Teaching abroad isn’t just a job – it’s a life-changing adventure. But with so many amazing teacher immigration options, finding out which foreign country is best for teachers can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in! We’ve explored and uncovered the top 10 best countries to immigrate to as a teacher to find exciting opportunities and supportive environments. Let’s turn your dream of teaching abroad into reality!
10 Best Countries to Immigrate to as a Teacher
All teachers want to know where the best place to move as a teacher is. That’s why we’ve made a list of the best places to be a teacher in the world:
South Korea
The country is popular for ESL teachers, with a high demand in public and private schools. Estimates suggest between 20,000 and 30,000 foreign teachers are employed across Korea. Immigrating as a teacher legally requires an E-2 teaching visa. The requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a clean criminal background check, and proof of English language proficiency (usually through a TEFL/TESOL certification). Teachers enjoy generous benefits packages, including competitive salaries, free housing (or a housing allowance), reimbursement for your flight to Korea, and a severance bonus upon completion of your contract.
Japan
Japan, with a deep respect for educators, is one of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher. The demand for foreign English teachers offers an estimated 10,000-15,000 positions available. You’ll need an Instructor visa, which requires a bachelor’s degree and, for some positions, demonstrated proficiency in Japanese. Plus, teaching experience is not always mandatory. Teachers in Japan benefit from competitive salaries, assistance with finding housing, transportation allowances, and a rich and unique culture.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has a huge demand for English teachers. It is one of the best countries for teachers to move to. Estimates suggest around 5,000-10,000 foreigners are working in the UAE as teachers. To start working, you’ll need a work visa sponsored by your employer. The process typically involves providing a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license. The best part is that your employer handles the visa application on your behalf. The UAE is known for its tax-free salaries, which often come along with housing, health insurance, and an annual flight home.
Spain
Spain is another one of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher. Many consider Spain the best country to immigrate to as a teacher in Europe. It offers a vibrant and relaxed lifestyle, along with a growing demand for English teachers (estimated 5,000-8,000), particularly in language academies and private schools. If you’re an EU citizen, the visa process is relatively simple. However, non-EU citizens may need to secure a job offer before applying for a work visa. Some teachers may also be eligible for a Non-Lucrative visa. It allows them to live in Spain while teaching at language academies. Teachers in Spain benefit from a lower cost of living compared to some other European countries, a rich culture, and beautiful Mediterranean landscapes.
China
China is one of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher. There is a high demand for English teachers globally, and well over 50,000 foreigners work in China as teachers. To start, you’ll need a Z visa. It requires a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL/TESOL certification. Some regions may have additional requirements. Salaries in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are competitive, and benefits can include paid holidays and the opportunity to experience a diverse and fascinating culture.
Taiwan
Taiwan offers modern cities, beautiful natural scenery, and a lower cost of living compared to other Asian destinations. The demand for English teachers is moderate. Around 10,000-15,000 foreign instructors are employed in the country. To teach in Taiwan, you’ll need a work permit and an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), which your employer will typically help you obtain. The country offers a comfortable lifestyle and a welcoming and safe environment for foreign teachers.
Vietnam
Vietnam is another one of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher. It has a big market for English language education. Around 10,000-15,000 foreigners are currently teaching in Vietnam. You need a work permit, and you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL/TESOL certification. Many teachers get help from recruitment agencies or contact schools directly. Vietnam offers a very affordable lifestyle, a vibrant culture, and the chance to be part of a rapidly developing country.
Thailand
Thailand’s laid-back lifestyle, tropical climate, and stunning beaches make it one of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher. Around 10,000-15,000 foreigners are teaching in the country. To Teach in Thailand, you’ll need a Non-Immigrant B visa, which typically requires a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. Your employer will usually assist you with the visa process. Teaching salaries in Thailand are lower than in some other countries, but the low cost of living makes it an attractive option for many teachers.
Germany
Germany’s education system, strong social benefits, and excellent work-life balance make it one of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher. It’s estimated that around 5,000-8,000 teachers are working in Germany. Immigration options include a work visa or an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals. EU citizens generally have an easier time obtaining work permits than non-EU citizens. Germany is another one of the best countries to be a teacher in Europe, offering benefits, including high salaries, comprehensive health insurance, and generous vacation time.
