What Are The Start-up Costs for Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad opens doors to travel, culture, and career growth — but like any big move, it comes with upfront costs. While your salary abroad often covers day-to-day living, you’ll need to prepare for key expenses before you land your first paycheck. These include training, travel, visa paperwork, housing deposits, and basic living costs.

With some planning and realistic budgeting, you can avoid surprises and hit the ground running in your new country. Whether you’re aiming for a short-term adventure or a long-term lifestyle change, knowing what you’ll need to spend — and when — can make all the difference.

TEFL Certification Costs

Unless you already have teaching credentials, a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is your ticket to a paid teaching job overseas. Some countries legally require it for a work visa. Even in places where it’s not mandatory, most employers still expect it.

Online TEFL courses are generally more affordable, with prices ranging from $300 to $1,000 USD depending on course length, accreditation, and support features. Many flexible, self-paced options exist, but if you're new to teaching, it's worth investing in a course that includes tutor feedback and job placement support.

In-person TEFL courses, especially those in cities like Barcelona, Prague, Bangkok, or Ho Chi Minh City, typically cost $1,200 to $2,000 USD and last around four weeks. These programs often offer hands-on classroom experience and job support, but you’ll need to budget extra for flights, housing, and meals during your stay.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Tip: Taking your TEFL course in the country where you plan to teach can double as a soft landing — giving you local contacts, job leads, and time to settle in.

Some teachers start with an online TEFL course, then upgrade later to an in-person course if needed. The key is to make sure the course is at least 120 hours, internationally recognized, and preferably includes practicum or job assistance.

Legal Document & Paperwork Fees

Before you pack your bags, you'll need to tackle the paperwork — and it’s not just about getting a passport. Schools and immigration offices may require a variety of official documents, many of which come with processing fees and waiting times.

Here are some common expenses:

• Passport: If you don’t already have one (or need to renew), expect to pay around $100–$150 USD. Always make sure it’s valid for at least 6–12 months beyond your planned stay.
• Criminal Background Check: Required in many countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East. A basic national check might cost $10–$50 USD, but an FBI-level check (for U.S. citizens) runs around $18 USD, plus fees for fingerprinting or third-party services.
• Apostilles and Notarizations: Some countries require your documents (degree, TEFL certificate, background check) to be apostilled or notarized for visa processing. Apostille fees range from $10–$50 per document, and you may need to pay for courier services.
• Visa Application Fees: Costs vary widely — from $50 USD for a simple tourist visa to $200+ USD for a long-term work visa, depending on the country.
• Medical Checks: Some visa applications require health forms, X-rays, or blood tests (e.g., HIV or TB tests for South Korea, UAE, or Saudi Arabia). These can cost $50–$200 USD, especially if done at a government-approved clinic.
• Transcripts & Diploma Copies: Universities often charge $5–$15 USD per transcript. If your diploma is lost or damaged, reissues may cost $20–$100 USD, plus postage.

Tip: Start early. Some of these processes — like background checks or apostilles — can take several weeks to complete.

Flight & Travel Costs

Unless your future employer is footing the bill, airfare is likely one of your biggest upfront costs. A one-way international flight can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,200 USD, depending on the route, season, and how far in advance you book.

• One-way vs. round-trip: Some visas (and immigration officers) prefer round-trip proof, even if you plan to stay long-term. A flexible return date or a refundable fare can help.
• When to book: Flights are often cheapest 6–8 weeks before departure, especially for off-season travel. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the lowest-fare days to fly.
• Hacks to save money:
  • Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track prices.
  • Fly out of major regional hubs (e.g., NYC, LAX, London) for better deals.
  • Be open to layovers — they can shave hundreds off the price.
• Travel insurance: While not always mandatory, getting health and emergency coverage for your first few months abroad is highly recommended. Short-term international plans typically cost $50–$100 USD/month, depending on coverage level.

Pro tip: If you’re heading to a country like South Korea or China, look for jobs that include free airfare reimbursement — it can save you hundreds.

Housing Deposits & Initial Rent

One of the biggest expenses when you arrive in a new country is housing. Most landlords require a security deposit plus the first month’s rent, and in some places, it can be even more. In Japan, for example, you might need to pay key money, agency fees, and multiple months’ rent upfront, which can add up to 2–3 months of living costs just to move in.

Here’s what to expect:

• Typical setup: First month’s rent + 1-month deposit (common in Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America).
• High-deposit countries: Japan, South Korea (sometimes), and Taiwan may require 2–3 months' worth upfront, depending on whether your school helps or not.
• Housing assistance: Some teaching programs and schools offer free housing, a monthly stipend, or help finding an apartment. This is common in South Korea, UAE, China, and certain government-sponsored programs like EPIK or SMOE.
• Short-term housing: If you’re job-hunting locally or arriving before your contract starts, you may need temporary accommodation. Budget around $15–$40 USD per night for a hostel or shared Airbnb. Some teachers also use Facebook housing groups to find short-term rentals on arrival.

Tip: Ask your school or recruiter upfront whether housing is included — and if not, how much to budget for initial move-in costs.

Cost of Living Before First Paycheck

Unless you're being paid in advance (rare), you’ll need to cover your daily expenses until your first payday — usually about 4 to 6 weeks after you start working. This “bridge period” can include groceries, local transport, a SIM card, utilities, and any home essentials you didn’t bring in your suitcase.

