Asia is one of the most popular teaching destinations in the world and it is easy to see why. With friendly people, tasty food, incredible locations, beaches and also lots of jobs for foreigners. View our guide with information about getting TEFL certified and top tips for getting a job teaching English in Asia.
Featured Opportunities
Top Reasons to Teach in Asia
• Huge demand for EFL teachers across the continent
• Some of the highest salaries in the world
• Attractive packages and low costs of livings
• Friendly respectful people and students
• Fascinating cultures
• Tasty food
• Diverse destinations from modern high tech cities to islands with beautiful beaches
Best Places to Work
These are some of the most popular countries to work as an English teacher in Asia:
• Cambodia
• China
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam
Other Countries to consider:
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, East Timor, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
TEFL Courses in Asia
If you don’t already have a TEFL qualification taking a course on Asia can be really beneficial. You will get to integrate into a new destination, meet other people, pick up tips and also some course providers even offer job placements on completion of a course. You can find and book certifications throughout the continent.
TEFL Jobs in Asia
Asia has one of the hottest teaching job markets in the world with thousands of positions advertised annually with international schools and language schools. There are so many diverse locations you can work, from modern bustling cities to relaxing beaches and islands. Some countries have some of the highest salaries in the world whilst some recruiters offer attractive packages include accommodation and free flights.
Asia is the best place to be an ESL teacher. The pay here is high, the demand is high, and you receive a lot of benefits. The English teachers that come here are usually young, single, and looking to have a good time. Getting a teaching job is very easy here and since you don’t need a lot of experience, you tend to get a lot of recent graduates. however, you also have a lot of older males who come here for the Asian women and stay long term as well as a lot of teachers in international schools who have been recruited from abroad.
Ex-pat life in Asia is quite interesting and fast paced. The large number of people, the youthful spirit of those that come here, the fast pace, and the high pay, make it a sort of high rolling place for English teachers. There is always something to do and it’s very hard to get bored (unless you are teaching in very remote and rural cities). We think you will love teaching in Asia and most people who come here stay longer than expected.
You will find a lot of different communities here in which you can make friends. Asia is a really fast paced and exciting place. Everywhere is markedly different than the west and I am constantly amazed by this place. Everywhere hires first year teaches and you won’t have a problem finding a job here. If you are looking for a place where you can also have a “wild time” then consider Thailand, South Korea, and Beijing. If you have more experience and are looking to work in a good international school, all major cities have great international schools, particularly Bangkok and Hong Kong. For those with a family or looking for something a bit tamer, consider Singapore.
Salaries and Benefits
When you teach in Asia, you will generally get the following benefits package:
• High monthly wage
• Return airfare
• Subsidized or free housing
• Paid vacation
• 4 weeks sick leave and vacation leave
• One year completion bonus (usually equal to one month’s salary)