Top 7 Places To Teach English in 2027

jasonnoon823
Aug 19
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Where to earn well, live well, and launch (or level up) your teaching adventure

If you're thinking about teaching English abroad in 2027, there has never been a better time. Countries around the world are expanding English programs, reopening recruitment channels, and increasing demand for qualified teachers — from university positions to private language schools to government-funded programs.

But with so many options, the big question becomes: Where should you go to teach ESL in 2027?

Whether you're chasing adventure, savings, career growth, or sunshine (or all four!), this guide breaks down the top seven destinations based on the things that actually matter: average salary, cost of living, living standards, required qualifications, and ease of getting hired.

Let's explore the best places to teach in 2027 — and help you choose the one that fits your lifestyle and goals.

1. South Korea — High Pay + Low Costs = Serious Savings

South Korea continues to dominate the ESL scene thanks to competitive salaries, housing benefits, and year-round hiring.

Average salary: $1,500–$2,500/month (often with housing included)
Cost of living: Moderate — rent typically covered, daily expenses manageable
Living standards: Excellent healthcare, fast transport, safe cities
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; TEFL preferred
Ease of hiring: High — especially through programs like EPIK and private hagwons
Best for: first-time teachers, people who want to save money, contract stability

2. Japan — Culture-Rich, Clean, and Highly Organized

If you want structure, culture, and a polished teaching environment, Japan is an ideal fit.

Average salary: $1,500–$3,000/month
Cost of living: Higher in big cities, but manageable on teacher salary
Living standards: Exceptional — clean, safe, world-class transport
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; TEFL helps
Ease of hiring: Moderate — programs like JET are competitive; eikaiwa schools hire year-round
Best for: culture-seekers, long-term career planners, teachers who value stability

3. Taiwan — Friendly, Affordable, and Teacher-Friendly

Taiwan is often overlooked — but teachers who go rarely want to leave.

Average salary: $2,000–$2,800/month
Cost of living: Lower than Japan and South Korea
Living standards: High quality healthcare, safe, welcoming
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree usually required
Ease of hiring: Good — both public and private schools recruit
Best for: teachers seeking a balanced lifestyle and supportive expat community

4. Vietnam — Low Costs and High Demand

Vietnam is booming, and the ESL market is expanding fast — especially in big cities.

Average salary: $1,100–$2,200/month
Cost of living: Very low — savings possible even on modest income
Living standards: Comfortable in major cities; excellent food and social scene
Qualifications: TEFL certificate often accepted; degree preferred
Ease of hiring: Very high — great for new teachers
Best for: new graduates, digital nomads, teachers seeking adventure and affordability

5. Spain — Lifestyle First, Teaching Second (In a Good Way!)

Spain offers sun-soaked living and a relaxed teaching culture — just don't expect huge earnings.

Average salary: €1,200–€1,800/month
Cost of living: Higher in Madrid/Barcelona; lower in Valencia and smaller cities
Living standards: Fantastic quality of life, healthcare, and travel access
Qualifications: TEFL commonly required; EU passport makes hiring easier
Ease of hiring: Moderate — many part-time roles, fewer full-time contracts
Best for: teachers prioritizing lifestyle, culture, and European travel

6. Czech Republic — Charming Cities & Central European Life

Prague remains one of Europe's most popular ESL hubs — especially for TEFL-certified teachers.

Average salary: $1,000–$1,500/month
Cost of living: Moderate — cheaper than Western Europe
Living standards: Safe, historic, great transport, vibrant expat scene
Qualifications: TEFL strongly preferred; degree helpful
Ease of hiring: Good in Prague; fewer jobs in smaller towns
Best for: teachers wanting European living without Western European prices

7. United Arab Emirates — Top-Tier Pay for Top-Tier Candidates

If your goal is to maximize earnings, the UAE leads the pack.

Average salary: $1,900–$5,400/month — often tax-free
Cost of living: High, but many contracts include housing
Living standards: Luxury lifestyle, modern infrastructure
Qualifications: Bachelor's + teaching certification + experience
Ease of hiring: Competitive — but worth it for qualified candidates
Best for: experienced teachers seeking high pay and excellent benefits

Wrapping up

Teaching English abroad in 2027 offers more pathways than ever — whether you're starting your teaching journey or taking your skills overseas for the first time.

Whichever country you choose, the key to a smooth transition is planning ahead: