenges
- Plan to stay for a full contract (usually 1 year)
But if you want complete freedom over where, when, and how you teach, or if you’re interested in short-term gigs or frequent travel, then a more flexible path (like teaching online or in Southeast Asia) might suit you better.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Yes—it is 100% possible to teach English abroad with flights, housing, and more covered. You don’t have to be rich or experienced to make it happen. With the right preparation, open-mindedness, and a bit of research, you can turn a dream into a paid passport to the world.
Start exploring your options, send out those applications, and get ready to live, work, and travel in a whole new way.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.