Asia vs South America: Where to Teach English

There’s something magnetic about both Asia and South America for English teachers looking to live and work abroad. On one hand, Asia offers structure, higher salaries, and an infrastructure designed for foreign teachers. On the other, South America draws people in with its warmth—socially, culturally, and climatically—and a sense of human connection that’s hard to ignore.

Choosing between the two is rarely just about money or job availability. It’s a decision that touches on your values, your curiosity, your comfort with ambiguity, and your long-term vision. Asia and South America may both fall under the global ESL umbrella, but the experience on the ground couldn’t feel more different.

Entry Requirements & Visas

Asia

Asia tends to be more regulated when it comes to hiring foreign teachers. Most East Asian countries—like South Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan—require a bachelor’s degree, a clean criminal record, and citizenship from a handful of English-speaking countries. Many schools also expect TEFL certification.

Visa processes can be paperwork-heavy but usually lead to clearly defined employment with benefits. Southeast Asia offers more wiggle room. In Cambodia or parts of Vietnam, for example, it’s possible to teach without a degree, especially if you’re already in-country and willing to work at smaller schools or language centers.

South America

South America, by contrast, is far more flexible. While legal work visas exist, many teachers enter on tourist visas and either work under the table or regularize their status later. It’s not uncommon to start teaching before signing any kind of formal contract.

A bachelor’s degree may be preferred at private schools or universities, but many positions don’t require it. Speaking Spanish or Portuguese isn’t essential, but it definitely helps when navigating interviews, housing, or daily errands. In some countries, like Argentina or Peru, being able to communicate in the local language can make or break your experience.

Salaries, Benefits & Cost of Living

Asia

In much of Asia—especially South Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan—English teachers can expect relatively high salaries, often paired with additional perks like free housing, end-of-contract bonuses, paid airfare, and health insurance. While the workload can be demanding, the compensation makes it possible to save a substantial amount or fund travel between contracts.

Even in Southeast Asia, where salaries are lower, the cost of living is so affordable that you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Countries like Vietnam and Thailand offer vibrant cities, cheap yet delicious food, and modern amenities at a fraction of Western prices.

South America

Salaries in South America are typically much lower—often just enough to cover daily expenses, rent, and the occasional weekend trip. Benefits like housing or airfare are rare. Contracts can be flexible, but also unpredictable.

The trade-off is an extremely affordable cost of living in most countries. Teachers in places like Bolivia, Colombia, or Peru often live well on a local salary, especially if they avoid high-tourist areas. You won’t be saving much, but the experience and lifestyle might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Teaching Jobs & Demand

Asia

Asia continues to be one of the most consistent and accessible job markets for English teachers. In countries like China and South Korea, there’s high demand for teachers across private language centers, public schools, kindergartens, and universities. These systems are well-organized, with year-round hiring, online interviews, and support from recruiters or government programs.

Teaching roles come with defined responsibilities and often a set curriculum. If you want predictability, job stability, and a clear career progression, Asia ticks all the boxes.

South America

South America’s ESL job market is much more informal and relationship-based. While demand exists—especially in urban hubs like Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Medellín—it’s often filled by people already on the ground. Walking into language centers with your CV, asking around in Facebook groups, or networking through expats is often how people land jobs.

Many schools prioritize personality and availability over credentials. It’s a good match for teachers who enjoy spontaneity and don’t need rigid structures to feel comfortable.

Teaching Style & Classroom Culture

Asia

Classroom culture in Asia tends to be formal and hierarchical. Teachers are seen as authority figures, and lessons often revolve around structured activities, test preparation, and repetition. Large class sizes are common, particularly in public schools, which means the focus is often on control and efficiency rather than creativity or discussion.

While this structure may feel rigid to some, it can be ideal for teachers who like consistency, well-defined expectations, and a respectful classroom dynamic. That said, students are often shy at first and need encouragement to speak up or express themselves freely.

South America

Teaching in South America leans more toward relationship-building and communication. Classes are usually smaller, and the style is interactive—teachers often have the freedom to create their own materials and adjust to students' interests or needs.

Students in this region are typically expressive and motivated, especially adults who are learning English for career growth, tourism, or education. There's often a lively energy in the classroom, and humor and cultural exchange play a big role in day-to-day teaching.

