Asia is the most popular destination for newly-qualified TEFL teachers. Itβs not surprising really; there is a plethora of jobs available and Asian hospitality is world-class. Many countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam offer a very low cost of living and an amazingly intoxicating array of cultural experiences to be remembered for as long as you live. Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore are more expensive to live in but the higher salaries tend to reflect this.
Most countries require a degree and a TEFL certificate although it is still very easy to find low-paid work without such qualifications in Thailand and Cambodia simply by knocking on doors and handing out copies of your CV. Needless to say, better-paying positions require 2 or 3 years of teaching experience. Privately-run language institutes advertise positions frequently and are the usual employers for first-year ESL teachers. Contracts with language institutes often include travel allowance for flights from/to the teacherβs country of origin.
The demand for teaching English in Korea and China is, quite simply, insatiable so there are a vast number of opportunities in those countries. In total contrast, it is incredibly difficult to find remotely well-paid positions in the Philippines unless you have a Master’s degree. This is because the locals speak wonderful English already!
Southeast Asian nations are wonderful places to teach, with eager and well-mannered students keen to learn and chat. However, bear in mind that corruption is common in certain countries in the region and sometimes it seems that the emphasis in the business of education is on the appearance of success and accomplishment rather than genuine progress! That said, itβs incredibly easy to just go with the flow and enjoy yourself surrounded by some of the warmest, most humble, polite, and gentle people in the world.
Locations and Salary
| Country | Main Cities/Areas | Salary Range (USD/month) |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | $500 – $2000 |
| Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan | $1500 – $3000 |
| Cambodia | Phnom Penh, Siem Reap | $800 – $1500 |
| China | All Major Cities | $1000 – $2500 |
| Hong Kong | Territory-wide | $1500 – $5000 |
| India | Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata | $500 – $2,000 |
| Indonesia | Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Surabaya, Medan | $1000 – $2500 |
| Japan | All major cities and towns | $2000 – $4000 |
| Kazakhstan | Almaty, Astana | $1500 – $2200 |
| Korea | All Major Cities | $1800 – $3000 |
| Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek | $800 – $1300 |
| Laos | Vientiane | $800 – $1500 |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysian peninsula | $1000 – $3500 |
| Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | $800 – $2000 |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay | $1200 – $1800 |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | $500 – $1000 |
| Pakistan | Karachi, Lahore | $500 – $1000 |
| Philippines | Manila, Baguio, Cebu | $800 – $2500 |
| Singapore | Throughout the island | $1500 – $4000 |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | $500 – $2000 |
| Taiwan | All Major Cities | $1300 – $3000 |
| Tajikistan | Dushanbe | $600 – $1000 |
| Thailand | Bangkok, Surat Thani and throughout the country | $750 – $2000 |
| Vietnam | Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong | $1200 – $2500 |
Typical Job Requirements
| Country | Degree? | TEFL Certification? | Experience? |
| Bangladesh | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Brunei | Yes | Yes | 2-3 Years |
| Cambodia | No | Yes | No |
| China | No | Yes | No |
| Hong Kong | No | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| India | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Indonesia | Yes (preferably in English or Education) | Yes | No |
| Japan | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Kazakhstan | Yes | Yes | No |
| Korea | Yes | Yes | No |
| Kyrgyzstan | Yes | Yes | No |
| Laos | No | Yes | No |
| Malaysia | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Mongolia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Nepal | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Pakistan | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Philippines | Masters | Yes | 2-3 Years |
| Singapore | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Sri Lanka | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Taiwan | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
| Tajikistan | No | Yes | No |
| Thailand | No | Yes | No |
| Vietnam | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |