Asia vs Middle East: Where to Teach English

Teaching English abroad opens the door to life-changing experiences—and both Asia and the Middle East offer compelling but very different opportunities. Asia draws thousands of teachers each year with its dynamic mix of modern cities, ancient cultures, and booming job market. From the neon glow of Seoul to the tropical calm of Chiang Mai, there’s a spot for nearly every type of teacher.

On the other hand, the Middle East has carved out a reputation as the highest-paying region for qualified educators. Whether you’re teaching in the ultramodern towers of Dubai or the cultural capital of Muscat, the region blends tradition and opportunity in ways few others can. It’s not just about the money—though that helps—but about immersing yourself in a different rhythm of life.

If you're deciding where to start (or where to go next), understanding the contrasts in lifestyle, job expectations, and long-term prospects between these two regions can help you choose the path that fits best.

Entry Requirements & Visa Processes

Asia

In Asia, the visa process is typically linked to nationality, education, and sometimes age. Most countries expect teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree and be from a native English-speaking country (often defined as the U.S., UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa). Some nations—like Japan and Korea—also have age restrictions for visa eligibility, particularly for government-sponsored programs.

Popular visa types include:

• E-2 Visa (Korea): For native English teachers hired through public programs or hagwons.
• Z Visa (China): For legally employed foreigners; employers must sponsor and provide documentation.
• Instructor/Engineer Visa (Japan): Often used for language school or ALT positions.

Southeast Asia offers a bit more flexibility. Countries like Cambodia and Vietnam often accept non-degree holders or non-native speakers if they have TEFL certification and teaching experience, although legal gray zones still exist.

Middle East

The Middle East tends to have stricter entry requirements, especially in the Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait). Most reputable positions require:

• A bachelor’s degree (often in education or English).
• A recognized teaching license or TEFL certification (CELTA/DELTA preferred).
• Prior teaching experience, often 2+ years.

Additionally, paperwork needs to be authenticated—meaning degrees and background checks may need to be notarized, apostilled, or attested through embassies. These extra steps can feel tedious, but once you're hired, employers typically take care of visa sponsorship, medical insurance, and other logistics.

Compared to Asia, it’s more difficult to “just show up” in the Middle East and figure things out. You need to be prepared and meet the minimum qualifications before applying.

Salaries, Benefits & Cost of Living

Asia

Salaries in Asia vary significantly by country and job type. At the top end, Japan, South Korea, and China offer monthly salaries ranging from $2,000 to $3,000+ USD, with many positions including bonuses, airfare, and free or subsidized housing. These perks make it possible to save a substantial portion of your income—especially in Korea, where structured contracts and low rent mean teachers can bank $800–$1,200/month.

In Southeast Asia (like Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia), salaries are lower—typically $1,000–$1,800/month—but so is the cost of living. You won’t save much, but your money can go far. Daily life is affordable, and lifestyle quality (great food, travel, weather) is high even on a modest income.

Asia offers a solid balance: decent pay, good benefits, and affordable living, especially for new teachers or those traveling solo.

Middle East

The Middle East—particularly the Gulf states—leads the world in English teaching salaries. Jobs in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar regularly offer $3,000–$5,000/month or more, often tax-free. Top-tier roles in universities or international schools can exceed this, especially if you hold a Master’s or teaching license.

What sets the Middle East apart isn’t just the salary—it’s the benefits package. Most jobs include:

• Fully furnished housing
• Roundtrip airfare
• Health insurance
• End-of-contract bonuses

Cost of living can vary. Cities like Dubai and Doha are expensive, but generous housing allowances often offset that. In quieter cities like Muscat, you can live comfortably and save even more.

If your goal is financial—saving aggressively or paying off debt—the Middle East is hard to beat.

Teaching Jobs & Demand

Asia

Asia’s ESL market is vast and diverse. Countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand consistently need teachers. Whether you're looking for a casual gap-year gig or a stepping stone to a teaching career, there’s likely a role for you.

The job types are just as varied:

• Public school placements (JET, EPIK, etc.)
• Private academies (hagwons, language centers)
• International schools and universities
• Online teaching (increasingly common as a side or full-time option)

Many schools offer year-round hiring, making Asia one of the most accessible regions for both experienced and first-time teachers.

Middle East

In contrast, the Middle East’s ESL market is more selective and competitive. High salaries come with high expectations: employers often want certified teachers with at least 2–3 years of classroom experience. Positions in international schools, universities, and foundation programs are the norm—not casual language academies.

That said, demand remains strong—especially in STEM-focused vocational training centers and large education reform initiatives in Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Newer teachers without formal qualifications may find it hard to break in, but for experienced educators, the Middle East offers prestige, pay, and professional growth.