Canada
Teachers in Canada benefit from a high standard of living, a multicultural society, and a demand for teachers in various subjects and regions. The number of foreign teachers is estimated to be 5,000-10,000. Teacher Canada Immigration can be challenging, but skilled worker programs like the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or Express Entry offer pathways to permanent residency. Other benefits in Canada include high salaries, excellent healthcare, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
Consider reading our comprehensive article about immigrating as teachers to different countries.
Which is the Best Country to Work as a Teacher?
So, where is the best place to move as a teacher? The “best” country depends on your individual preferences and priorities. However, South Korea consistently stands out as a top choice. Let’s see why South Korea is the best country to be a teacher:
- English teachers in South Korea typically earn between â‚©2.1 million and KRW 3.5 million (approximately 1,600-USD 2,700) per month.
- Public School Teachers earn â‚©2.2 million – 3.0 million KRW per month.
- Private Language Academy (Hagwon) Teachers can make â‚©2.1 million – 2.8 million KRW per month.
- University Instructors are paid â‚©3.0 million – 4.5 million KRW per month.
In addition, teachers in South Korea often receive benefits, including free housing (not always), flight reimbursement (not always), severance pay, National Health Insurance, rich cultural experience, supportive Environment, and career advancement opportunities.
Best Countries to Immigrate to as a Teacher
Here is a quick rundown of the best countries for teacher:
What is the Easiest Country to Move to as a Teacher?
Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam have easy immigration processes for teachers to relocate to. This ease in teacher immigration is due to simplified visa processes and high demand.
Spain
Spain’s immigration process is relatively easy, particularly those from the European Union (EU) since they enjoy freedom of movement within the EU. Non-EU citizens will need to apply for a work visa through the Spanish embassy in their home country. They must provide proof of a job offer, educational qualifications, a clean criminal background check, and proof of financial means. The visa fees range from €60 to €100, and it generally takes a few weeks to a few months.
Thailand
Thailand is another one of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher, with an easy immigration process. Most teachers obtain a Non-Immigrant B visa. To apply, you’ll need a job offer, a bachelor’s degree, and a teaching certificate. The visa fees are usually around $30-$50 USD, and the process typically takes a few days to a few weeks.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s growing demand for English teachers and simple visa process make it an attractive option. Most teachers need a work permit. To get a work permit, you need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL/TESOL certification. Your employer will usually help you go through the application process. The visa fees range from 15 to 155 USD, and it can take a few weeks to a couple of months.
What Country Pays Teachers the Best?
The UAE, Switzerland, and Luxembourg offer the highest teachers’ salaries. Let’s look at the best country for teachers based on salary:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Average Salary: 3,500 – 5,500 USD per month (12,300 – 22,000 AED)
- Lowest Salary: Around 2,500 USD (9,000 AED) per month.
- Highest Salary: Up to 7,000 USD (25,000 AED) per month or more.
- Job-Related Salaries:
- Public School Teachers: 3,000 – 5,000 USD per month
- Private International School Teachers: $4,000 – 6,000 USD per month
- Early Childhood Teachers: 2,500 – 4,000 USD per month
Switzerland
- Average Salary: CHF 71,500 – CHF 100,000 per year (approximately 77,000 – 108,000 USD)
- Lowest Salary: Around CHF 65,000 per year.
- Highest Salary: Up to CHF 120,000 per year or more.
- Job-Related Salaries:
- Primary School Teachers: CHF 65,000 – CHF 85,000 per year
- Secondary School Teachers: CHF 75,000 – CHF 100,000 per year
- University Professors: CHF 100,000 – CHF 150,000+ per year
Luxembourg
- Average Salary: €70,000 – €110,000 per year (approximately 76,000 – 120,000 USD)
- Lowest Salary: Around €60,000 per year.
- Highest Salary: Up to €130,000 per year or more.
- Job-Related Salaries:
- Primary School Teachers: €60,000 – €80,000 per year
- Secondary School Teachers: €70,000 – €100,000 per year
Where is the Best Place to Live as a Teacher Based on Cost of Living?
Vietnam, Thailand, and China generally have a lower cost of living for foreign teachers compared to other popular destinations.
Vietnam
- Average Salary: 1,200 – 2,000 USD per month.
- Cost of Living:
- Housing: 250 – 600 USD per month
- Food: 200 – 400 USD per month
- Transportation: 50 – 100 USD per month
- Utilities: 50 – 100 USD per month
- Entertainment: 100 – 200 USD per month
Thailand
- Average Salary: 1,000 – 1,800 USD per month.
