Private Teacher Pay

Italy is traditionally one of the most popular locations in Europe for teaching English abroad as there are always plenty of jobs available across the country. Every year thousands of foreign teachers are drawn here by a fabulous mix of culture, cuisine, art, history, and fashion. However, due to its popularity competition for jobs can be quite fierce, particularly in the most sought after locations such as Florence and Venice. Teachers with qualifications and plenty of experience are likely to have the pick of the jobs in these areas, while those with little or no experience might find more options in one of the big cities like Rome or Milan. The typical salary for ESL teachers in Italy varies considerably depending on the employer and the location, but you can reasonably expect to...  [Read more]

Although Europe is one of the most popular destinations with TEFL qualified teachers, it is not generally the best region for earning big salaries. However, if you dream of living and working in a country such as France, Italy, Spain, or Greece, you should still be able to earn enough to live a comfortable lifestyle. The amount you can earn will vary considerably depending on your previous classroom experience, level of qualifications, the location you choose, and the type of employer. Salaries start at around 700 euro per month, rising to 1,800 for higher end positions. Teachers who are paid by the hour can expect a rate of around 18 to 20 euro. The majority of teaching jobs in Spain do not include extra benefits that are common in many other popular destinations, such as paid airfare...  [Read more]

Until recently, Colombia was famous for its high profile drug barons and very public acts of gang violence, however, things have changed dramatically in the last few years. Today, Colombia is a peaceful country with a rapidly growing tourism industry that is being held back by a lack of English speakers rather than violence on the streets. This exotic destination offers a great deal of adventure, but it is recommended that you head there soon before everyone finds out about it. Although average salaries are not especially high at between $700 and $1,000 USD per month, teachers can still live very good lifestyles as the cost of living is relatively low. Jobs in private schools typically pay the best salaries, as well as extra benefits such as a housing stipend and health insurance. Hourly...  [Read more]

As it is one of the most visited countries in the world, Spain has a huge tourism industry that has a continually high demand for English language teachers. There are hundreds of privately run language schools located across the country that hire year-round, as well as government sponsored programs that place teachers into the public school system. The majority of positions can be found in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, although opportunities can be found in virtually every city, town, and beach resort in the country. The amount you can earn will vary considerably depending on your previous classroom experience, level of qualifications, the location you choose, and the type of employer. Salaries start at around ?700 per month, rising to ?1,800 for higher end...  [Read more]

Every year over 80 million people visit France making it the most popular tourist destination in the world. ESL teachers also flock here in large numbers due to the country's wide array of attractions, from culture, history, and art, to fine cuisine and beautiful scenery. Demand for teachers is high in many parts of the country, although competition for the best positions is particularly strong in the most popular destinations such as Paris and the French Riviera. Teachers with plenty of experience will certainly have an advantage in these areas, while first time teachers may need to be more flexible when it comes to location. The figure you can expect to earn as an ESL teacher in France will vary considerably depending on your qualifications and experience, the location, and the type...  [Read more]

Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, with miles of unspoilt beaches, a warm Mediterranean climate and some of the best cuisine in the region. The country’s booming tourism industry is one of the main reasons why there is a strong demand for English language teachers as knowledge of English is necessary to find work in what is Portugal’s biggest job sector. Unfortunately, Portugal’s economy is currently quite weak so teacher’s salaries are not particularly high. However, it is the local lifestyle that attracts people to this corner of Europe rather than the pay scale. If you want to teach English in Portugal in any type of school you will need a university degree and a TEFL/TESOL qualification. Most employers also expect at least one years teaching...  [Read more]

There are many different reasons why people choose to teach English abroad and the chance to earn good money is certainly one of them. How much you can realistically expect to earn is largely dependent on where in the world you choose to teach. The highest salaries are generally found in the Middle East and East Asia regions where teachers can typically live well and still save a considerable sum each month. In Europe and Latin America it is harder to save money, but you should still earn enough to live comfortably. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month, which...  [Read more]

