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Teaching Abroad Trends

Why More Teachers Are Choosing to Work Abroad

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If you’ve been thinking about a teaching role abroad, you’re not the only one. In 2015, there were 473,920 international teachers worldwide. A decade later, that number jumped 54% to 730,500. This growth means more educators are taking their careers abroad.

Teachers are choosing international schools for better pay, stronger job opportunities, and clearer career advancement. These teaching abroad trends reveal what’s actually pushing the change, instead of just romantic ideas about travel.

This article breaks down why more teachers are working overseas and what it means for your career. Let’s start with the money.

Higher Salaries and Lower Living Expenses

Teachers working abroad typically earn competitive salaries while spending far less on daily expenses than they would back home. For example, international school teachers in China make between $45,000 and $90,000 per year with housing covered, which beats the US starting salary of $44,992.

Plus, daily expenses like groceries, transport, and dining out cost less, so you can save more or enjoy life without constantly watching your budget. These financial advantages break down into three areas:

Tax-Free Income in Certain Countries

In countries like the UAE or Saudi Arabia, teaching positions come with a huge perk: no income tax. You keep your entire salary without any tax deductions.

That’s about 20-30% more money staying in your pocket compared to what you’d take home in Australia or the UK. When you combine tax-free earnings with lower daily living costs, your actual spending power increases even more.

Free Housing Eliminates Rent Expenses

Free Housing Eliminates Rent Expenses

Most international schools provide fully furnished apartments as part of your employment package. Just like that, your biggest monthly expense is gone. In cities like Sydney or London, rent eats up a massive chunk of your paycheck, sometimes half of what you bring home.

Now you might question the quality of these apartments. From what we’ve seen in our 18 years of experience, international schools often match or beat what you’d pay to rent privately in New York or San Francisco.

Flight Allowances and Health Benefits Included

Most overseas teaching contracts cover your annual flights home, plus flights for your dependents if you have them.

On top of that, comprehensive health insurance gets included for your family members at no extra cost to you. These benefits can be worth thousands of dollars beyond your base salary.

Teaching Jobs: More Options Abroad Than Home

One of the main reasons teachers look overseas is that there are simply more jobs available. Public school systems in Western countries like the US and Australia often experience budget cuts and hiring freezes. This makes positions scarce and competition fierce.

Meanwhile, international schools across Asia and the Middle East continue to expand and actively hire. As a result, teaching positions abroad are on the rise, while public school roles back home keep shrinking.

The contrast is clear. While your mates back home are applying to 15 positions and getting one callback, you could be choosing between multiple offers.

Career Growth Through Teaching Experience Abroad

Imagine you’re applying for a leadership role at your local school, competing against five other qualified candidates (all with similar resumes and interview skills). Having taught abroad can give you the edge that they don’t have.

It does that in two main ways:

International Schools Expand Your Resume

When you have international teaching experience on your resume, it shows professional growth beyond local systems. Employers see someone who can handle change, work with diverse student populations, and bring fresh perspectives to their school.

You gain a head start over your competitors from the get-go.

Different Teaching Methods Broaden Your Skills

Working in diverse education systems exposes you to teaching approaches you wouldn’t encounter at home. For example, you might learn inquiry-based learning in Singapore, project-based methods in Europe, or collaborative teaching structures in Japan.

These varied experiences reshape how you think about education. You start questioning old habits and finding better ways to connect with students in the classroom.

Cultural Immersion Beyond Tourist Experience

Cultural Immersion Beyond Tourist Experience

The best part about teaching abroad is that you become part of the community instead of just visiting it.

Think about it this way: A two-week vacation might give you surface-level exposure, but living there as a teacher for months or years connects you with how people actually live. You form genuine relationships with colleagues and students over time, not just polite exchanges with hotel staff or tour guides.

These connections lead to authentic cultural understanding you can’t get any other way. Their language, customs, and local perspectives become part of your daily life.

You gradually go from observing culture at a distance to actually participating in it. You make mistakes, learn what’s normal, and eventually feel at home in a place that once felt completely foreign.

That kind of change stays with you long after you return home.

Travel Perks: Exploring New Countries on Your Doorstep

A weekend flight from Seoul to Tokyo costs around $150. A similar-distance flight from Los Angeles to New York? Easily $300-400. Teaching abroad puts you in the middle of regions where international travel costs less than domestic trips back home.

Here’s what that actually looks like:

  • Asia Opens Up Dozens of Countries: Teaching in South Korea or Shanghai means Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines are all just a short, affordable flight away. Budget airlines make weekend trips surprisingly cheap.
  • Europe Becomes Your Backyard: If you’re teaching in Prague, you can reach Vienna in 4 hours by train for €30. No 12-hour flights, no jet lag, just hop on a train Friday after school, and you’re exploring a new country by dinner.
  • School Holidays Give You Extended Travel Time: Your holiday schedule isn’t just two weeks in summer. You get Christmas break, spring holidays, and often generous mid-term breaks that let you explore entire regions properly instead of rushing through a long weekend.
  • Bucket-List Destinations Become Weekend Trips: Teaching in Dubai? The Maldives is a 4-hour flight. Destinations that would require months of saving and planning from your home country become spontaneous weekend getaways.

Instead of saving for one expensive international trip every few years, you’re living in a location where exploring multiple countries costs less than a single vacation back home.

More Time for Life Outside the Classroom

More Time for Life Outside the Classroom

Work-life balance is the bane of most teachers. A Pew Research Center survey found 54% struggle to manage their workload alongside personal time. Many international schools tackle this problem by structuring schedules differently.

For example, you typically get more planning periods per week compared to public school schedules back home. This is possible because international schools have smaller class sizes and more support staff, which reduces the administrative burden that can overwhelm teachers.

Reduced workload means you get actual time built into your schedule instead of rushing through lunch to prep for afternoon classes.

And with evenings and weekends free, you can explore your host country instead of being tied to your desk grading papers. That’s what teaching abroad offers beyond just the salary and travel perks.

Next Steps to Start Your Teaching Abroad Journey

The teaching abroad trends show no signs of slowing down. With international schools opening across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East each year, there are more opportunities than ever for qualified educators.

If you’re ready to explore this path, start by researching countries, programs, and certification requirements that match your goals. Teaching abroad can reshape your professional path and give you experiences you’d never get by staying in one place.

To learn more about international teaching placements and how to get started, visit Biography Shelf. We’ve been connecting teachers with schools worldwide since 2007.

Choosing Teaching Country

A Simple Guide to Choosing a Country for Your First Teaching Job Abroad

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According to the British Council, there are over 1.5 billion English learners worldwide, and that creates teaching opportunities across many countries. It’s good news for aspiring teachers that the demand for teachers keeps growing.

But that doesn’t make choosing your first country any easier. We know it’s overwhelming to decide where to teach English abroad. You’ve got dozens of countries to choose from, each with different visa rules, salary ranges, and cultural expectations.

That’s why in this article, we’ll walk you through the practical factors like legal requirements and cost of living that will help you decide where you can teach. By the end, you’ll know how to match your qualifications and goals with the right country.

So, let’s figure out where your teaching abroad adventure should start.

The Realities of Choosing a Teaching Country

Choosing a teaching country requires weighing legal requirements, financial realities, and lifestyle factors that tourists never have to think about. Conversely, when you’re planning a vacation, you just pick based on beaches, food, or landmarks.

Your home country ties are important, too. For example, can you easily fly back for family emergencies? Will the time difference make it impossible to video call your friends? These aren’t dealbreakers, but they do affect your daily life in ways a two-week holiday never would.

The country you pick will influence how much you save, what career opportunities open up, and how comfortable you feel daily. Also, keep in mind that a beautiful destination doesn’t automatically translate into a great teaching job.

Understanding Basic Qualifications

Before you fall in love with teaching in Japan or Spain, you need to know if they’ll actually hire you. It’s because every country has different legal requirements for foreign teachers. So what works in Thailand might disqualify you in South Korea.

Understanding Basic Qualifications

Here are some basic qualifications that you need to maintain.

Citizenship and Legal Requirements

Many countries legally require teachers to hold citizenship from native English-speaking nations. We’re talking about the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. These citizenship rules are visa requirements that decide whether you can gain employment at all.

On the other hand, some places prefer native speakers but will hire fluent non-natives with clear accents. To give you an idea, if you speak English perfectly but don’t hold citizenship from one of those countries, you’ll find opportunities in many countries across Latin America and parts of Europe.

Your Degree and Teaching Credentials

A four-year university degree is mandatory in countries like South Korea and Vietnam for work visas. The subject might not always be important, but you need that piece of paper to get through immigration.

Also, some European countries accept two-year degrees, while others hire teachers without formal university credentials. Spain and Italy even hire based on language skills rather than strict degree requirements.

Pro Tip: We recommend adding a TEFL certification to your portfolio from organizations like International TEFL Academy. That credential proves you know how to teach, even if your degree is in something completely unrelated to education.

Age Restrictions You Should Know About

Many Asian countries prefer hiring teachers under 55 years old (turns out your years of experience don’t always count in your favor). We know it can be frustrating, but some schools have strict cutoffs based on visa regulations or retirement age policies in their country.