Daily Life & Cultural Immersion

Asia

Living in Asia is often an exhilarating mix of tradition and rapid modernization. Cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Taipei offer incredible public transportation, late-night dining, high-tech convenience, and rich historical depth. While the cultural gap can be wide—especially when it comes to language, social norms, and bureaucracy—the sense of adventure is strong.

For those open to adapting, the rewards are deep: festivals, regional travel, cuisine, and immersive language experiences. It may take longer to truly “belong,” but once you break through, the experience is unforgettable.

South America

Daily life in South America is all about connection. Whether it's chatting with neighbors, joining a weekend barbecue, or dancing at a local celebration, community is central. Spanish (or Portuguese in Brazil) goes a long way—learning the language not only makes life easier but also helps you build real friendships quickly.

While infrastructure can vary, especially in smaller towns, most teachers appreciate the slower rhythm, emphasis on joy, and ease of integrating into local life. It’s a region where you’re invited in, not just observed.

Travel & Exploration

Asia

Asia offers immense travel variety, from the rice terraces of Vietnam to the neon streets of Tokyo. Domestic travel is often smooth—especially in East Asia, where bullet trains, metro systems, and budget airlines make exploring convenient and efficient.

However, international travel between Asian countries can be more expensive or time-consuming than expected. Still, with enough planning, you can string together temple visits in Thailand, hiking in Taiwan, or food adventures in South Korea. It's perfect for travelers who want cultural depth, contrast, and a mix of ancient and modern.

South America

Traveling in South America feels like a rolling adventure. From the salt flats of Bolivia to Colombia’s coffee towns, and the glaciers of Patagonia to the beaches of Brazil, there’s a strong sense of journey and discovery. Overland routes—especially by bus—are reliable and budget-friendly, ideal for slow travelers or those who want to experience the land between destinations.

Border-crossings can be informal but manageable, and once you pick up Spanish or Portuguese, it’s easy to find your way. Backpackers, road-trippers, and nature lovers will feel especially at home.

Residency & Long-Term Options

Asia

Settling down in Asia long-term can be challenging. Most teaching visas are tied directly to employment, and switching jobs or renewing visas may involve jumping through hoops. Permanent residency or citizenship is rarely granted and often requires years of residency, high income thresholds, or marriage.

That said, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan offer some legal pathways for teachers who stay long enough—but expect bureaucracy and long timelines. Asia is great for short-to-mid-term stays, but less so for permanent relocation unless you’re highly committed.

South America

South America is far more welcoming to foreigners who want to stay long-term. Many countries offer temporary residency after just a year or two of legal work or study. In places like Argentina or Colombia, it’s possible to transition from a tourist visa to temporary residency, and even citizenship, with relative ease.

Several countries also offer freelancer or retirement visas, and long-term integration is culturally embraced—especially if you speak the language. If you’re dreaming of a more permanent move abroad, South America is one of the easier regions to make that happen.

Who Each Region Is Best For

Asia

Asia is a strong fit for teachers looking for stability, growth, and a clear career path. If you're just starting out, need to save money, or want a teaching contract that includes housing and a work visa, Asia’s structured environment makes it easier to dive in with confidence. The pace can be fast, and expectations are high—but so is the professional payoff.

It’s also perfect for people who thrive in modern megacities, appreciate efficiency, or want to challenge themselves in a completely different culture. If you value routine, job security, and long-term planning, Asia delivers.

South America

South America attracts those who prioritize experience over earnings. It’s best suited for teachers with a passion for people, language, and community-based living. If you're comfortable being flexible, love spontaneous connections, and want to immerse in Spanish or Portuguese, this region offers some of the richest cultural rewards.

It’s especially appealing for travelers who don’t mind figuring things out as they go—those who enjoy adapting, being present, and living life with less rush and more warmth.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Asia and South America isn’t just a question of income or location—it’s about what kind of journey you want. Asia offers structure, speed, and the potential to save while exploring the future-focused corners of the world. South America gives you color, rhythm, and the chance to build meaningful relationships in places where life unfolds slowly and socially.

Both paths offer growth, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Start with where your heart—and your goals—are pointing.