As it is one of the few countries in the world that overlaps two different continents, Turkey has long been a popular destination for international travelers. Due to a steadily growing demand for the English language across much of the country, it is now also an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad. Job opportunities can be found in many parts of the country, but the big markets for ESL teachers are located in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Technically a degree in any subject is required for all teaching jobs; however, there are often not enough teachers to fill vacant positions so a TEFL certificate is sufficient for many employers. The monthly salary you can expect when teaching English as a foreign language in Turkey will vary from around $800 to $1,800 USD per...  [Read more]

The vast majority of teachers who work in South Korea are employed by either a government run public school or a private language school known as a hagwon. Both types of employer offer good salaries and other benefits but there are a few differences that might sway your decision either way. Most public and private school positions are filled in advance, meaning you will apply and interview for the job before you leave your home country. The hiring process for public schools generally follows a set timetable that includes two regular start dates. Online applications begin in April for start dates in August/September, and in October for start dates in February/March. A large number of teachers in public schools are hired through government recruitment programs such as EPIK (English...  [Read more]

Due to a rapid increase in job numbers and fewer restrictions on who can legally work as a teacher, the Eastern European region is now beginning to catch Western Europe in terms of popularity. Typically, the balance between income and cost of living means that many teachers find they are better off financially in a country such as the Czech Republic than they are working in a traditional teaching hotspot such as Italy. The monthly income of foreign teachers in Russia varies hugely depending on many different factors such as location, qualifications, experience, and number of contracted hours. Private language schools generally pay an hourly rate which averages around $650 per month for a first-time teacher. This figure can rise substantially with relevant experience. Many positions...  [Read more]

Turkey is famous as a crossroads between Europe and Asia and it is fast becoming known for its booming market for foreign English language teachers. Demand is very high in all the big cities and tourist resorts as English language skills are becoming more and more important in many fields of employment. It is no exaggeration to say that Turkey offers more opportunities for TEFL qualified teachers than any other country in the region. Although it is possible to find a teaching job with no qualifications, these positions are likely to be with less than reputable employers who pay at the bottom end of the local scale. Most good teaching jobs will require a TEFL/TESOL certification, while some may also ask for a degree and/or previous experience. It is worth noting that many employers prefer...  [Read more]

With a very convenient location right in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia offers plenty of options for TEFL certified teachers. It is not yet on the radar of many teachers looking to live and work in Europe, but it should certainly be considered as it is a modern and progressive country that is rapidly developing. In its current form, Slovakia is a very young nation, but its overall history goes back centuries. Across the country you will find ancient castles, medieval fortresses, and a rich cultural heritage. Since joining the EU, the country has seen a rapid rise in the number of English language students, so if you are looking for a peaceful and safe country that is a little off the beaten path, why not look at Slovakia? Salaries in Slovakia are not large by European standards,...  [Read more]

How much you can expect to earn teaching English in Latin America will vary depending on the country you choose, your specific location within that country, and the individual employer. However, teachers typically earn enough to live a comfortable, middle class lifestyle. You can expect your income to cover all your daily expenses and have enough to enjoy a good social life, although you are unlikely to be able to save much during your stay. As is the case in much of Latin America, teachers generally don't come to Costa Rica purely to make money. The average salary is considerably less than you will find in other more lucrative regions such as Asia and the Middle East, at around $600 to $1,000 per month. Your earning potential will increase considerably if you have a degree, TEFL...  [Read more]

It is no secret within the TEFL world that South Korea is one of the most popular countries for foreign teachers due to the huge number of jobs available every year and the higher than average salaries offered by schools who need to fill their vacant positions. Working conditions are generally very good and the facilities and infrastructure throughout this modern and high-tech nation are as good as any in the region. Crime rates are very low by western standards and the excellent public transport network means that teachers are able to explore all parts of this fascinating country, culture, and people whenever they have time away from the classroom. The actual figure you will see on your monthly payslip will depend on several things including the type of school you work in, your level of...  [Read more]