Classroom Culture & Student Expectations

Asia

Classrooms in Asia—especially in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China—tend to be formal and structured. Students are taught to respect authority and often show this through silence and attentiveness. You may find yourself in front of a room that’s quietly absorbing everything, which can feel both gratifying and a little hard to read at first.

In many schools, exam prep dominates. You’ll likely be teaching to a test, especially in public schools, where rote learning and memorization are still common. Creativity is possible, but often within boundaries. That said, students are usually hardworking, and parents place high value on English as a tool for academic and professional success.

You’ll need to be organized, consistent, and prepared to follow a set curriculum—especially if you’re working within government programs.

Middle East

In the Middle East, classroom dynamics vary more depending on the school type, but one constant is that you’ll need strong classroom presence and adaptability. In public schools or vocational settings, students can be energetic, talkative, and even challenging at times. Respect is important, but it’s not always shown the same way it is in East Asia.

However, there’s often a strong motivation to learn English, particularly in the Gulf, where it’s seen as a gateway to university abroad, better jobs, and global status. International schools and universities are more structured and professionalized, while NGO settings or rural schools may be less formal and more community-based.

Expect to manage your classroom actively, adapt to different learning styles, and build trust through consistency and cultural understanding.

Daily Life, Culture & Lifestyle

Asia

Asia offers an incredible range of lifestyles—from the sleek modernity of Seoul and Tokyo to the tropical ease of Bangkok or Bali. Public transport is generally excellent, especially in East Asia, and daily life is highly convenient even if you don’t speak the language.

Culturally, you’ll encounter deep traditions, subtle social cues, and sometimes steep language barriers—but for many teachers, that challenge is part of the appeal. Food is a major perk—whether it’s sushi, pho, or street-side barbecue. You can live fast in the city or slow it down in the countryside.

In your free time, you’ll have no shortage of temples, festivals, night markets, or karaoke bars to explore. The lifestyle can be both stimulating and humbling.

Middle East

Life in the Middle East varies sharply by location. In Dubai or Doha, you’ll find cosmopolitan cities with gleaming malls, expat-friendly cafes, and all the comforts you’d expect. But cultural expectations still shape daily life. Dress codes may be stricter, alcohol availability limited, and social events often gender-separated depending on where you live.

On the flip side, many teachers find a strong sense of community, generous hospitality, and a chance to experience Islamic culture firsthand, from call to prayer to Ramadan fasting. Days may move at a slower pace, with more emphasis on family, modesty, and tradition.

If you value structure, comfort, and cultural insight, life in the Middle East can be both rewarding and surprisingly luxurious—especially with a strong expat support system.

Long-Term Living & Residency

Asia

Staying long-term in Asia is doable, but it usually involves a patchwork of visa renewals and some bureaucratic juggling. Most foreign teachers remain on work visas tied to their contracts, with some switching to student or partner visas if they plan to stay longer.

Permanent residency is possible in places like Taiwan and Japan, but the process can take 5–10 years, and it often requires proof of language ability, steady income, and integration. In countries like Thailand or Vietnam, long-term living often means bouncing between work permits, education visas, and visa runs—unless you marry a local or invest significantly.

While it's possible to stay for years, you're unlikely to be granted full integration unless you put down deep roots and play the long game.

Middle East

In the Middle East, residency is almost entirely employer-sponsored. As long as you have a teaching job, you’ll have a residence permit. But once the job ends, so does your legal right to stay. Unlike many other regions, there's no path to permanent residency or citizenship in most Gulf countries, regardless of how long you've lived there.

That said, many teachers stay for years, moving from contract to contract, especially in places like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. If you’re financially motivated and don’t mind being a long-term guest, the system can work—just don’t expect to build permanent roots.

Who Each Region Is Best For

Asia

Asia is ideal for:

• New teachers looking for entry-level jobs and solid training
• Adventurous types who want to experience culture shock, language immersion, and fast-paced cities
• Budget-conscious travelers who want a balance of work and exploration
• Those who value structure, job security, and rich cultural contrast

Middle East

The Middle East is ideal for:

• Experienced, credentialed teachers aiming for high salaries and excellent benefits
• Financially focused individuals wanting to save quickly or pay off debt
• Professionals who prefer modern comforts but are respectful of conservative cultural norms
• Those who can thrive in a more formal, rules-based environment

Final Thoughts

If you're dreaming of tuk-tuks, tech cities, and kimchi with your students, Asia might be your best bet. If you’re after tax-free income, modern amenities, and structured teaching in a more formal setting, the Middle East could be the right move.

Both regions offer life-changing experiences—but for very different types of teachers.