Category: Location

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 Many Australian schools struggle with outdated resources, but these institutions provide interactive whiteboards instead.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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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:

• Online expat groups like Internations
• Meetup local events for specific hobbies
• Local Facebook community pages
• WhatsApp community chats

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

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

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.