In fact, some Middle East positions have even stricter age cutoffs around 40, and their highest age of employee requirement is 60 years. European schools are usually more flexible about age compared to stricter Asian hiring practices.

Pro Tip: If you’re over 50, we suggest you research several countries before getting too attached to one region.

Cultural Differences You’ll Experience

When you understand cultural expectations before you arrive, it helps you avoid awkward mistakes and settle in faster. Because they directly affect how you teach, communicate, and interact with students every single day.

Take a look at some of the common cultural differences you may experience.

Gender Considerations in Different Regions

Gender considerations might not show up as set rules, but they reflect deep cultural traditions about gender roles in education.

Like when, male teachers often find higher demand in Middle East countries due to cultural preferences around teaching boys. And then, all-girls schools across various regions specifically seek female teachers for their classrooms.

Which means, if you’re a woman interested in the Middle East, you should look for international schools or all-girls institutions. Men might have easier access to certain positions, but that doesn’t mean women can’t find great jobs there.

Cultural Differences You'll Experience

Teaching Style Expectations in Different Cultures

Teaching styles can vary among countries, too. To give you an idea, in Japan and South Korea, students rarely question their teacher’s authority, as it’s considered disrespectful there. But in European classrooms, you might face constant challenges and debate.

Neither approach is wrong, but they require completely different teaching strategies. And the quicker you adapt, the smoother your first few months will go.

Consider Cost of Living vs. Salary Beforehand

The cost of living can eat into your earnings if you’re not careful with it. A $3,000 monthly salary sounds amazing until you realize rent in that city costs $1,800.

Now here’s a comparison nobody tells you upfront: high salaries in expensive cities like Seoul might leave you with less money to save than a moderate paycheck in Vietnam (that’s a lesson most learn after signing the contract).

It’s best to research rent costs, food prices, and transportation before you get excited about a big salary number. Because housing alone can swing your monthly budget by hundreds of dollars.

Choosing Teaching Country: Comparing Asia, Europe, and the Middle East

Each part of the world will give you distinct advantages depending on what you’re looking for in your first teaching job. That’s why you need to research the region that matches your goals, instead of the one that sounds most exciting.

These are the pros and cons of teaching experiences in different regions.

Teaching English Abroad in Asia

Through our placement work with Australian teachers since 2007, we’ve seen Asia consistently offer the smoothest entry point for first-timers. You’ll find competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and well-established support systems for new teachers.

In fact, Asian countries usually hold out the most teaching English positions with clear hiring seasons and standardized contract terms. For instance, countries like China, South Korea, and Vietnam have a lot of demand for English teachers, which means more positions to choose from and better negotiating power for contracts.

International schools and language academies actively recruit year-round, along with job placement assistance that handles visas and housing. This type of structured environment works well for first-time teachers who want predictability in their international experience.

Choosing Teaching Country: Comparing Asia, Europe, and the Middle East

Europe’s More Flexible Teaching Scene

Here’s an FYI: European countries often require more hustle. ESL teachers here typically need to sort out their own work permits and visa situations, which takes more effort than the all-inclusive packages that Asia usually has to offer.

It’s because many European schools prefer hiring teachers already in-country rather than sponsoring visas from abroad, so be prepared to handle logistics yourself.

The pay is generally lower, but you get easier travel access to dozens of countries on weekends. Say, a teaching position in Prague lets you explore Vienna, Budapest, and Berlin without expensive flights.

Middle East Opportunities Need Cultural Understanding

Middle East teaching jobs typically offer the highest salaries with tax-free income and generous benefits packages.

But don’t celebrate too early. These positions usually need more experience and better credentials than entry-level jobs in Asia. You’ll compete against professionals with years of teaching English under their belts.

Plus, cultural understanding and adaptation are more significant here. So, you need to research the lifestyle expectations before accepting offers. The financial rewards are substantial, but you need to be realistic about whether you’re ready for that environment as a first-time teacher.

Here’s a comparison chart for the three regions at a glance:

CategoryAsiaEuropeMiddle East
Best ForFirst-time teachersTravel-focused teachersHigh-income seekers
Salary & BenefitsGood pay + strong perksLower pay, fewer perksHighest pay, tax-free
Visa & HiringVery structured, lots of supportHarder; often must be in-countryFormal, strict requirements
Work EnvironmentStable, well-supportedFlexible but less stableProfessional, high expectations
LifestyleEasy adjustment, strong expat sceneGreat weekend travelComfortable but culturally different
Experience NeededLow–moderateModerateHigh

Time for Teaching Abroad at Your Favorite Destination

In the end, matching your qualifications and preferences with the right country can make or break your first year of teaching abroad. That is precisely why you need to start with countries where you meet the basic legal requirements. After that, narrow them down by comparing salary against the cost of living.

But try not to overthink this decision. You don’t need to find the perfect country, but rather be open to adaptation. Once you’re actually teaching English abroad, you’ll learn what you really want from the experience.

If you’re ready to learn more about your options and create a plan for teaching abroad, visit Biography Shelf and talk to our placement team about where your qualifications can take you.

Teacher mentoring students in a bright classroom

How to Tell If a Teaching Placement Is a Good Fit

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You can tell if a teaching placement is a good fit by looking at the school staff, the support you receive, and how the experience helps you grow. When these things align, a good placement builds your skills and confidence, whereas a bad one leaves you stressed and questioning everything.

Yet many new teachers don’t realize this until they’re already in one. While the idea of working with students in real classrooms is exciting, not every school sets you up for success.

Some placements help you grow. Others make your first year harder than it needs to be.

Luckily, there are clear signs you can spot early on. This guide breaks down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to decide if a teaching placement fits your goals.

Stick around to learn how it all works.

What Makes a Teaching Placement Worth Your Time?

A teaching placement is worth your time when it offers hands-on classroom time, supportive school staff, and real opportunities for professional development. When a placement offers all three, you walk away with skills and practical knowledge that actually prepare you for your first year.

Teachers collaborating during a professional development workshop.

Let’s break down what each of these looks like in practice.

School Staff Who Actually Support You

The best part about supportive school staff is that they make your daily experience smoother and far less stressful.

Ideally, you need teachers who answer your questions without making you feel like a burden. This kind of support means they take time to explain things, offer feedback, and check in on how you’re doing in the classrooms. When the staff genuinely care about your learning, you settle into your role faster.

A Placement Experience That Builds Real Skills

You might be wondering why some placements feel like a waste of time. It usually comes down to hands-on hours.

Without enough real teaching time, you end up unprepared for your first year. That’s why the Institute of Education Sciences stresses quality preparation, clinical experience, and ongoing mentorship for new teachers.

Room for Professional Development

Not every placement will be your cup of tea, and that’s okay. What counts is finding a school that invests in your growth. You’ll see this through workshops, feedback sessions, or structured training.

If a school skips training, they likely see you as free labor. But when they push you to grow, that shows they care about your future.

Red Flags to Watch for in Your First Year

Red flags don’t always look obvious at first. But they tend to show up early through poor communication, vague instructions, or missing feedback. Paying attention to them in the first few weeks can save you from a difficult experience.

Concerned student teacher struggling with missing support

Below are a few warning signs worth knowing.

Limited Contact with the Professional Experience Office

A responsive professional experience office can be a lifesaver when problems arise during your placement. They should check in regularly to see whether you’re facing any challenges and offer support as needed.

However, if you struggle to reach them, getting support when issues arise becomes much harder. And strong programs don’t do this. They communicate throughout your entire placement and make contact easy.

Unclear Expectations from Day One

Let’s be honest here, nobody does well with vague instructions. You deserve clear directions on tasks, responsibilities, and evaluation criteria from day one.

For example, some placements hand you a classroom without explaining your goals or how you’ll be evaluated. When that happens, you end up guessing your way through. Schools like this rarely have the structure to train you properly.

No Mentorship or Feedback Loop

Feedback is more valuable than most people realize. Without it, you won’t know what you’re doing right or wrong.

Through our practical knowledge working with teachers, we’ve seen how regular assessment speeds up growth. That’s why a mentor who observes your lessons and offers constructive notes can boost your progress.

Pro Tip: If you notice more than one of these red flags in your first few weeks, it’s worth speaking up early or reconsidering the placement altogether.

How to Decide If This Placement Works for You

Deciding that a placement works for you comes down to three things: asking the right questions, trusting your gut, and matching it to your goals.

Trainee teacher discussing goals with senior mentor.

Here’s what to focus on.

Ask the Right Questions Early

Asking the right questions upfront saves you from unpleasant surprises down the road.

You should ask about mentorship structure, daily responsibilities, and support systems. And don’t shy away from the awkward ones either.

If you need further information, reach out to previous trainees for their advice. Their honest answers will tell you a lot about what to expect.

Trust Your Gut After the First Week

Believe it or not, your instincts often pick up on problems faster than logic does. So pay attention to the school environment and how staff treat you.

That uneasy feeling here and there? It’s usually right. A lack of respect or support early on often points to deeper issues. Trust that sense and don’t brush it aside.

Compare It to Your Long-Term Goals

A good placement should prepare you for where you want to be, not just fill a requirement. That means thinking about the skills you’re building and how they fit your future teaching career.

When those align, the right placement will support your development and set you up for what’s next. But a mismatch now could slow your progress later. So keep future placements in mind as you make your choice.