Due to a government backed scheme to improve English language proficiency across the country, Vietnam has seen a boom in ESL teaching jobs in recent years. As well as having plenty of teaching positions, Vietnam also offers a great mix of cosmopolitan cities, laidback beach resorts, and lush tropical countryside. The relaxed way of life is another reason why an increasing number of teachers are deciding to move here, particularly those who are used to working in other Asian countries with a more strict approach to life and work such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much in its favour it is no surprise that Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad. The average salary for ESL teachers in Vietnam is around $1,000 USD...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic has been a popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years as it offers a unique cultural experience, a low cost of living, and a very healthy job market. Prague is the most popular destination, boasting an eclectic mix of architecture and a fascinating history that draws huge numbers of tourists from around the world every year. The city also has one of the largest demands for ESL teachers in the whole of Europe. Cities such as Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, and Plzen, which is world famous as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, are also popular locations. As there is a huge number of employers across the country offering a wide range of positions, the average salary can be anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$700 to $1,200) per month. Many private...  [Read more]

If you are looking for a region that has a huge job market for TEFL qualified teachers and you want to earn a good salary that allows you to save a considerable sum of money, look no further than East Asia. Jobs are abundant and the potential earnings are very high in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. As with any destination, the salaries on offer vary considerably depending on experience, qualifications, location, and type of employment. As a guide you should expect to earn somewhere between 200,000 and 600,000 yen (currently $2,000 to $6,000) per month. If the job pays by the hour then a figure of around 2,500 yen ($25) per hour would be typical. In addition to a basic salary, most positions will also include added benefits, such as paid airfares, housing,...  [Read more]

Thailand has been a very popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years, and its' popularity is unlikely to fade in the foreseeable future. A large number of teaching positions can always be found in the bustling capital Bangkok, while other popular spots such as the northern city of Chiang Mai, the tropical island of Phuket, and the colorful resort of Pattaya also have a significant demand for foreign teachers. Whether you are a first time teacher looking for valuable classroom experience, or highly qualified and looking for a slower pace of life, Thailand could be the right choice for you. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), also known as teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), is a rewarding profession that needs commitment and love. Luckily, you also won't have to sacrifice a good salary! We are sure you are curious about what type of teachers earn the most when teaching abroad, so let's have a look. The simple answer is your potential salary often depends on three main factors: your qualifications, the country you teach in, and the type of school you work for. The fact is, TEFL and TESOL certified teachers earn higher salaries compared to teachers without a certificate. Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates are among the top-paying countries in the world to teach English, with salaries ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 USD a month....  [Read more]

It is important to appreciate that higher salaries are made available to attract the best teaching candidates. What each country considers best does depend on the country, but there are some common factors regarding qualifications and experience when it comes to securing the top paying jobs. In general you need to be a native English speaker, have a degree, usually in education or a related field, and a minimum of a TEFL certificate (though often higher, such as a Diploma in TESOL). You will often see that a minimum of two years teaching experience is also needed. If you have all the above, you have a good chance of gaining employment in the first five of our top ten below. With some of them, you may be able to gain employment in the other five. Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]

Because of its proximity to the United States, there are a very large number of TEFL Jobs in Mexico. Practically every city and town are in need of native English speaking instructors, so teachers with a good TEFL certificate should be able to choose their preferred location and find a TEFL Job in Mexico. The demand for teachers to teach business English in the largest cities is high, and those with experience in business or teaching business English will find it even easier to find a good job. For the most part, a university degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate from a four-week, internationally recognized course are required to secure a decent TEFL job in Mexico. Some larger language schools are willing to hire teachers with only a TEFL certificate. At the other end of the spectrum,...  [Read more]

Known throughout the world as a prime destination for ecotourism, Costa Rica is also one of the top locations in the region for ESL teaching. Across the country there are always plenty of opportunities for teachers whether you have years of experience or are looking for your first teaching role. One of the main attractions for many teachers is that a university degree is often not a requirement when looking for work. Teaching positions can be found in most parts of the country; however, the vast majority are located in the Central Valley area and in particular the capital San Jose. As is the case in much of Latin America, teachers generally don't come to Costa Rica purely to make money. The average salary is considerably less than you will find in other more lucrative regions such as...  [Read more]

From Mediterranean beach resorts in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south, the extraordinary continent of Africa has plenty of great opportunities for ESL teachers who are willing to seek them out. However, teaching positions in this part of the world are not as numerous or as widespread as in many other regions, so you might need to be flexible regarding your expectations and patience will almost certainly be required. The largest numbers of ESL teaching positions in Africa that pay a reasonable salary are generally found in North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. In these countries you will find a strong demand for teachers in a range of schools, although the bulk of demand is from private language academies. Private tutoring is also a good option in...  [Read more]