Here’s what you might need to budget for:

• Food & transport: Groceries, coffee, street food, and bus/train rides. Expect $150–$300 depending on the country.
• One-time items: Cookware, utensils, bedding, basic furniture, and work-appropriate clothes or shoes.
• Teaching supplies: Notebooks, pens, classroom props — especially if you're teaching young learners.

Sample 4–6 Week Budget by Region:

• Spain / Italy / France: $2,000–$3,000 USD (urban Europe is pricey upfront)
• Vietnam / Thailand / Cambodia: $700–$1,200 USD (cheaper living costs)
• South Korea / Japan: $1,200–$2,000 USD (higher housing deposits, but lower ongoing costs if housing is provided)
• Costa Rica / Peru: $800–$1,500 USD (depends on location and how fast you find work)

When to Expect Your First Paycheck:

• Monthly pay is the norm in most countries.
• Expect to get paid 30–45 days after you start working, though some programs offer partial pay advances or stipends if you negotiate upfront.

Pro tip: Bring an emergency fund — even $500 extra can reduce stress in case of delays, emergencies, or unexpected costs.

Country Comparisons: Budget-Friendly vs. High-Cost Starts

Where you choose to teach plays a major role in how much you'll need upfront. Some countries are notoriously expensive to get started in — even if salaries are decent — while others are far more forgiving for your wallet.

High Start-Up Cost Destinations

Countries like Spain, Italy, Japan, and the UAE often require more money upfront. Why?

• Spain & Italy: Salaries are modest, housing isn’t included, and you’ll likely need to arrive and job-hunt in person. Add the Euro exchange rate, and you're looking at $2,000–$3,000+ in start-up costs.
• Japan: High deposits, agency fees, and furniture purchases add up fast — even if salaries and quality of life are great long-term.
• UAE: Visa processing, medical screening, and upfront costs are steep. However, once you're settled, jobs often come with excellent benefits like housing and flights.

Budget-Friendly Options

Want a more affordable start? Focus on countries like:

• Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia – Low cost of living and decent pay. Many schools don’t require a TEFL certificate in advance, and housing can be arranged on the cheap.
• Taiwan – Competitive salaries, often with partial housing support or bonuses.
• Poland, Czech Republic – EU lifestyle on a more reasonable budget. Some schools help with visas and accommodation leads.

Countries Offering Financial Support

Several countries or programs ease the burden with generous perks:

• South Korea: EPIK and private schools often include free housing and reimbursed airfare.
• China: Many jobs offer flight reimbursement and accommodation or housing allowances.
• Saudi Arabia: Premium pay, tax-free income, and full benefits — but strict visa processes and cultural expectations.

Exchange Rates & Local Purchasing Power

Don’t overlook currency value. Your dollars or euros might stretch further in Southeast Asia or Latin America compared to Europe or the Gulf. Always check local purchasing power — sometimes the best-paying jobs are in places where the cost of living is also high, which may cancel out the benefit.

Interviewing In-Country vs. From Home

How you land your job affects how much cash you’ll need in the bank before takeoff.

In-Country Job Hunting

In places like Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, or Argentina, it’s common to find work by showing up and interviewing in person. This means:

• You’ll need at least 6 weeks’ worth of savings to cover:
  • Temporary housing
  • Food and transport
  • Apartment deposits and initial rent
  • The gap before your first paycheck
• Pros: More flexibility and better job fit; some schools prefer meeting face-to-face.
• Cons: Higher risk and expense without a guaranteed offer.

Signing a Contract from Home

In South Korea, China, UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, or Japan, schools often hire teachers before arrival. That means:

• You’ll typically only need 3–4 weeks of living expenses before payday.
• Your housing might be pre-arranged, and flights covered or reimbursed.
• This is the best option if you're looking to lower your upfront risk.

Tip: Even if you land a job in advance, always budget for delays — visa holdups, schedule changes, or schools that pay at the end of the first full month can all affect cash flow.

Ways to Reduce Start-up Costs

While moving abroad does require some investment, there are smart ways to trim your expenses without cutting corners on quality or experience.

• Teach English online before departure: Start earning before you leave. Online platforms can help you build experience and save a few hundred (or thousand) dollars toward your move.
• Choose countries with better benefits: Some governments or schools provide housing, airfare, and bonuses — making your start significantly easier. South Korea and China are top choices.
• Opt for an online TEFL course: Skip the relocation costs and complete your certification from home. Many online TEFL courses are now well-recognized, especially those with live practice components.
• Pack light: Extra baggage fees add up quickly. Most destinations have affordable clothes, toiletries, and housewares — no need to bring your entire life with you.
• Budget monthly, not last minute: Spread your costs over 6–12 months instead of scrambling in the final 8 weeks. You’ll feel more secure and avoid debt or financial pressure.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Travel Smart

The cost of starting your journey abroad can feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely manageable with the right mindset and preparation. Think of it as an investment in your freedom, growth, and the chance to live and work in a new culture.

The key is planning: budget realistically, give yourself a runway of time, and seek out countries or schools that lighten the load. With even a few months of focused saving — and maybe a side gig online — you can step onto the plane confident and ready to make your move.

Teaching English abroad isn’t just for the rich or the lucky. With a little hustle and smart choices, it’s more accessible than ever.