Asia vs Europe: Where to Teach English

Teaching English abroad opens doors to some of the most exciting adventures you can have—whether it’s riding high-speed trains through Japanese cities or sipping espresso in a centuries-old Italian piazza. Asia and Europe both offer rich, life-changing experiences, but in very different flavors.

In Asia, you’ll find a fast-moving blend of tradition and modernity. Countries like South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan are bursting with opportunity, especially for first-time teachers. The job market is strong, salaries are competitive, and the culture shift can be thrilling. It’s a region where things feel dynamic and full of forward motion.

Europe, by contrast, offers deep cultural roots, walkable cities, and an unbeatable travel network. You might earn less, but the charm of teaching in places like Spain, Italy, or the Czech Republic often outweighs the paycheck. For those who value lifestyle, language learning, or long weekends in a different country, Europe is hard to beat.

Your ideal destination isn’t just about where the best jobs are—it’s about where you’ll feel most alive, inspired, and ready to grow.

Entry Requirements & Visas

Asia

For most Asian countries, the path to legal teaching work is relatively straightforward—but tightly regulated. You’ll typically need to be a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree, and in many cases, a clean criminal record. TEFL certification helps, and in some countries, it’s mandatory.

Popular visa types include:

• South Korea: E-2 Visa (sponsored by schools, requires degree + clean record)
• China: Z Visa (requires notarized degree + criminal check + TEFL)
• Japan: Instructor or Specialist in Humanities visa
• Taiwan: ARC via work permit from licensed schools
• Thailand: Non-Immigrant B Visa + Work Permit (often processed after arrival)

There’s more flexibility in Cambodia and Vietnam, where visa enforcement is a little looser and some schools hire non-native speakers or degree holders—though this often means less job stability.

Europe

In Europe, your ability to get hired legally often depends on your citizenship. If you’re from an EU country, you can work freely across the bloc. But for non-EU citizens (especially Americans, Canadians, Australians), the options are more limited.

The most popular routes include:

• Government assistant programs like NALCAP (Spain), TAPIF (France), or Fulbright
• Student visa + part-time tutoring, especially in Spain or Italy
• Occasional international school or bilingual academy openings with visa sponsorship, though rare

Some Eastern European countries like Poland, Czech Republic, or Hungary are more open to hiring non-EU citizens and may sponsor work permits more readily.

So while Asia tends to offer more job security and clear pathways, Europe requires more strategy, patience, or citizenship advantages to make things work.

Salary & Cost of Living

Asia

If your goal is to earn and save while living abroad, Asia often comes out ahead. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and China offer some of the most competitive packages for English teachers. Monthly salaries can range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD, with the added bonus of free housing, reimbursed flights, and contract completion bonuses.

Even in lower-paying markets like Vietnam or Thailand, the cost of living is so low that many teachers live comfortably and still manage to put money aside each month. Meals, transport, and rent are often a fraction of Western prices.

This financial cushion gives you more freedom to travel, invest, or simply enjoy life without stressing about every euro or dollar.

Europe

Europe is rich in culture but rarely in paychecks—especially for teachers. In Western Europe, monthly stipends for language assistants (like those in Spain or France) range from €700 to €1,000, which often barely covers rent and daily expenses. Teachers usually need to supplement their income with private tutoring or savings.

In Eastern Europe, things improve slightly. Places like Poland or the Czech Republic offer full-time salaried roles with lower costs of living, making it more manageable, though still not highly lucrative.

Accommodation is almost never included, and you're often responsible for health insurance, visa fees, and rent—so budgeting is essential if you're heading to Europe to teach.

Job Market & Availability

Asia

Asia’s ESL job market is massive, especially in East and Southeast Asia. Demand remains strong in countries like:

• China: thousands of roles in public schools, kindergartens, and training centers.
• South Korea: steady jobs in public schools (EPIK) and hagwons (private academies).
• Japan: JET Program and private dispatch companies like Interac.
• Vietnam and Thailand: fast-growing markets with lots of room for new teachers.

What’s great is that hiring happens year-round in many countries. Even if you miss one deadline, another opportunity usually isn’t far off.

Whether you want a city skyscraper view or a beach-town classroom, Asia has a broad range of placements to match your lifestyle.

Europe

In Europe, it’s a different story. Most hiring happens once or twice per year, often tied to academic calendars in September and January.

Non-EU citizens often face visa challenges, meaning roles are funneled through government programs (like NALCAP or TAPIF) or short-term student visas.

The job market is also more saturated, especially in desirable cities like Barcelona, Paris, or Florence, where the competition is stiff and schools can afford to be selective.