- Cost of Living:
- Housing: 300 – 700 USD per month
- Food: 200 – 350 USD per month
- Transportation: 50 – 100 USD per month
- Utilities: 50 – 80 USD per month
- Entertainment: 100 – 200 USD per month
China
- Average Salary: 1,500 – 2,500 USD per month (higher in major cities).
- Cost of Living:
- Housing: 400 – 800 USD per month
- Food: 200 – 400 USD per month
- Transportation: 50 – 100 USD per month
- Utilities: 50 – 80 USD per month
- Entertainment: 100 – 200 USD per month
Which Country Has the Best Work-Life Balance for Teachers?
Finland, Denmark, and Norway often have a strong emphasis on work-life balance in the education sector.
Finland
Finnish teachers typically work around 30-35 hours per week. Finland emphasizes teacher autonomy and trust. Teachers have significant control over their lesson planning and teaching methods. Additionally, Finnish schools prioritize collaboration and teamwork among teachers.
Denmark
Danish teachers generally work 37 hours per week. Denmark has a strong culture of work-life balance in the education sector. Teachers are encouraged to take breaks throughout the day and are given time for planning and collaboration. Danish schools also help by providing resources and supporting teachers to manage their workload effectively.
Norway
Norwegian teachers work an average of 38 hours per week. Norway has a healthy work-life balance across all professions. Teachers in Norway are given autonomy in their classrooms and encouraged to collaborate with their colleagues. The Norwegian education system also prioritizes professional development, allowing teachers to continuously grow and improve their skills.
Some Common factors include:
- Reasonable hours allow for personal time and family life.
- Teacher’s autonomy increases job satisfaction and lowers stress.
- Teamwork creates a supportive work environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth keep teachers engaged.
- Strong social support, like healthcare and childcare, enhances well-being and happiness.
Which Country is the Easiest to Get a Teaching Job?
China, South Korea, and the UAE have a high demand for English teachers. This demand puts them among the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher.
- China. The number of job opportunities increases the chances of finding a teaching position. Many schools recruit foreign teachers and offer help during the visa process and accommodations.
- South Korea. The competitive salaries and various benefits attract many foreign teachers to this country. Additionally, the government-run EPIK program (English Program in Korea) simplifies the hiring process for public school positions.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE). Many schools in the UAE hire foreign teachers and offer competitive tax-free salaries and other benefits packages. The UAE visa process is often supported and handled by the employer.
Where are Teachers in the Highest Demand?
Teachers are in high demand globally, particularly in China, South Korea, the UAE, and Southeast Asian countries. These countries have the most in-demand teaching jobs:
- China. China’s demand for English teachers is over 50,000 positions. The most in-demand jobs are kindergarten and elementary school teachers, private language academy (Hagwon) teachers, and online English teachers.
- South Korea. South Korea’s demand for English teachers is about 20,000 to 30,000 positions. The most in-demand jobs are public school English teachers, private language academy (Hagwon) teachers, and university instructors.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE’s demand for English teachers is about 5,000 to 10,000 positions. The most in-demand jobs are international school teachers, early childhood teachers, and special education teachers.
What Teacher is Most in Demand?
English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers are the most in-demand teachers globally due to:
- English is the language of business and international communication.
- Countries use English for economic development.
- More people want to learn English for tourism.
- Modern technologies and online learning are dependent on English.
- Many countries teach English to people at a young age.
- The demand for ESL teachers often exceeds the number of qualified teachers.
Let’s Sum Up
Teaching abroad is an incredible opportunity to grow personally and professionally. HOwever, choosing among various options of the best countries to immigrate to as a teacher can be challenging and hard. With careful research and planning, you can find the perfect country to call your new home.
If you need more information, use our free consultation sessions. Remember, the adventure is out there – you just have to take the first step!
FAQ
What is the best country to immigrate to as a teacher from the UK?
Many UK teachers find success in Spain, the UAE, and Canada.
What is the best country to immigrate to as a teacher from India?
The UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are popular choices for teachers from India.
What is the best country to be a primary school teacher?
Finland is often praised for its excellent primary education system and support for teachers.
What country are teachers happiest in?
Finland consistently ranks high in surveys of teacher satisfaction due to its supportive work environment and emphasis on work-life balance.
