Top Places to Teach English

If the ability to live in a foreign country, earn decent money and travel on weekends and holidays sounds like a dream come true, you’re in luck. This nirvana does exist and it’s called teaching English in a foreign country. While requirements vary based on country and what type of school you’ll teach at, generally a bachelor’s degree from an English-speaking country is required, along with a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate. Some places have more perks — and time commitments —­ than others. Read on for a comparison between two major locations.

South Korea

South Korea’s draws are many. Typically, schools pay for a teacher’s airfare to the country and back home, along with an extra month of pay when the year-long contract is completed, and either provide accommodation or a housing stipend.

Teachers work at either public schools or private language academies and receive at least two weeks of paid vacation, though usually your school dictates when the time off can be taken. Because of Korea’s prime locale in Asia, it’s easy to explore countries like Japan, China or head to Southeast Asia during vacations or after your contract is completed. However, because of the recent surge in popularity, schools are becoming choosier about credentials

Central America

Teaching in Central American countries like Guatemala or El Salvador means plenty of jobs, as many places are eager to get teachers. Unfortunately, school jobs don’t always pay well and you might end up actually losing money instead of saving.

But while the immediate benefits aren’t as plush as South Korea, there are lots of upsides, too. You’ll likely have time to take on private tutoring students, particularly if you’re based in a large city. You’ll also be able to improve your Spanish and explore the region, particularly since teaching contracts can be negotiated for less than a year. If you’re looking for a way to make enough to get by, volunteer or use the opportunity as a springboard for traveling the area, Central America is a great region to cut your teaching teeth in.