Ready to Find Your Fit?

Finding the right teaching placement can feel overwhelming, especially for new teachers. The wrong choice leads to stress, wasted time, and slow growth. But with the right approach, you can avoid these problems and set yourself up for a rewarding experience.

This guide covered what makes a placement worth your time, red flags to watch for, and how to evaluate your options. Following these steps can save you from frustration and help you find the right fit.

Looking for programs that prioritize your learning and support? Biography Shelf is here to help.

Explore our placements and take the next step in your teaching career today.

Teachers' Lifestyle Abroad

How Teachers Can Build a Life Abroad That Feels Like Home

Teachers build a life abroad that feels like home by creating daily routines and finding their people. Slowly, unfamiliar spaces start to feel comfortable.

Sounds simple, right? But the teachers’ lifestyle abroad goes far beyond Instagram moments. It takes real effort, patience, and a bit of trial and error over time.

We’ll show you how. Stick around. This guide covers building routines, connecting with the community, and managing the real costs of moving abroad. Think local coffee spots, budgeting basics, and everything in between.

Your first year teaching overseas doesn’t have to feel lonely or confusing. Stay with us. Let’s figure this out together.

What Does Expat Life Really Look Like for Teachers?

Expat life for teachers is a mix of ordinary days and unexpected adventures. You’ll spend most of your time lesson planning, grabbing coffee, and figuring out public transport.

Let’s be real here. The glamorous travel image fades pretty quickly. What stays is a comfortable rhythm of teaching, exploring your city, and settling into local culture.

Teachers in many countries face similar challenges, too. Loneliness creeps in. Culture shock hits harder than expected, and you find yourself missing familiar faces back home.

But over time, you find your people. Local expat meetups help, and so do online communities like InterNations. Colleagues who get it become close friends too. That’s when a new country starts feeling like yours.

And it all begins with building a routine that grounds you.

Building Routine in a New Country

setting up your workspace and finding local spots

Building a routine early helps everything else fall into place. It’s because a predictable schedule lets you hit the ground running (even when your surroundings still feel unfamiliar).

Two things help most: setting up your workspace and finding local spots you can call your own.

1. Set Up Your Workspace Early

Unpack your teaching materials first, so your professional life feels grounded from day one. Then create a dedicated lesson planning area at home (trust us, lesson planning on your bed gets old fast). Even familiar desk items like photos or a favorite mug make your new space feel less foreign.

2. Find Your Local Spots

In your first week, pick a nearby cafe, gym, or park to call your own. Visit the same spots regularly.

Soon enough, locals start saying hello, remembering your order, and nodding as you walk in. Comfort sneaks up on you that way.

Once your routine feels solid, the next step is finding your people.

Finding Community When Moving Abroad

Moving abroad can feel lonely at first. But finding your people? That part comes faster than most teachers expect.

For starters, expat groups on Facebook are a solid first step. They connect you with other expats who understand your situation. Local language exchange meetups help you break the ice with friendly locals, too.

Through our years of placing teachers overseas, we’ve seen school colleagues become lifelong friends. You share similar schedules, face the same challenges, and naturally bond over time.

Cost of Living: What Teachers Should Expect

Salaries and cost of living vary a lot depending on where you teach. While a few countries let you save big, others offer lifestyle perks instead of hefty paychecks.

The Middle East and Costa Rica are good examples of both.

Middle East Salary Packages

Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia often include housing allowances and annual flights home. That means rent is sorted, and you’re not paying out of pocket to visit family each year.

And here’s the kicker. Tax-free salaries mean teachers in the Middle East save far more compared to Western Europe.

Pro Tip: Always read the full contract before signing. What’s included varies from one school to the next.

Costa Rica Lifestyle Costs

Costa Rica keeps costs low with affordable rent, fresh seafood, and cheap street food. However, salaries run lower than in Asian countries. Teachers here typically earn $600-$1,000 per month, compared to $1,700-$3,000 in places like South Korea or Japan, according to Go Overseas.

Based on feedback from teachers we’ve placed, most trade big savings for a slower pace and beaches at their doorstep.

Beyond the budget, staying connected to family and friends back home is the next piece to sort out.

How Do You Stay Connected to Your Home Country?

You stay connected to your home country through regular calls, planned visits, and small reminders of home. Living abroad for a few years changes your relationship with family and friends, but it doesn’t break it.

For example, regular video calls with family and friends keep those bonds strong (time zone math is nobody’s favorite hobby, but it’s worth the effort). Care packages with favorite snacks or hometown treats help ease the tough weeks, too.

And don’t forget to plan annual trips home during school breaks. A plane ticket once a year gives you something to look forward to. While you’re building roots back home, picking up the local language helps you grow roots abroad too.

Language Classes: Are They Worth It When Living Abroad?

picking up the local language can shift your whole experience.

Absolutely. Believe it or not, picking up the local language can shift your whole experience.

Here’s why it helps and how to get started.

Benefits of Local Language Learning

Even basic phrases go a long way. Ordering food, catching public transport, and chatting with neighbors all become easier. Locals appreciate the effort, too, and that’s often how real friendships start. Also, it makes you far less dependent on English-speaking expat circles.

Language Exchange Communities

Many cities host free language exchange events where locals want to practice English with you. Plus, these meetups are social hangouts too. No pressure, just casual conversation and new phrases picked up naturally.

And if you want to prepare ahead of time, language learning apps like Duolingo help you learn the ropes before you even land.

Once you’ve got the language basics down, everything else starts clicking into place.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Moving abroad as a teacher brings real challenges. New surroundings, unfamiliar faces, and a different culture can shake anyone’s confidence at first.

But here’s the good part. Teachers around the world turn these exact challenges into rewarding experiences every single day, and you can too.

We’ve covered building routines, finding community, managing costs, staying connected to home, and learning the local language. Each step brings you closer to feeling settled. These are the building blocks of a fulfilling expat life.

Take the first step today. Our team at Biography Shelf will guide you through every detail you need to land your ideal teaching position overseas.

Best Countries to Teach Abroad:

Top 5 Countries Where Teachers Thrive Abroad

If you’ve been dreaming about teaching abroad in Singapore, the UAE, South Korea, Japan, or Canada while earning better pay, we’re here to validate that yearning.

We know how Australian educators face stagnant salaries and limited growth opportunities at home. That’s why teaching overseas is becoming an increasingly attractive option.

On top of that, teaching internationally provides financial rewards and career advancement you simply can’t find locally.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Salary comparisons that might surprise you
  • Lifestyle benefits you won’t find at home
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Cultural experiences worth having
  • Application requirements made simple

Ready to find which destination consistently ranks highest for teacher satisfaction? Let’s start with the country that offers the most competitive teaching packages.

Singapore: Where Teaching Salaries Soar

Singapore offers some of Asia’s best teaching job opportunities with tax-free salaries that significantly exceed what you’d earn back home. This happens because the government invests heavily in education, so teachers from English-speaking countries get proper support and recognition.

Consider these compelling advantages for international educators:

Financial Rewards That Count

Teachers enjoy completely tax-free salaries that often double the standard Australian earnings. The reason is straightforward: zero tax obligation means every dollar stays in your pocket.

Also, you have to keep in mind that housing stipends cover your rent completely, comprehensive health insurance includes family coverage, and annual flight allowances even let you visit home twice yearly.

Unfortunately, most Australian schools usually can’t match these comprehensive benefit packages.

Premier Educational Institutions

Singapore’s numerous international schools maintain rigorous academic standards while offering modern facilities and cutting-edge technology. Many Australian schools struggle with outdated resources, but these institutions provide interactive whiteboards instead. They also have fully equipped science labs and arts centres that function properly.

For instance, class sizes here average at about 18-22 students versus Australia’s 25-30, giving you more time with each student. Along with that, professional development budgets can reach $3,000 annually per teacher compared to minimal training funds back home.

Convenient Living Standards

The entire country operates in English, which means there are no language barriers. And the best part? Public transport remains incredibly affordable, and world-class healthcare responds efficiently compared to Australia. To top even that, weekend getaways to nearby countries cost less than domestic Australian flights.

While Singapore excels in financial rewards, another destination offers an entirely different cultural adventure.

UAE: Desert Dreams Meet Teaching Reality

Teacher in UAE desert

Did you know that international teachers in Dubai consistently save more money than educators anywhere else globally? From our experience, the UAE combines Middle East hospitality with modern infrastructure and creates teaching career opportunities that feel both exotic and familiar.

The UAE’s teaching packages include benefits you won’t find elsewhere:

  • Tax-Free Income: Completely tax-free salaries with end-of-service bonuses that can reach several months’ pay. The result is saving 60-70% of your earnings compared to Australia’s heavy taxation system.
  • Furnished Housing: Schools provide fully furnished accommodation, which eliminates rental stress and utility bills. Meanwhile, Australian teachers often struggle with expensive rent and setup costs in major cities.
  • Travel Benefits: Annual flights home cover you and your family, plus generous leave allowances of 8-10 weeks yearly. Compare this to Australia’s standard 6-week holidays for most teaching positions.
  • Premium Healthcare: Private healthcare coverage includes dental and vision care at world-class facilities. These are often superior to Australia’s public system, with zero waiting times for specialists.
  • Career Investment: Funding for professional development covers international courses and conferences. What we mean by this is that budgets can reach $5,000 annually, versus minimal professional development support in most Australian schools.
  • Cultural Diversity: Over 200 nationalities work together peacefully, creating incredible workplace diversity. In the UAE, you’ll get the opportunity to collaborate with educators from every continent in harmonious multicultural environments.

