Best Countries to Teach English Abroad in 2025 (And How to Start)
Thinking about teaching English abroad in 2025? If you want to travel, gain experience, or take a break from your current path, getting TEFL certified is a pretty solid way to do it.
You don’t need teaching experience. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need the right training, a good attitude, and a bit of flexibility. That’s what makes TEFL such a good option especially if you’re not sure what’s next.
In this guide, I’ll break down:
- The best places to teach English in 2025
- What to expect from each country
- How to start your TEFL career
- What to do if you don’t have a degree
- How to use real data (not just guesses) to plan your move
- And a few things I wish someone had told me earlier
Thailand - Best Overall Pick
- The cost of living is low (especially outside Bangkok)
- It’s HOT, sunny, friendly, and relatively easy to navigate
- There are thousands of teaching jobs each year
- You don’t need a degree for some jobs, if you’re TEFL certified
Some people start in Bangkok or Chiang Mai and then move out to more rural schools once they’re placed. If you do your TEFL course in Bangkok, you’ll already have job contacts by the time the course ends. That’s a huge plus.
Vietnam - Growing Fast, Pays Well
- Decent pay ($1,200–$2,000/month)
- Cheap rent and amazing food
- Easy to save money
Spain - Lifestyle Over Salary
Spain is perfect for relaxed living, great food, and cultural immersion. Most jobs are in private academies or assistant programs.
China - Best for Saving
- Up to $3,000/month
- Free housing and flight reimbursements
- Modern classrooms and structured systems
How to Start Your TEFL Career
Step 1: Get Certified
You can do this online, but it’s better in-person, especially if you plan to work in a real school with real students.
Step 2: Use Job Placement Support
Don’t just get a certificate get job support. That’s built into our program.
Step 3: Apply Early
Start your course at least 1 to 2 months before you want to begin working. That leaves time for interviews, visa paperwork, and planning.
What If You Don’t Have a Degree?
You can still teach! Thailand and Vietnam both accept non-degree holders with a TEFL certificate.
Get the Most for Your Money You Earn
| Country | Best For | Salary (USD/month) | Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Subject teachers | $1,300–$2,000 | Light |
| Vietnam | Saving & growth | $1,200–$2,000 | Medium |
| Spain | Lifestyle & EU access | $1,300–$1,800 | Light |
| China | High earnings | $2,000–$3,500 | Structured |
Real Tools for Real Research
- Numbeo - Compare cost of living by country
- Google Trends - Check seasonal job search spikes
- Reddit - Real discussions from TEFL teachers
- Glassdoor - Salaries and job reviews
- Ubersuggest - Current keyword research
What TEFL Adds to Your Résumé
Even a year of teaching shows employers you're adaptable, confident, and skilled with communication and leadership.
What Life Looks Like Abroad
You won’t be rich overnight, but you’ll live well—cheaper rent, affordable travel, and a slower pace of life in most Asian countries.
Here’s the deal
Teaching English abroad can change your life. It’s not just a job it’s a way to travel, grow, and find your next life changing experience.