Central and Eastern Europe’s demand for TESOL teachers varies from “high” to “very high”. The region has seen profound improvement in terms of both its economy and its infrastructure. Pay rates are good and work conditions are too. With a well-recognized TESOL certificate in hand, such as that offered by ITTT, you should have no problem finding a job in countries such as Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia and others. As summer lets out every year throughout the region, you’re best time to find employment in primary and secondary schools is most likely July and August. However, if you’re hoping to work in one of the many private language centers that can be found in nearly every urban area, there is no specific time frame for finding work. Employers will routinely have vacancies open...  [Read more]

Although the average salary for EFL teachers in Southeast Asia is significantly less than that of some other countries across the continent, the region still draws a large number of teachers to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While you might struggle to save a great deal of your earnings during your stay, you should still be able to live comfortably in your country of choice. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month, which should be enough to cover general living expenses, but is unlikely to leave much in the way of savings. Teachers with a high...  [Read more]

Although countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar often hog the limelight when it comes to teaching English in the Middle East, Oman is another that you should certainly consider. With thousands of kilometers of pristine coastline, a wide expanse of desert and mountain ranges to explore, and a more laid-back atmosphere than many of its neighbors, there is much to recommend about Oman. The people are warm and friendly and there are plenty of well paid jobs waiting to be filled. If you are a fully qualified teacher working in a local school you can expect to earn around $2,000 to $3,000 USD per month, tax-free. TEFL qualified teachers generally start on around $1,000 to $2,000 per month depending on the employer and your level of experience. Many jobs in Oman also include free...  [Read more]

Although most Russians study English during their senior school years the level of instruction is often poor. Because of this many people look to improve their language skills once they join the workforce as a way of moving up the employment ladder. An increasing number of parents also recognize the importance of English language skills in modern day Russia. As a result there is a huge demand for English language teachers across all age ranges in many parts of the country. Moscow and St. Petersburg offer the most numerous positions but there are also plenty of other towns and cities to consider if you want to stay off the beaten track. The monthly income of foreign teachers in Russia varies hugely depending on many different factors such as location, qualifications, experience, and...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic is probably the favorite Eastern European country in which to teach English. TEFL jobs in the Czech Republic are quite easy to find, and the pay rates, though not high compared to TEFL jobs in some Asian or Middle Eastern countries, still offer the means for a quite comfortable lifestyle. If you have a well recognized TEFL certificate, you should not have difficulty securing a position in the Czech Republic. TEFL jobs are available throughout the year in the Czech Republic. This is particularly the case in Prague. Language schools in this country prefer to see you in person before offering you a job. Although its true that many schools do post their jobs on TEFL websites and other places on the internet, it’s best to show up in person, up-to-date resume in hand and...  [Read more]

Poland has a huge demand for ESL teachers in many parts of the country making it an ideal destination for first-time teachers looking to gain valuable classroom experience. As Poland is a member of the EU it is very easy for other EU nationals to simply turn up in their city of choice and quickly find work as there are no visa restrictions. While it is not impossible for non-EU citizens to acquire a work permit from within the country, it is often more convenient to secure a position via an online job site and then apply for the appropriate visa from a Polish Consulate within your own country. Jobs can be found in almost every part of the country; however, major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, and Wroclaw offer the most numerous options. Although teaching jobs are plentiful across...  [Read more]

Since joining the European Union, the demand for qualified TEFL teachers has steadily grown in Hungary. Today you will find plenty of jobs available at all age levels and with all types of employers. Native English speakers are particularly sought after, but non-native speakers who are fluent in English will still find opportunities in many parts of the country. The largest markets for foreign teachers in Hungary are in the bigger cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, Szolnok, and Szeged. The average monthly salary for English language teachers in Hungary is between $700 and $900 USD, although this can be higher at college or university level. Most jobs require around 20 to 25 hours of teaching per week which also allows many teachers to supplement their main income by taking on...  [Read more]