Life here means swapping your usual routine for Ramadan celebrations and weekend desert safaris. You’ll find yourself exploring ancient souks instead of local shopping centres, and the balanced workload gives you time for both professional growth and genuine adventures.

South Korea: Tech-Forward Teaching Adventure

Teacher with laptop overlooking Seoul

If Middle Eastern culture feels too different, South Korea offers familiar Western comforts with Asian efficiency tactics instead. The country’s education system embraces technology while maintaining respect for educators, which is often missing back home.

Teaching English overseas in South Korea comes with structured programs that remove guesswork from your transition. Also, government-sponsored initiatives like EPIK provide comprehensive support from airport pickup to apartment setup.

We recommend you bring your TESOL certificate with you as it opens doors to positions in public schools, private academies, and universities. Besides, native English speakers find themselves genuinely valued here, with salaries that allow comfortable living. Also, you’ll save significant money on plans (teaching English abroad indeed gets you a different level of respect).

Believe us when we say that the work-life balance in South Korea encourages exploration of temples, mountains, and vibrant cities during your free time. What’s more, the aforementioned technology integration in classrooms means you’ll work with smart boards and tablet programs.

You’ll also access digital resources that Australian schools often lack. The best bit about this country is that students show genuine enthusiasm for learning, creating rewarding teaching experiences. Such enthusiasm will reignite your passion for education.

Speaking of Asian destinations with unique teaching cultures, let’s look at a destination where tradition and modern education create something truly special.

Japan: Traditional Values, Modern Classrooms

Japanese classroom with flag and graduation cap

Teaching in Japan means joining a culture where international education holds deep reverence and purpose. The country seamlessly blends cutting-edge educational approaches with ancient traditions, creating classroom experiences you’ll never forget.

Japanese schools offer distinctive advantages:

  • The JET Programme provides a structured placement with government backing and comprehensive orientation training
  • You’ll access professional development opportunities, including language classes, cultural workshops, and teaching methodology seminars
  • Students demonstrate unmatched respect for teachers, creating classroom environments where learning truly flourishes
  • Beyond school walls, teaching adventure extends through seasonal festivals, traditional ceremonies, and community involvement
  • Housing assistance, health insurance, and cultural integration support come standard with international teaching positions

Life here includes participating in unique traditions like school cleaning sessions and elaborate graduation ceremonies. These experiences help your classroom become a space where Australian perspectives meet Japanese educational philosophy.

The structured environment then benefits both new and experienced teachers as they learn different methodologies.

Canada: Comfort Zone with Global Impact

Sometimes the best international experience starts in familiar territory. Let’s talk about Canada, which offers teaching opportunities that feel like home while providing genuine global perspectives and career advancement.

Canada delivers international teaching opportunities without the culture shock:

Multicultural Teaching Environments

Students from dozens of countries fill Canadian classrooms. This creates natural opportunities for cultural exchange.

In this setting, you’ll teach refugee children alongside third-generation Canadians, immigrants seeking better futures, and indigenous students preserving their heritage. Diversity like this enriches your teaching skills while broadening your worldview without requiring you to learn completely foreign systems.

Career Progression Pathways

Australian qualifications are readily recognised by the education system here, which means seamless transitions into leadership roles become much easier.

What’s more, professional development programs, graduate study opportunities, and teacher exchange initiatives help advance your career further. Provincial teaching colleges then provide clear pathways for specialisation in areas like ESL, special education, or curriculum development.

Working in Canada means maintaining familiar comforts while gaining valuable international teaching experience. The experience strengthens your resume for future opportunities worldwide.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

The decision to teach abroad can change both your career and your life perspective completely. These five destinations offer proven pathways for Australian educators seeking better compensation, professional growth, and meaningful cultural experiences.

Taking the first step means evaluating which country aligns with your personal and professional goals. Consider factors like salary expectations, cultural preferences, and career advancement opportunities.

At Biography Shelf, we have guided hundreds of Australian teachers through successful international placements since 2007. Our team understands the complexities of international teaching transitions and provides comprehensive support throughout the process.

Contact us today to discuss your teaching overseas aspirations and discover which destination suits your unique situation best.

Teacher's Health Abroad

Health & Wellness Tips for Teachers Living Overseas

Are you planning to teach overseas? In that case, I hope you aren’t forgetting your health and well-being. After all, maintaining a teacher’s health abroad is as important as having the right qualifications. Most educators spend weeks perfecting their CV and overlook the medical preparation.

So, here’s our advice: start your health foundation in Australia six months before departure. Schedule that overdue dental check-up, update your vaccinations, and gather copies of prescriptions and medical records. This timeline gives you breathing room to handle any surprises that come up.

Remember, preventing health issues at home costs far less than treating them overseas. The financial difference alone makes this preparation worthwhile.

Of course, preparation is just the first step. Stick with us to discover everything you need to know about staying healthy while teaching abroad.

Decoding Foreign Healthcare Systems

international hospital skyline

We’ve all felt that anxiety of what will happen if you get sick abroad. That worry isn’t unfounded either. Healthcare systems vary wildly from one place to another, and what you’re used to in Australia might be completely different overseas. The payment methods, quality standards, and costs can catch you off guard if you haven’t done your homework.

Following these three essential steps will save you from healthcare headaches (trust us, you don’t want to learn this the hard way):

Research Medical Facilities Before You Go

Not all hospitals are created equal. Private healthcare facilities often provide better service for expats, while public systems might have longer waits but lower costs. It’s always best to look up reviews from other Australian expats and check which facilities have English-speaking staff. Abide by this pro tip: bookmark the addresses on your phone so you won’t want to be googling hospitals when you’re feeling crook.

How Payment Systems Work

Some countries prefer payment up front, while others bill insurance directly. So, before your trip, make sure you find out if your destination prefers cash, cards, or has specific requirements for foreign patients. Because this small step can prevent awkward moments when you’re already feeling unwell.

Medical Tourism: A Hidden Benefit

Many teaching destinations offer excellent healthcare at lower costs than in Australia. A dental cleaning in Costa Rica might cost half what you’d pay in Melbourne. Some teachers even plan routine procedures during school holidays to take advantage of these savings.

These basics will put you ahead of most expats who only learn about healthcare when they need it most.

Mental Health Strategies

If you’re feeling overwhelmed abroad, the best mental health strategies are joining online expat teacher groups, using stress management apps like Headspace or Calm, maintaining regular check-ins with family back home, and building local friendships. Research shows that EFL teachers commonly experience stress and burnout due to the demanding nature of their work environment, making proactive wellness planning even more important.

Some teachers struggle with loneliness, while others feel anxious about their teaching performance in an unfamiliar system. Even local culture differences that seemed charming at first might start feeling frustrating after a few months.

Let’s cover these strategies in more depth:

  • Expat teacher groups: Facebook groups like “Teachers in Thailand” offer genuine support from people in your exact situation. Understanding classroom stress comes naturally when everyone faces the same challenges. (35 words)
  • Stress management apps: When anxiety hits at 3am in your new apartment, apps like Headspace become lifesavers. Alongside that, teacher-specific programs work well because education professionals face unique workplace pressures and scheduling demands.
  • Family video calls: Weekly Skype sessions with family keep you grounded back home. However, don’t rely on home connections for daily emotional support. Local relationships handle day-to-day challenges much better.
  • Local friendships: Relationships with local teachers beat connections with other expats hands down. Local colleagues understand school culture better. Plus, most won’t pack up and leave when contracts end suddenly.

Most importantly, recognise the warning signs early. For instance, persistent sleep problems, loss of appetite, or feeling disconnected from your students usually mean it’s time to seek professional support.

Remember, taking care of your mental wellness isn’t optional when you’re living overseas. It’s part of being a successful teacher abroad.

Managing Ongoing Health Conditions Away From Home

Managing medications while living abroad

Chronic health conditions don’t have to stop you from teaching abroad. You just need better planning than most others. The reality is that managing conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart problems overseas requires more preparation, but thousands of teachers do this successfully every year.

Your success depends on these essential tips:

  1. Stock up on medications before you leave: Pack at least six months’ worth in original containers, along with prescriptions that include generic drug names. Why? Because different countries often stock different brands than what you’re used to in Australia. So, having your own supply prevents treatment gaps.
  2. Specialist care doesn’t have to be a mystery: Research English-speaking doctors who treat your condition before you even book your flight. For example, Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok has an online directory where you can browse specialists by condition and language. Finding quality care becomes much easier when you’re not doing it during a health crisis.
  3. Your medical history travels with you: Though many people carry hard copies of their prescriptions, having a digital copy is safest nowadays. We recommend that you store copies of your test results, treatment plans, and medical records in cloud storage so new doctors can understand your case much faster.

With proper preparation, your chronic condition becomes just another part of your teaching adventure, not a roadblock to it.

Which Health Insurance Options are Available Abroad?

