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Best Countries to Teach Abroad:

Top 5 Countries Where Teachers Thrive Abroad

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 Many Australian schools struggle with outdated resources, but these institutions provide interactive whiteboards instead.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

4 Things You Should Know About Teaching English Abroad

Perhaps you’ve made the decision to teach English abroad. You’ve done all the research, found a great program, and decided in the country that is right for you. While you may be experiencing the feeling of excitement and maybe even a bit a hesitation, let’s face it – there’s no perfect way to prepare for your next experience.

Here are four things you should know about teaching English abroad.

Don’t Expect a Miracle Overnight

Teaching ESL is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Don’t expect your students to automatically pick of the fluency in English by the second class. Remember, your goal is to have students leave the room with a better understanding of learning English than when they entered.

It’ll Be Easy to Get Sick

Even if you are the type never to get sick, traveling always find a way to wreak havoc on the immune system. The change of diet, schedules and climate will all contribute to getting ill, so be sure to stay ahead of it and pace yourself.

class

You Will Also Learn

You will be sure to face unexpected challenges that you never thought would happen as well as adventures you couldn’t have imagined. With that said, it is a better idea to be prepared as much as possible by expecting the worse and welcoming the best experiences abroad.

You Won’t Get Rich Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English overseas may not pay as well as other jobs, but you will grow rich in adventure and experience. Keep in mind that while you might not make as much as you would in the U.S., the cost of living is usually cheaper. This means you can still have savings if you learn to live within your means. For most people, teaching abroad isn’t about the money but rather the opportunity to explore a new country and help others learn.

You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Be aware of your surroundings and enjoy every minute of your experience. Embrace the unexpected and learn all you can as you teach others the gift of language.