Asia is one of the most popular—and diverse—regions for teaching English abroad. Whether you’re dreaming of high-rise cities in East Asia, tropical beaches in the south, or peaceful mountain towns off the beaten path, there’s a teaching destination to match every lifestyle.
From high salaries and structured government programs to low-cost living and laid-back work environments, Asia offers something for every kind of teacher. In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to teach English across the continent, highlighting what makes each country special.
🌏 East Asia: High Salaries, Structure, and Stability
If you’re looking for financial security, strong teaching programs, and well-established expat communities, East Asia is an excellent starting point. Countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China consistently top the list for TEFL teachers seeking competitive pay and career growth.
🇯🇵 Japan: Tradition Meets Innovation
Japan’s teaching market is one of the most established in Asia. Programs like JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) offer competitive pay, relocation support, and placements across the country.
- Salary: $2,000–$3,000/month
- Benefits: Flights, housing support, insurance
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL preferred
Japan is ideal if you want a structured, secure teaching role while immersing yourself in ancient traditions and futuristic tech. Just keep in mind the cost of living is high, especially in cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
🇰🇷 South Korea: Big Perks for New Teachers
South Korea’s EPIK program is famous for its generous benefits and openness to new teachers. You’ll get government placement in a public school, plus perks like free housing and paid vacations.
- Salary: $1,800–$2,600/month
- Benefits: Housing, airfare, insurance, bonus pay
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL required
Private academies (hagwons) also hire year-round, offering flexible schedules and vibrant city life in places like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.
🇹🇼 Taiwan: Friendly, Flexible, and Full of Opportunity
Taiwan offers a welcoming, well-paid teaching scene with plenty of job openings and a lower cost of living than Japan or South Korea.
- Salary: $1,500–$2,500/month
- Benefits: Health insurance, housing allowance
- Requirements: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree + TEFL
The island is known for its street food, stunning nature, and high quality of life. Taiwan is a great option if you want a relaxed pace of life with professional perks.
🇨🇳 China: Massive Demand, Diverse Options
China has one of the largest TEFL job markets in the world. You can teach in bustling megacities like Shanghai or smaller towns with lower costs and more local flavor.
- Salary: $1,200–$2,800/month
- Benefits: Housing, bonuses, flight reimbursement
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree + TEFL (native speaker status preferred)
If you’re an experienced teacher or have subject-specific skills, international schools and bilingual programs offer even higher pay. Just be aware of visa restrictions for non-native speakers.
🌴 Southeast Asia: Cultural Immersion and Low-Cost Living
For those drawn to sandy beaches, ancient temples, and a slower pace of life, Southeast Asia is a dream. While salaries tend to be lower than in East Asia, so is the cost of living—making it possible to live comfortably and travel extensively.
🇹🇠Thailand: Laid-Back Lifestyle and Warm Hospitality
Thailand is one of the most popular countries for first-time English teachers, thanks to its welcoming vibe, beautiful landscapes, and strong demand for teachers.
- Salary: $1,000–$1,500/month
- Cost of Living: Very affordable
- Requirements: TEFL + bachelor’s preferred (some flexibility in rural areas)
Most jobs are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and tourist areas like Phuket. You won’t get rich teaching here—but you’ll have a rich life.
🇻🇳 Vietnam: Great Pay, Great Culture
Vietnam offers one of the best salary-to-cost-of-living ratios in Asia, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
- Salary: $1,200–$2,000/month
- Cost of Living: Low
- Requirements: Bachelor’s + TEFL
Jobs are available year-round at private language centers, public schools, and kindergartens. Vietnam also has a huge community of digital nomads and expats, making it easy to meet people and settle in.
🇰🇠Cambodia: Flexible Entry, Big Heart
Cambodia is one of the few countries where you can teach English without a degree, as long as you’re fluent and TEFL-certified.
- Salary: $800–$1,200/month
- Cost of Living: Very low
- Requirements: TEFL (no degree required in many cases)
Most jobs are in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with a growing demand in smaller cities. Cambodia is ideal for teachers looking for meaningful work in a community-centered environment.