You know what catches most Aussie teachers off guard? Medicare benefits cover practically nothing once you leave Australian soil. Your regular health insurance back home won’t help much either when you’re dealing with medical costs overseas. The gap between what you expect and what you get can leave you with huge bills.

Here’s how your coverage options work:

  • Medicare only helps in certain countries: You get some emergency coverage in places like the UK and New Zealand. But you’ll still pay big gap payments even there.
  • Australian private health insurance has limits: Most policies give you minimal access overseas. From our experience, they usually only cover emergencies like ambulance rides, emergency surgery, or accident treatment.
  • International health insurance fills the gaps: Such plans cover your routine doctor visits, specialist appointments, prescription medicines, and even dental care. Unlike Australian policies, international coverage is built specifically for people who live abroad long-term.
  • Travel insurance suits shorter contracts: Teaching in Thailand for six months? Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies and get you back to Australia if something serious happens.

When you’ve got proper health cover sorted, you can concentrate on what you love most about teaching overseas.

Dental Care Abroad: What You Need to Know

Dentist examining patient in modern overseas dental clinic

You’re probably already aware that dental care abroad is much cheaper than in Australia (where isn’t?) Most teachers don’t think about dental care until they’re lying in a foreign dentist’s chair, wondering how much this will set them back.

You need to keep this in mind: dental expenses rarely get covered by travel insurance or basic international health plans.

The positive side? Many teaching destinations offer excellent dental care at much lower costs than in Australia.

The countries I am referring to are Thailand, Vietnam, and Costa Rica. They have built solid reputations as dental tourism hubs. Many clinics in these countries cater specifically to English-speaking expats and maintain high standards.

You can avoid panic moments simply by preparing beforehand, by which we mean do your research on dental clinics in your destination city before you need them. Read reviews from other Australian teachers and save contact details for highly-rated practices. This gives you quick access to quality care when emergencies happen.

Some teachers even plan routine cleanings during school holidays to take advantage of these savings. With dental care crossed off the list, let’s dive into the action plan.

Your Ongoing Wellness Action Plan

Now that we’ve covered the groundwork, let’s talk about making wellness a natural part of your teaching adventure abroad. Your healthcare needs don’t disappear once you reach your destination. They change and adapt as you settle into your new life and routine.

Here’s your monthly wellness action plan:

  1. Check in with yourself about mental health, fitness, and medical needs
  2. Always keep phone notes about adapting to local food, climate, and stress levels
  3. We strongly advise you to join expat teacher communities that understand wellness challenges abroad

Remember that taking care of your well-being makes you a better teacher. When you feel confident about your health preparations, you can focus on what you love most about teaching.

Ready to begin your teaching adventure? Biography Shelf has been connecting certified Australian teachers with quality schools worldwide since 2007. We’ll help you find the ideal overseas position.

Digital Teaching Hacks

Classroom Technology Hacks for ESL Teachers Abroad

With thousands of ESL teachers heading overseas each year, your classroom skills won’t count for much if students can’t follow along when the tech goes sideways. That’s exactly why digital preparation is so important.

Digital preparation for ESL teachers serves as a strategic path to boost your reliability, strengthen engagement, and deliver real results. When you build a well-planned digital toolkit, you become the educator who keeps lessons running smoothly in any classroom, anywhere in the world.

In this guide, we will explore practical technology tips for teachers working abroad. You will see how digital tools help ESL teachers and pick up strategies you can use right away for classroom success.

Stick with us to find out everything about digital hacks that work in any classroom worldwide.

Must-Have ESL Teaching Tools That Never Fail

Let’s get real about the challenges of teaching abroad. They include: limited budgets, unreliable WiFi, and tech that crashes when you need it most. But don’t worry, these ESL teaching tools are designed to work when everything else fails.

Here are the tools that won’t let you down when everything else fails:

  • Interactive whiteboard apps that work offline: When connectivity crashes mid-class, Jamboard and OpenBoard keep lessons moving forward seamlessly. Students can still interact with content while you troubleshoot technical problems.
  • Simple lesson planners with cloud backup: Picture losing weeks of preparation to a laptop crash. Planbook Teacher prevents this nightmare by syncing across all your devices automatically.
  • Translation tools for multilingual students: Google Translate’s camera feature becomes your lifesaver when ESL learners speak zero English initially. It translates signs, worksheets, and student notes in real-time.
  • Audio recording software for pronunciation practice: Why repeat the same sounds again and again? Tools like Audacity let students listen on their own. They hear the differences clearly, and teachers can make simple guides for practice.
  • Presentation design on slow connections: Presentation makers like Canva work smoothly, even on slow internet connections. Unlike large PowerPoint files, Canva’s light templates load fast, so you can create visuals without lag or crashes.

After covering the core, let’s focus on lesson plans that truly engage.

Must-Have ESL Teaching Tools

Dynamic Lesson Plans That Travel Well

Cookie-cutter lesson plans crumble the moment you step into a new culture. For example, what worked in Australia might confuse students in Thailand or bore learners in Brazil. The same plan everywhere is like wearing a winter coat in summer, possible but completely wrong.

That means the solution isn’t scrapping your methods but building flexibility into every lesson.

The framework covers three adaptable approaches:

Template Systems That Bend Without Breaking

Flexibility starts with frameworks that accommodate cultural differences. For you as an ESL teacher, this means creating templates with changeable sections where you can swap in local examples and cultural references that connect with your specific students. After building these templates, you can adjust them to any student group without major rewrites.

Cultural Bridge-Building Techniques

Why teach past tense with American historical events when local history works better? It’s undeniable that students learn a new language better when it connects to things they already know. This makes English feel useful instead of separate from their everyday life.

Emergency Backup Strategies

Every teacher needs a Plan B for unexpected situations. The practical approach involves keeping simple activities that work without technology, the internet, or specific materials handy. These backup plans often become your most engaging teaching moments with students.

Now that your lessons can adapt anywhere, it’s time to learn the free resources that make teaching abroad easier.

Free ESL Resources Every Global Teacher Needs

Free doesn’t always mean good when it comes to ESL resources, but some platforms genuinely deliver professional-quality materials. But there is a challenge that people often overlook: choosing helpful resources over useless websites.

Not all platforms are created equal, but these three prove their worth. Sites like British Council Learn English, Cambridge English Online, and News in Slow English offer reliable, structured content. They function effectively regardless of your location or internet restrictions.

Based on our experience, teachers who create offline resource libraries before travelling report 50% fewer classroom preparation struggles when technology fails abroad.

Building Your Global Classroom Environment

Your classroom setup shouldn’t depend on luck or local IT support when teaching abroad. What you need is a classroom setup that works the same way in every country you teach.

You can follow this progression to set up anywhere:

  1. Digital Workspace Essentials: Muscle memory saves time. That’s why you should set up all your devices the same way. For example, use the same bookmarks, shortcuts, and folder layouts everywhere. After you develop these habits, you feel comfortable right away.
  2. Visual Environment Creation: What message does your background send to students? It signals how much you value them. When you blend professionalism with local cultural touches, you show respect and help learners feel more connected.
  3. Connectivity Problem-Solving: Expect the internet to fail at the worst moment. To stay prepared, download resources that work offline and set up phone hotspots as backups. Plan other ways as well to deliver your lessons before problems happen.
  4. Inclusive Space Design: Every student learns differently. For this reason, you should create different ways for students to learn through seeing, hearing, and reading. In this way, students from all cultures and backgrounds can benefit from this learning.
  5. Tech Troubleshooting Basics: Don’t let glitches derail you. Instead, rely on quick fixes for projectors, networks, and devices to show confidence and keep lessons running smoothly.

A strong classroom base clears the way for effective tech use ahead.

Building Your Global Classroom Environment

Google Slides Tricks That Save Hours

Google Slides beats PowerPoint hands down for international teaching. Since it is cloud-based, you avoid compatibility issues and those crashes on outdated school computers.

Even better, the collaboration tools reshape lesson prep completely. This means a teaching assistant can add cultural context overnight. Plus, students contribute examples from their own world instead of confusing foreign references.

Beyond collaboration, voice embedding becomes a powerful tool for pronunciation work. Teachers record difficult sounds, place them in their slides, and give students the freedom to practice independently without breaking the lesson flow.

This streamlined approach consistently saves hours each week and makes teaching more efficient.

Organising Your School Year Digitally

Each country runs its schools differently. Their calendars don’t match up, which creates problems for teachers. What makes this even more complex is that you’re juggling local holidays, assessment schedules, and administrative requirements that change based on your teaching location.

Experienced teachers use this layered approach:

  • Long-term Planning Tools: Calendar apps that sync everywhere prevent scheduling chaos. You can also use them to align your lesson goals with school requirements while staying consistent for your students.
  • Monthly Progress Tracking: Language barriers mean students advance at completely different rates. While one student might excel at speaking, another struggles with writing basics. That’s where simple tracking tools become your lifesaver. Spreadsheet templates or apps like Teacherkit let you monitor everyone’s progress without sacrificing your personal time to endless paperwork.
  • Weekly Logistics Management: Wasting time coordinating through email isn’t a good option anymore. It’s because modern shared tools handle everything automatically. Through digital planners, local staff stay updated on schedule changes, meetings, and administrative deadlines seamlessly.

Your digital setup is complete at this point. Now we can explore educational resources that support your teaching.

