Teaching English: Rest of the World

While Asia usually attracts the most people for ESL jobs, there are many other parts of the world that offer English speakers good work opportunities. We went more in depth with Asia because of its “hub” status but here is a quick overview for other parts of the world:

Europe
Finding a job in Europe can be extremely difficult because of stiff visa rules. Visa rules require EU countries to try to find people within the union before hiring outside of it. This usually means only UK citizens tend to get hired. If you are extremely qualified, you can find a job, especially at the international school. However, in the teaching field, there is usually a shortage of teachers so it is not impossible to find jobs. It just takes a bit longer and a few more hoops to jump through.

Due to high taxes and low salaries, teaching in Europe is not where you fill make it rich. Salaries are much higher is Western Europe though jobs are a bit more in demand in Eastern Europe. The benefit to working in Europe is that you are in Europe. It’s location makes it great to travel around and visit different cultures. Unlike Asia, you won’t walk away with a huge savings.

The Middle East
The rapid growth of this area has lead to a huge demand for English teachers. All the countries want English teachers and are willing to pay for it. Salaries in the Middle East are very high and teachers can earn up to $60,000 per year all tax free. As an added benefit, all the benefits you normally see in Asia are also included.

Though teaching jobs are abundant, don’t expect to walk in with just a university degree. Schools and governments here want experienced, licensed teachers who are qualified to teach the subject they were hired for. They aren’t looking to hire young backpackers who want to make a few bucks. Thus, teachers here tend to be older (30s), more settled, and more family oriented. You won’t find the crazy, young, ex-pat teacher scene here like you would in Asia.

Living in these countries is not cheap either. You’ll need a car, and since most everything is imported, your food and goods will be expensive. But given the large amount of money you make, you will be able to afford all these things and if you are frugal will be able to save most of your salary, especially since housing is usually covered. This part of the world is better suited for those looking for an older crowd, couples, or someone more settled down in life.

Central Asia
Jobs in Central Asia tend to pay very little. Moreover, standards of living in this area are very low. There are problems with transportation, roads, technology- you name it. While many of the cities have plenty of modern amenities, much of central Asia lives an agrarian lifestyle and you will probably long for many of the comforts of home.

Additionally, you won’t find any benefits here. There’s no housing bonus, no paid airfare- nada. Sometimes you find a job with a completion bonus but since most of these schools, especially language schools, are so cash strapped, they simply can’t afford to give you these.

However, you aren’t going here to be rich and live in luxury but to immerse yourself in a different culture. People here are extremely friendly and usually happy to show you their part of the world. The land is rugged and beautiful, there are few tourists and life is simple. You won’t be monetarily rich bu you’ll be culturally rich.

Latin America
Teaching in Latin America is a cultural rich but momentarily poor experience. Salaries in Central America rarely tend to be high than about $700 US dollars a month, with South America not much better.

Some of the schools here prefer someone with a TEFL degree or experience but, typically, as long as you speak English, you’ll be hired. The international or private schools here pay the most. Public schools pay nothing all across the board. Many of the rich families will hire you to tutor on the side and that’s where the real money is.

When working with the younger kids it helps to know a little bit of Spanish but classes are all taught in English for older students. Working conditions tend to be pretty good and, while problems can occur, employers are pretty good about honoring contracts.