đź•Ś South Asia: Immersive, Impactful, and Off-the-Beaten-Path
South Asia may not be as saturated with TEFL opportunities as East or Southeast Asia, but for the right kind of teacher, it’s an incredibly rewarding region. You won’t find the highest salaries here—but you will find cultural depth, warm communities, and the chance to make a real difference.
🇮🇳 India: Cultural Richness and Community Engagement
While India isn’t a major TEFL destination in terms of high-paying jobs, it offers meaningful opportunities for teachers interested in social impact or cultural immersion.
- Salary: $500–$1,000/month (or volunteer roles)
- Cost of Living: Very low
- Requirements: TEFL recommended, degree not always required
Teaching jobs are available in international schools, NGOs, and volunteer-based programs—particularly in rural areas or underserved communities. India’s incredible diversity, food, festivals, and history make it a deeply enriching destination.
🏔️ Central Asia: Hidden Gems for the Adventurous
If you're looking for something different—really different—Central Asia delivers. Countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are welcoming more foreign teachers as English gains importance, particularly for international trade and higher education.
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan & 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan: Emerging Opportunities in the Steppe
While still off the radar for many teachers, these countries offer authentic cultural experiences and growing TEFL markets.
- Salary: $800–$1,500/month
- Cost of Living: Low
- Requirements: TEFL + bachelor’s degree preferred (but flexible)
Expect to find jobs in private language schools or international schools in cities like Almaty, Nur-Sultan, and Bishkek. Life here is slower-paced and culturally rich—ideal for teachers seeking meaningful connections and outdoor adventures.
đź’° The Middle East: High Salaries, High Standards
If your goal is to maximize savings while teaching, the Middle East might be your top destination. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are known for tax-free salaries, generous benefits, and a strong demand for qualified English teachers.
While the financial perks are impressive, the requirements tend to be higher—so this region is best suited for teachers with some experience or credentials under their belt.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates: Top-Tier Pay in a Modern Setting
The UAE is one of the most popular (and competitive) countries for English teachers seeking a well-paid, stable job in a high-tech, cosmopolitan environment.
- Salary: $3,000–$5,000/month (tax-free)
- Benefits: Free housing, annual flights, health insurance, and paid vacation
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL, and often 1–2 years of teaching experience
Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a luxurious lifestyle and modern conveniences, though the cultural adjustment can be significant. International schools and government programs (like ADEC) offer the best packages.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Conservative Culture, Generous Packages
Saudi Arabia offers some of the highest-paying teaching jobs in the world, particularly in universities and large companies.
- Salary: $3,000–$4,500/month (tax-free)
- Benefits: Housing, airfare, end-of-contract bonuses, and healthcare
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL, and often 2+ years of experience
This is a destination for teachers who are focused on saving money and are comfortable navigating a conservative Islamic culture. Daily life can be restrictive, but the financial rewards are hard to ignore.
🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇴🇲 Oman, and 🇧🇠Bahrain: Smaller but Growing Markets
Other Gulf countries like Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain offer similar benefits but with slightly smaller teaching markets. Salaries are still competitive, and demand is increasing, especially in private and international schools.
- Salary Range: $2,000–$4,000/month
- Requirements: TEFL, bachelor’s degree, and usually teaching experience
These countries offer a mix of tradition and modernity, with stunning landscapes, low crime, and a strong expat teacher network.
🧠Choosing the Right Country for You
Asia’s vastness means there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer for where to teach—it really depends on what you’re looking for. Ask yourself:
- Do you want to save money? → South Korea, China, and the UAE offer the best savings potential.
- Do you want culture and travel? → Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan are full of immersion opportunities.
- Do you want a slower, more personal experience? → South and Central Asia might be your perfect match.
- Do you want structure and stability? → Programs like JET in Japan and EPIK in South Korea are great options.
Whether you're chasing financial security, cultural exploration, or personal growth, Asia offers a teaching experience that can match your goals and personality. All you need is a TEFL certificate, a sense of adventure, and the willingness to dive into something new.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.