British Council Resources Plus Hidden Gems

Imagine building a house without a strong base. British Council resources provide that foundation, but they’re only the beginning. You get better results when you pair them with creative platforms that bring cultural richness and engage students.

Official Powerhouses vs Underground Favourites

British Council Learn English provides reliable content that schools around the world trust. Meanwhile, platforms like FluentU and English Central bring in video-based learning. These tools engage younger students who prefer interactive content.

When you look at regional preferences, the picture shifts further. For instance, European students often connect well with BBC Learning English, while many learners in Asia lean toward Visual English lessons. Our recommendation is: check how well these work with your internet to make the best choice. This ensures the platforms you pick work reliably in your classroom.

Of course, quality resources are just half of the equation. The other half is about streamlining your workflow to maximize teaching impact and minimize time spent.

Time-Saving Automation Hacks

Time becomes your scarcest resource when teaching abroad. At the same time, you’re dealing with lesson planning, cultural adaptation, and even learning a new language. That’s where automation steps in to handle repetitive tasks so you can focus on actual teaching.

These three areas offer significant time-saving potential:

Grading That Happens While You Sleep

Google Forms creates self-grading quizzes for vocabulary and grammar practice. This setup gives students quick results and shows you exactly where they struggle. From then on, it handles the work without demanding extra attention.

Time-Saving Automation Hacks

Feedback Systems That Scale

Record video explanations for common errors instead of writing the same comments repeatedly. In turn, this lets students hear your tone and see your expressions, so the feedback feels personal even when automated.

Content Creation Shortcuts

You can rely on AI tools like ChatGPT to create practice sentences with local cultural flavor. The tool delivers ready-to-use content that fits your students’ lives and reinforces grammar. Drawing from our experience, this approach saves 3-4 hours weekly on lesson preparation tasks.

Put all three into practice and you will quickly notice how much lighter your weekly workload feels. You will also find that it gives you more focus for real teaching.

Live Captions and Accessibility Magic

You might think live captions only help students with hearing challenges, but that’s completely wrong. They benefit every single learner in your international classroom, especially with unfamiliar accents or complex vocabulary that students haven’t encountered before.

The real impact comes when students see and hear simultaneously. In that moment, spelling becomes clear, pronunciation makes sense, and comprehension improves dramatically.

Most platforms now have automatic captions, so setup is quick and easy. Through our hands-on experience, classrooms that use captions see more engaged students and fewer requests to repeat things.

Start Your Teaching Adventure With Confidence

International ESL teaching demands technical skills that traditional training programs rarely address effectively. This gap means many teachers struggle with connectivity issues, cultural adaptation, and resource limitations that derail classroom success. However, effective digital preparation transforms these challenges into manageable opportunities.

This guide explored practical tools, flexible lesson frameworks, quality resources, workspace organization, and presentation techniques for global educators. We also talked about planning your whole school year, finding helpful websites, ways to save time, and making sure all students can learn well.

Biography Shelf has supported Australian teachers worldwide since 2007. Grow your teaching career overseas using our reliable placement network in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and more.

Teach abroad in 2025

Teach and Travel in 2025: Emerging Destinations You Haven’t Considered

You want to teach abroad in 2025 but are fed up with everyone recommending the same teaching destinations? We’re talking about these countries: Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. These places are fantastic, but to be honest, finding good positions there feels like winning the lottery these days.

The thing is: most rewarding teaching experiences are happening in countries you probably haven’t considered yet. So, we’re here today to enlighten you with some new teaching destinations.

This guide will show you:

  • Three beautiful destinations perfect for Australian teachers (and explain why specifically good for Aussies)
  • Why do these places offer better opportunities
  • Everything you need to know about visas and qualifications
  • What your money can buy you there
  • Connecting with other teachers and locals

Ready? Let’s explore these hidden gems that could change your teaching career forever.

Teaching Destinations for English Teachers in 2025

Teach Abroad in 2025: Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Morocco

Most teachers choose the same old places like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. “But Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Morocco offer something better. Unlike crowded destinations, these countries welcome English teachers with open arms.

They’re actively seeking qualified educators like you. Students there often wait months just to learn from someone like you. So, you see, your presence is truly valued in these growing markets.

Georgia: Europe Meets Asia in Perfect Harmony

Georgia is said to sit between Europe and Asia because teachers get to experience a unique mix of cultures there. Currently, English teachers have been in high demand in Georgia, meaning there are more job vacancies than qualified teachers.

This demand indicates you’ll teach students who really want to learn. While you’re there, you can explore their famous wine culture that goes back thousands of years. The thing is, your Australian dollars will buy much more here than in popular teaching countries.

Kazakhstan: The Surprisingly Wealthy Teaching Haven

This Central Asian country might surprise you with its modern cities and competitive teaching salaries. For example, English teachers earn between 150,000 and 300,000 KZT ($320 to $630) per month at public schools, with higher pay at universities and private language schools.

Believe it or not, students here are serious about learning English to advance their careers in oil, tech, and finance.

Morocco: Where Teaching Meets Adventure

Picture this: finish teaching, then explore ancient markets or relax on beaches. Morocco makes this happen. Tourism is growing, so English teaching jobs are too. You’ll teach excited students and live well for less money.

Each place is different. All three countries value foreign teachers and treat them well. What makes these places better than crowded teaching spots?

What Sets These Teaching Spots Apart

So what makes these countries different from the usual suspects? You get to experience a real cultural connection when you teach abroad in 2025, and in lesser-known countries.

What sets these new destinations truly apart from the crowd is:

  • Authentic experience: You’ll live like a local, not in an expat area where everyone speaks English. The best part is that there are no tourist traps or overpriced Western restaurants on every corner.
  • Genuinely excited students: Being there feels special, not like just another foreign face they see daily.
  • Schools that value your input: Administrators listen to your ideas instead of treating you like any other teacher. Believe me, I know how good it feels when your suggestions get heard and implemented.
  • Welcoming local cultures: Locals are curious about Australia and eager to share their traditions with you. So, we suggest that you take the initiative to make real friends, not just polite acquaintances.
  • Better work-life balance: Less competition means less stress and more time to explore your new home. Such environments make teaching enjoyable again.

Popular teaching destinations are flooded with teachers competing for attention and respect. These countries offer something different. Schools and students appreciate having you there.

Your TEFL Course and Visa Journey Made Simple

Preparing for the TEFL course with passport

The visa process for these destinations won’t give you nightmares like some other countries might. Each of these three places wants English teachers, so the application process is smoother than you’d expect.

First, start with a quality Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. This shows schools you’re serious and opens doors everywhere.

Georgia makes things super easy for Australians with visa-free entry! This means you can sort out work permits after you arrive, which takes so much pressure off.

Now, Kazakhstan works a bit differently. You’ll need your TEFL certification plus a clean criminal record, but here’s the good news: their online system is actually pretty efficient. Most applications get processed within weeks.

Morocco takes a little more planning ahead. We always tell teachers to start their application two months early. Trust us, it saves a lot of stress later on.

The timeline typically runs like this: complete your TEFL training, gather your documents, apply for positions, and then submit visa paperwork once you have a job offer.

Don’t worry about getting overwhelmed. Biography Shelf walks teachers through the whole process, starting with training program selection and ending with document submission. Most of our teachers wrap up the entire process in three to four months.

Pro tip from our experience: Get your criminal background check done first because it takes the longest. The paperwork looks scarier than it truly is, and once you start, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to begin.

Living Costs That’ll Stretch Your Aussie Dollar

local meals cost fewer dollars

Your biggest concern is probably whether you can afford to live comfortably while teaching in these countries. The reality might surprise you. Your Australian dollar goes much further in these destinations than you expect.

In Georgia, teachers can live well without breaking the bank. According to livingcost.org, one person spends on average $324 a month on food. Also, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the Tbilisi centre stands at 760 USD, and outside the central area, it’s 500 USD. Even better, local meals cost a few dollars. You’ll find yourself saving money while still enjoying a great quality of life.

Now, if you’re worried about money, Kazakhstan offers even better deals for teachers. The average monthly cost of living in Kazakhstan for an individual is around KZT 252,887, without including the rent (roughly $600 USD). The cost range varies depending on which cities you choose, but even expensive places like Almaty cost much less than Australian cities.

But wait, it gets even better. Morocco gives you the cheapest option of the three countries. The cost of living in Morocco is relatively low ($500 – $1000 a month) for English teachers. Fresh food markets, affordable transportation, and low rent make Morocco perfect for teachers who want to live well without spending much. You’ll find that most places keep living costs low across the country.

A former colleague moved to one of these locations and recently told me she’s living better than she ever did back home. She’s saving money every month while having amazing experiences. Just like her, you’ll genuinely save money each month while enjoying authentic cultural experiences.

Building Your Support Network in Unconventional Places

We understand that building new connections in a new place can be challenging. Don’t worry, we have a hack for this issue. If you try to communicate with the locals of Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Morocco, they will help you break down your misconceptions. It’s because they’re incredibly friendly and welcoming to foreign teachers. Feeling relieved right now, aren’t you?

