Teaching Hot Spots

SOUTH AMERICA - PERU, ECUADOR, ARGENTINA, CHILE

South America abounds with teaching opportunities and adventure. These developing economies provide a job-rich environment that is very welcoming to both inexperienced teachers and those who have been teaching for awhile. In countries like Chile, Brazil, and Argentina salaries are relatively good; but even in Peru, Columbia, and Ecuador salaries provide a reasonable living due to very low costs in these countries. South America was once the backpacker’s dream spot for ‘teach and travel’, however more recently the field has begun professionalizing itself.

CENTRAL AMERICA – COSTA RICA, GUATEMALA, NICURAGUA

Warm tropical weather makes this area a great destination. Some of these countries are still war-torn or have suffered severe hurricanes, but overall teaching opportunities are numerous, especially in private language institutes, public and private schools, and the business sector.

EASTERN EUROPE – POLAND, HUNGARY, BULGARIA, CROATIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, ALL EX-SOVIET STATES

Still recovering from years under communist rule, but now coming into their own as they enter the European Union, many of these countries are playing ‘catch-up’ in terms of English language skills – critical for their new place on the world stage. Salaries are far lower than Western Europe, though still very liveable

ASIA – SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN, TAIWAN, CHINA, THAILAND

Asia provides the greatest number of teaching opportunities compared to anywhere else in the world, as demand for English teachers is far greater than supply. In countries like South Korea and Japan, salaries and benefits are very good; Thailand and China are also quickly becoming well-paying destinations too.

MIDDLE EAST – SAUDI ARABIA, KUWAIT, DUBAI

There is very strong demand in these countries for English teachers, and salaries and benefits are ‘rich’ – this is the highest paying region in the world. Culture shock and loneliness can be a big factor to consider. As well, these countries only hire MALE teachers.

WESTERN EUROPE – UK, AND THE REST OF THE EU

There are a number of very good jobs to be found throughout Europe, though the industry here does not have the same ‘teach and travel’ feel that much of the rest of the world does. Teaching positions are more traditional and nowhere near as transient, though summer teaching in the UK is always in high demand. Salaries are generally good, though cost of living is higher. Non-EU citizens will sometimes struggle to get work visas.

NORTH AMERICA – U.S., MEXICO, CANADA

There is a large number of private language institutes and bi-lingual school programs throughout the U.S. and Canada that hire qualified ESL teachers, though a Bachelor’s Degree is also often required. In Mexico, due to its proximity to the U.S. the demand for English is very strong, and there are a large number of teaching positions in schools, universities, private language institutes, and in the business sector.