If you're an EU citizen or already in Europe on another visa, you’ll find more freelance and academy opportunities. Otherwise, expect a longer search and more paperwork.

Teaching Environment & Classroom Culture

Asia

In many Asian countries, the classroom setting is formal and structured. Teachers are respected authority figures, and students are generally well-behaved, though sometimes shy or reluctant to speak up—especially in larger class sizes.

In places like South Korea, China, and Japan, expect a strong emphasis on rote memorization, standardized testing, and grammar drills. Creativity in the classroom is possible but often needs to be carefully balanced with curriculum requirements. Lesson planning and expectations can be strict, especially in public schools and higher-end academies.

That said, once you earn your students’ trust, teaching in Asia can be incredibly rewarding, and the consistency of routine helps many first-time teachers gain confidence.

Europe

Classroom culture in Europe tends to be more casual and discussion-based. Students are usually encouraged to speak their minds, engage in debates, and ask questions. This can be refreshing for teachers who enjoy interactive lessons and cultural exchange.

The level of formality varies by country. For example, you might find German students more serious and punctual, while in Spain or Italy, the vibe is more relaxed and spontaneous—sometimes to a fault.

This informal atmosphere gives you more freedom to experiment with teaching styles, but it may also require stronger classroom management skills, especially with younger learners.

Travel, Lifestyle & Free Time

Asia

Asia offers a whirlwind of contrasts—you could be hiking in the jungles of Northern Thailand one weekend and sipping coffee in a Tokyo café the next. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, there’s no shortage of adventure.

Longer travel distances and regional visa requirements mean hopping between countries isn’t always instant—but it’s very doable with a bit of planning. Flights across Southeast Asia are affordable, and public transport in places like Japan, Taiwan, and Korea is world-class.

Outside the classroom, you’ll find cheap street food, vibrant nightlife, tranquil temples, and hidden beaches. Whether you’re a city lover or a nature seeker, Asia has something to feed your wanderlust.

Europe

If you dream of weekend getaways to new countries, Europe is paradise. With budget airlines like Ryanair and easy train access, you can be in Paris on Friday and Prague by Sunday.

The continent is compact, and cultural shifts between regions are dramatic—from the cobblestone streets of Lisbon to the Alpine towns of Austria, each corner has its own flavor.

The pace of life can be slower, especially in southern countries like Spain or Greece, where siestas and long lunches are part of the rhythm. If you’re into art, architecture, history, or café culture, you’ll never run out of things to explore.

Long-Term Living & Residency Options

Asia

While Asia is an exciting place to live and teach, it’s not always built for long-term foreign integration. In many countries, visa renewals depend on employment, and switching jobs or staying between contracts can be complicated.

Japan and Taiwan offer clearer paths to permanent residency, but they require multiple years of continuous work, financial stability, and sometimes language tests. South Korea has options like the F-2 or F-5 visas, but they’re competitive and often aimed at highly skilled or long-term residents.

In general, foreign teachers in Asia are seen as guests, not future citizens. That doesn't mean you can’t build a fulfilling life there—many do—but you’ll need to be proactive about staying legal, renewing paperwork, and planning your future.

Europe

Europe offers more realistic opportunities for long-term living, especially if you're open to working your way in. EU citizens can move and teach freely across the bloc, making it ideal for those with dual citizenship or European heritage.

For non-EU teachers, student visas, language assistant programs, or family reunification are common starting points. Over time, these can transition into permanent residency or even citizenship, especially in countries like Spain, Portugal, France, or Italy.

If your dream is to put down roots, Europe may offer the infrastructure, rights, and legal options to make that happen—especially if you invest in language learning and cultural integration.

Who Each Region Is Best For

Asia

• Best for: Adventurous newcomers, recent graduates, and anyone looking to save money while teaching abroad.
• If you want structure, support (housing/flights), or a fast-paced cultural contrast, Asia is hard to beat.
• Great for those seeking short-to-medium-term experiences in high-demand markets like China, Korea, or Vietnam.

Europe

• Best for: Culture lovers, EU passport holders, and long-term travelers who enjoy language, food, and historical depth.
• If you're okay with lower salaries but crave European lifestyle perks—like easy travel and rich daily life—this region delivers.
• More appealing to those planning to stay long-term or slowly transition to PR/citizenship.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Asia and Europe isn’t just about money—it’s about the life you want to build. Asia offers energy, opportunity, and adventure, while Europe delivers culture, lifestyle, and long-term possibility.

You don’t need to choose forever. Many teachers start in one and end up in the other. Your path might take you from a temple in Chiang Mai to a café in Valencia—and both experiences will shape your journey.