Now, let’s find out how to start conversations with them:

  • Established expat teacher groups: Facebook communities and WhatsApp groups connect English teachers in every major city. You’ll quickly find practical advice and genuine friendships with people who totally get what you’re going through.
  • Local language schools: Many schools host social events where you can meet both colleagues and students outside the classroom setting. Staff parties and casual get-togethers often turn into lasting professional friendships.
  • Cultural exchange programs: Universities often organise events where locals want to practice English with native speakers like you. You’ll find yourself teaching informally while learning about local customs and traditions.
  • Co-working spaces: Digital nomad hubs in cities like Tbilisi and Almaty provide networking opportunities with international professionals. Like-minded people are attracted to these modern spaces, so there is a chance they will understand the expat lifestyle.
  • Embassy events: Australian embassies regularly host social gatherings that help you connect with fellow Aussies and local professionals. We recommend you attend these events to meet familiar faces. Also, such settings offer valuable networking opportunities in your new home.

Our experience at Biography Shelf shows that teachers who actively engage with their communities report higher job satisfaction and longer stays. What works best is being open to new experiences and putting yourself out there from day one.

Your Next Chapter Starts with One Application

Even if you are not, I am surely feeling excited about the new possibilities ahead. Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Morocco offer everything you’ve been looking for. From authentic cultural experiences to professional growth opportunities and the chance to make a real difference in students’ lives.

Biography Shelf has been helping Australian teachers find their perfect teaching positions since 2007. We handle everything from matching you with the right schools to guiding you through visa applications and settling into your new home. Our team understands exactly what it takes to make your transition smooth and successful.

Ready to take the first step toward your teaching adventure? Contact Biography Shelf today to discuss your options.

Your students are waiting, and your next chapter begins with just one decision. Don’t let these amazing opportunities pass. Reach out now and discover which destination could change your life.

ESL Teacher's Expat Life

Beyond the Classroom: Building a Social Life as a Teacher Abroad

What makes some expat teachers create amazing social lives while others struggle to make a single friend after months abroad?

Well, the differences come down to knowing where to look and taking small daily actions outside your comfort zone. And we’re going to show you exactly how to do both.

In our experience placing teachers worldwide, we see this pattern constantly. The educators who build strong social networks feel happier and handle cultural challenges much better. Those who focus only on work often feel isolated and burn out faster.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

  • How to find expat groups that match your interests
  • Local activities that build real friendships
  • Daily habits to prevent burnout
  • Why digital platforms work for meeting people
  • Long-term career opportunities through social connections

Stick with us as we break down everything you need to build genuine connections as an expat teacher.

Stepping Outside the ESL Teacher’s Expat Life Bubble

ESL Expat Teacher leaving his bubble to join a lively staffroom

As an expat teacher, when you build a social life outside of school, you prevent burnout and create multiple support networks that understand your unique challenges.

However, many teachers make the mistake of only socialising with colleagues from their school. While work friendships are great, limiting yourself to one social circle can feel suffocating. That’s why you need variety in your relationships to stay mentally healthy and engaged with your new environment.

Here are two practical ways to expand your social circle and create meaningful connections beyond the staffroom:

Find Friends Through Shared Interests

Find common interests with other teachers to build friendships outside of the classroom. For example, if you like hiking, join local walking groups where you’ll meet both expats and locals who share your passion.

This approach works because shared activities naturally break down barriers. You focus on the hobby rather than awkward small talk about your job. Isn’t it easier to chat about trail routes than lesson plans?

Also, regular meetups help you maintain a work-life balance. You get to practise the local language with people in your community who are genuinely interested in the same things you are.

Using Digital Tools to Connect

Let’s talk about the best way to use online resources to meet people in your new country. There are many social media groups and apps that can connect you with expat communities before you even arrive.

Some of the most effective platforms are:

Besides helping you plan meetups, these platforms also serve as your cultural crash course from people who’ve been there. When you join these digital communities, you find people who are interested in similar activities and understand expat life challenges.

The funny thing is, you’ll probably make more friends through your phone than you ever did back home.

Now that we’ve covered how to meet people, the next step focuses on maintaining these relationships for your mental health. The connections you build become your emotional anchor when homesickness hits or work stress builds up.

The Connection Between Social Life and Mental Wellness

ESL teachers abroad enjoying coffee together for mental wellness

Thinking about how loneliness might affect your teaching performance and overall happiness abroad? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.

In this section, we’ll cover practical ways to connect with your new environment so that your mental wellness stays strong while teaching overseas.

How to Connect with the Local Culture

You can connect with the local culture through daily actions like shopping at markets or chatting with neighbours, plus weekend adventures that fit around your schedule.

What you have to do is find activities that match your interests while helping you meet locals in your new country. When you spend your free time doing things you enjoy, you naturally practise the language and build friendships with local people.

So those awkward conversations at the grocery store become easier, and you start feeling less like an outsider.

Maintaining Work-life Balance

When you’re living the ESL teacher’s expat life, having relationships outside the teaching bubble becomes essential for your mental health and personal growth. The best outcome is that these local cultural connections improve your work-life balance because you have local friends who aren’t interested in talking about lesson plans or marking papers.

Here are some ways to get started:

  • Join local cooking classes
  • Attend community festivals
  • Volunteer for neighbourhood projects
  • Take weekend language exchanges

We recommend starting with one activity that genuinely excites you. The enthusiasm will carry you through the awkward first meetings, and you’ll find that locals appreciate it when foreigners show genuine interest in their culture.

Building a Strong Support System

Are you worried about how to find support when you’re abroad? It’s a common concern for teachers living abroad. But with the right approach, you can create a network that matches what you had back home.

Once you start building connections in your new country, you should aim for variety. That means you need close friends who get the expat struggles, plus local friends for cultural grounding. It’s the perfect way to handle both homesickness and work stress without feeling overwhelmed.

Helpful Tip: Set up regular video calls with family back home, but don’t let these replace building local relationships. Also, connect with ex-teachers who’ve returned home because they often provide the best perspective on making the most of your time abroad.

Since we’ve covered how to build these connections and maintain your mental wellness, let’s talk about what comes next. The initial excitement of living abroad eventually settles, and that’s when your long-term success depends on the foundations you’ve built.

The Long-Term Strategy: Beyond the Initial Adventure

ESL expat teacher planning long-term strategy

After you’ve settled into your new country and built those initial connections, teaching abroad becomes about career growth, personal development, and making strategic life choices.

Many expat teachers start thinking about their long-term plans around the two-year mark. Some decide to extend their contracts and build deeper roots in their new country. Others use their international experience as a stepping stone to advance their teaching career back home or explore completely different paths.

What’s more, your social connections often influence these career and life choices. The friends you make and the community you build help you see possibilities you never considered.

For instance, that hiking buddy might introduce you to a school that needs a curriculum coordinator. Even the expat group you joined could connect you with someone starting their own educational company.

If you’re an ambitious teacher, the education sector can offer many pathways beyond the traditional classroom. Research shows that former teachers transition into various roles, including higher education, curriculum design, career advising, public service positions, and some even start their own businesses.

This means your experience abroad positions you perfectly for various career transitions when you’re ready to move on.

Here are some popular alternative paths that ex-teachers pursue:

  • Instructional designer for corporate training programmes
  • Educational consultant helping schools improve their systems
  • Business owner running tutoring services or language schools

We once helped Chris, a teacher who worked for almost four years in Thailand, teaching ESL. He shared with us how joining a local business networking group changed his entire career path. After connecting with expat entrepreneurs, he discovered his passion for educational technology and finally launched his own online platform for language learning.

Turns out a weekly meetup can also become the foundation for your next career move.

Start Building Your Social Network Today

When you move abroad for teaching, you face unique social challenges like isolation, cultural barriers, and limited local connections. But with the right strategies and mindset, expat teachers can create fulfilling social lives that support both personal well-being and professional growth.

We’ve explored practical approaches from joining expat communities to participating in local cultural activities and building professional networks. You’ve also learned how these connections can improve your mental wellness and open doors to exciting career opportunities beyond traditional classroom teaching.

We at Biography Shelf connect certified teachers with teaching positions worldwide while supporting your complete expat journey. Our placement services help you find the perfect role where you can build the international teaching career and social life you want.

Contact us today to start your teaching adventure with proper support from day one.

How to Choose the Right TESOL Program for You

With so many TESOL courses out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which one helps you start teaching English? Which TESOL certificate is recognised in the countries you’re targeting? And how do you make sure the program fits your goals, schedule, and budget?

This guide is designed to give you clear answers before you enrol. You’ll learn how to compare course providers, explore real teaching opportunities, and find a path that helps you build your teaching skills and real classroom confidence.

We’ll also talk about how to gain teaching experience, where to find job opportunities, and what kind of work and lifestyle to expect from teaching English abroad or online.

Ready to figure it out? Let’s get started.

What to look for in a TESOL course

Look for a TESOL course that’s accredited, includes teaching practice, and offers job support. These are the basics that help you build real skills and feel ready to teach. The course should also match your time and learning style so you can complete it without stress.

Here’s more on what to look for in a TESOL program:

  • Global accreditation: Make sure a trusted educational institution or accrediting body like the British Council or TESL Canada recognises the program. Accreditation shows that the course meets set standards and is respected in many countries, especially where English teaching jobs are competitive.
  • Real teaching practice: A solid program includes teaching practice with real students. This might mean peer-teaching, virtual practice sessions, or a practicum at a local school. It helps you apply theory in real life and builds practical skills fast.
  • Job support and flexibility: Good course providers often include resume help, job interview training, and links to job boards. If you’re balancing work or family, check for part-time or online course formats you can complete in your own time.
  • Course length and format: Standard TESOL certification programs offer 120 hours of training, which is the baseline requirement for most English teaching jobs abroad. Some offer short-term intensives, while others stretch across several months. Choose what matches your pace and goals.
TESOL courses

Selecting a teaching course with these elements sets you up for success. Our findings show that teachers who start with well-rounded training adapt faster and find better job placements.

Next, let’s walk through how to build your confidence with real classroom experience.

Get real teaching experience with a TESOL program

Getting certified is an important step, but real confidence comes from practice. That’s why the best TESOL courses include structured teaching experience.

You’ll teach real or simulated classes, observe other teachers, and get feedback that helps you improve. These sessions give you a space to experiment, learn how to handle common classroom issues, and sharpen your instincts before stepping into a paid role.

Teaching practice might include:

  • Peer-led lessons
  • Live sessions with volunteer students
  • In-person practicum hours through partnered schools or programs

These activities help you understand student needs, correct misunderstandings, and manage a class with ease. You also gain practical experience working with learners of different levels, ages, and backgrounds.

Based on our firsthand experience, we’ve seen new teachers go from hesitant to prepared within 10–20 hours of teaching practice. That early exposure often leads to smoother job interviews and stronger classroom performance.

Programs that provide structured teaching practice produce teachers who stay in the job longer and feel more confident from day one.

How to find teaching opportunities after TESOL

Once you’ve completed your training, it’s time to find teaching opportunities that align with your goals and schedule. You can start by exploring job boards, online platforms, school recruitment programs, or direct referrals from your course provider.

How to find teaching opportunities after TESOL

Where can you teach?

  • Online Platform: Platforms like Cambly, Preply, and iTalki let you start teaching online from your own home. They’re flexible, low-barrier entry points. They’re perfect for you if you want to build experience or work part-time.
  • Language schools: Schools in South Korea, Japan, Spain, and Germany often offer full-time roles with perks like free housing, airfare, and structured support. These are ideal if you’re seeking stability and full immersion.
  • NGOs and volunteer programs: While these roles may not offer high pay, they provide cultural exposure, classroom hours, and a chance to make a social impact. Some programs lead to longer-term English teaching jobs abroad after the placement.

What age group suits you?

  • Children: They benefit from energetic, game-based teaching. If you enjoy creativity and movement, this might be your best fit. It’s a common entry point in many overseas schools.
  • Adults: Most adults are often career-focused or learning for migration. These classes require clear communication and real-world lesson topics like job interviews or travel.

Think about what suits your personality and schedule. Our investigation demonstrated that teachers who align their job type with their strengths tend to grow faster and stay longer in the field.

Now, let’s look at how to start teaching overseas, even if it’s your first time navigating the visa process.

How to start teaching English overseas

Starting your journey to teach English overseas involves a few clear steps. You’ll need to complete your TESOL certification, apply to teaching programs or schools, and work through the visa process. The more prepared you are, the smoother it will go.

Begin by choosing a destination. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam usually require a bachelor’s degree, a TESOL certificate, and sometimes a clean background check. Others, like Cambodia or Latin America, have fewer requirements but still value well-trained teachers.

Next, apply to schools directly or through trusted programs. Public school schemes, private language centres, and international school chains are all options. Some recruiters specialise in placing new teachers. Use them if you’re unsure where to begin.

Then it’s paperwork time. Gather passport copies, health checks, references, and any forms your host country requires. Some schools also ask for demo lessons or short interviews via video.

Getting these steps right can help you start sooner, avoid avoidable delays, and secure a role that truly matches your goals. Teachers who take the time to prepare their documents and research school expectations are often offered stronger contracts and better support on arrival.

What you get with a TESOL certificate

A TESOL certificate is your entry point into the world of English teaching. It shows you’ve been trained, assessed, and prepared to teach in real classrooms or online settings. Also, it gives you a toolkit of practical skills and a launchpad for your teaching career.

  • Employer recognition and global access: Most schools in English-speaking countries, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East expect a recognised TESOL certificate. It’s the baseline for getting shortlisted and the first thing recruiters check when reviewing your application.
  • Practical teaching tools and strategies: You’ll learn how to plan lessons, manage behaviour, and adapt your approach to suit different student levels. Courses also cover how to use storytelling, tech, and group activities to keep lessons effective and engaging. These methods are valued in both in-person and teaching English online roles.
  • Increased classroom confidence: With a mix of theory and practical experience, TESOL training gets you comfortable leading a room, even if you’re new. Teachers who go through hands-on practice report feeling more prepared during their first week on the job.
  • Access to both in-person and remote jobs: Once certified, you’ll qualify for roles at language centres, schools, or tutoring platforms. Many teachers start teaching English online first, then take their skills abroad. This flexibility makes it easier to test your strengths and build a stable income.

Our findings show that teachers who complete TESOL with live practice and job support often find work faster and stay in their roles longer.

How TESOL courses teach English grammar

TESOL courses teach English grammar in a way that’s simple to understand and easy to explain. You don’t have to be a grammar nerd. You only need to know how to break it down for your students and help them use it in real situations.

Step-by-step structure makes it easier to teach

TESOL courses don’t throw grammar rules at you all at once. They show you how to introduce topics in stages (like teaching verb tenses in context before focusing on exceptions). You’ll practise walking learners through examples, guiding them from simple sentences to more natural use.

You’ll also learn how to use scaffolding. Starting with model sentences, then guided practice, and finally letting students create their own examples.

How TESOL courses teach English grammar

Practical tools replace boring grammar lectures

Instead of lengthy grammar definitions, TESOL training teaches you how to use real-life materials like timelines, diagrams, videos, or simple dialogues. These help visual and auditory learners understand complex rules faster.

You’ll also cover how to deal with common errors and how to correct mistakes in a way that keeps learners motivated instead of embarrassed.

One new teacher said that after finishing his TESOL practicum, he taught a live lesson on “past continuous.” He was nervous at first, but the students understood. The class went better than expected. That moment helped him realise that clear, simple teaching works better than trying to be perfect.

Teaching grammar well is about making language useful for your learners. Next, we’ll explore what kind of pay and career paths you can expect once you’re certified.

What is the average salary for TESOL teachers?

TESOL salaries vary by country, contract type, and teaching format. However, there is consistent demand and strong earning potential for those with the right training.

  • Middle East: Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer some of the highest packages. Teachers can earn between AUD $3,000–$7,000 per month, often tax-free, with added perks like free housing, flights, and healthcare. These roles usually require a degree and a recognised TESOL certificate.
  • Asia: South Korea and Japan are popular due to competitive pay, structured support, and work stability. Expect salaries between AUD $2,500–$4,000 per month, often with housing included. Public school programs and private academies both recruit English teachers abroad year-round.
  • Latin America: Jobs in Latin America, like Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, tend to pay less, around AUD $800–$1,800 monthly. But lower living costs and rich cultural experiences make them attractive for newer teachers or travellers looking for balance.
  • Online teaching: For teaching English online, pay varies depending on the platform and experience. Hourly rates usually range from AUD $20 to $55. Some teachers build a full-time income. Others use it to supplement travel or freelance work.

After putting it to the test, many TESOL graduates report that their first job isn’t their highest-paying one. But, it leads to better contracts and long-term career path growth within 12–24 months.

If relocating isn’t your thing, the next best step might be building a flexible teaching schedule from your living room.

Can TESOL help you work from home?

Can TESOL help you work from home?

Yes, you can teach English from home with a TESOL certificate, and it’s one of the fastest-growing teaching options right now. Once certified, you can apply to platforms like Preply, Cambly, and iTalki. These sites connect you with students from around the world, offering work that fits around your own schedule, even if you’re balancing other jobs or family.

All you need is a reliable internet connection, a headset, and a quiet space. Most platforms supply the lesson materials. Others let you build your own approach as a private tutor, giving you the freedom to run your own sessions and grow your client base over time.

Pro Tip: Keep a few structured lesson plans ready for trial classes. It shows you’re organised and helps convert new learners into long-term students.

After conducting experiments with it, several TESOL graduates reported earning a full-time income by starting part-time online. Some began with trial lessons and, within a few months, were teaching 20–30 hours a week, all from their own home.

Online work also helps build teaching experience before you head overseas or shift to classroom teaching. It’s a flexible way to grow, get comfortable, and stay in control of your schedule.

Let’s wrap it up by helping you choose the right course to match your goals.

Ready to take the first step?

You’ve seen what a TESOL certificate can do. It can give you real teaching skills, open global teaching opportunities, and help you work online from your own home. Plus, you’ve learned how to compare TESOL courses, choose the right course for your goals, and build teaching experience before stepping into your first role.

Now it’s time to act. Pick a course that’s accredited, flexible, and aligned with your teaching goals. You might plan to explore English-speaking countries, teach remotely, or grow into a long-term teaching career. No matter the goal, the best place to start is with the right training.

At Biography Shelf, we’re here to guide you every step, from researching programs to understanding where your certification can take you.

Take that first step today. Your teaching journey starts now.