2025 might just be your year to TEFL! If you’re finally undertaking that TEFL course you’ve been dreaming about for a while, that’s the best start! Later will come the adventure of moving abroad and exploring a brand new life. One of your goals might be to give yourself a financial boost by earning and saving some money through teaching English. We’ll take a look at the best countries to do this in 2025. 

First, here are some important things to consider when thinking about TEFL 2025 salaries.

– Remember when you are applying for jobs and reviewing salaries that everything is relative to the cost of living in that country. The salary might be higher than what you get at home, but if it’s in a more expensive country, it’s not as exciting as it may seem. Similarly, you might think the monthly salary seems low in the job advert, but the cost of living might mean that you can actually make a saving.

– Flights are expensive these days so if you travel further from home and need a long-haul flight (or several) to get home, then this might be a big chunk of your savings if you want to travel home on a regular basis. Of course, everyone wants to visit home but consider how realistic this will be for you and your savings if you need to catch 3 flights from Vietnam to get home to your town and want to go home every 3 months.

– Do some research about the cost of living where you’ll be living, especially rental prices. if you don’t have accommodation included in your job offer. This can be done by looking at rental sites of that country or reading blogs. You can also use expats in that country as a good source of knowledge. There are lots of Facebook groups you can join to ask these questions and you’ll get many practical, useful answers.

– Adapt to your new country. Everyone is free to do what they want, but some habits might lead to you spending more money! For example, if you live in Southeast Asia and you want to eat at more expensive restaurants or chains, you will spend more money than if you indulge in the street food where the locals dine.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) $2500-5000 monthly 

If money is your overall goal then the UAE is a top choice to consider for 2025. TEFL in places like Dubai or Abu Dhabi can bring you a much higher salary than in other parts of the world. TEFL jobs in this area also often include things like accommodation, utility allowances and even a return flight package. This can really help you save as you don’t need to shell out for those initial or big monthly expenses. Salaries can also be tax-free in the UAE so this is a huge financial bonus!

Many areas in the Middle East are becoming business hubs and see more and more tourism. This increases the drive to learn English to work in these areas or study higher education in English language institutes. Education is highly valued in the UAE, and this has inspired a need for quality English language teachers. 

To work in the UAE, you will need a TEFL certification, a degree and a native-like level of English. Some jobs will also require a specific passport for visa purposes. If you hold a Master’s degree or a teaching qualification from your own country, you can attract higher positions and a higher salary.

Apart from the financial gains of living in the UAE, the country also offers a rich blend of different cultures and experiences. It is also a hub for global travel, offering flights to all continents so you can also explore other countries if that’s what you’re interested in!

You can also check out other countries in this part of the world, such as Kuwait or Bahrain, which offer high salaries for English teachers and similar requirements. 

China $2000-5000 monthly

English teaching is booming in China at the moment, with life returning to the classroom post-pandemic. Many job offers include an apartment and return flight expenses, which is an automatic boost for your financial status before you’ve even begun work! You can experience the most famous cities, such as Shangai or Beijing, or go more off the beaten track and find a city with lower living costs. 

There is a variety of jobs available in different contexts in China, from language schools to university jobs. The requirements for each one are different. A minimum 120-hour TEFL certificate and a degree are required to work in a language centre, whereas university jobs often require a Master’s degree. An important factor for TEFL 2025 work in China is a passport from countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia etc. This is a requirement for the working visa so isn’t negotiable.

China is becoming increasingly connected to the world in terms of flights. Many cities now offer direct flights to the West, which can help you save money on any extra trips home you might want to make.

South Korea $1800-$2500 monthly

South Korea is becoming more and more popular for TEFL teachers with an intriguing mix of old traditions and modern amenities in huge cities such as Seoul, Busan and Daegu. Job offers in South Korea typically include accommodation, airfare and health care. South Korea has a beautiful blend of city and nature, with many hiking spots easy to access. The public transport system is efficient and teachers can enjoy a vibrant social life at a reasonable cost.

To teach in South Korea, you will need a TEFL certification, a bachelor’s degree, a passport from an English-speaking country and a clean criminal record. There are many offers from language centres to high schools and universities. Thanks to its attractive package offers, you can live comfortably and still save some money working in a beautiful and interesting country. 

Japan $2000-$3000 monthly 

Japan is a dream destination for TEFL 2025 teachers. The country focuses on English proficiency for tourism and business. Job contracts often include accommodation or subsidised accommodation, a completion bonus and sometimes airfare. 

Japan is a stunning country with so much to offer. Whilst Tokyo and Osaka are extremely popular, there are many other cities teachers can choose to live in to earn money and explore Japanese culture. Did you know Japan has over 14,000 islands? You can find traditional temples, bustling cities and gorgeous mountain scenery all while earning and saving some money with TEFL.

To teach in Japan, you need a near-native level of English, a TEFL certification and a Bachelor’s degree. You can also apply through official teaching programmes such as the JET programme which can provide further guidance on how to move to Japan and work.

Vietnam $1200-2000 monthly 

Whilst the salaries in Vietnam might be lower than other places on the list. Its cost of living puts it as a firm contender to make some savings during your TEFL adventure. Eating out in Vietnam is cheaper than eating in your house! You can get delicious meals for $2, it’s a street food paradise! Cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh offer a taste of intense but exciting Vietnamese city life (watch out for the bikes!) but you can find many other places with a quieter vibe to teach in. 

Teaching contracts in Vietnam often include shared housing and end-of-contract bonuses. To work in Vietnam, you need a TEFL certification, native-like English proficiency and often, a degree. The most common work contract is in a language school teaching adults and children.

TEFL savings in Europe 

As you will have noticed, the places most recommended to make more money in TEFL teaching are based in Asia. However, there’s no need to be disheartened at the thought of teaching TEFL in Europe! If you really want to live in a European country to teach and save money then it is possible with some adjustments.

– Look at living outside of the city or teaching in a lesser-known town. Living in the centre of Barcelona might sound like a dream but you’re unlikely to save a lot of money in the current climate. You might want to explore other cities such as Murcia or Zaragoza, which have fewer TEFL teachers.

– Look at ways to add to your income. There are lots of opportunities for online teaching or private classes. If you add a few hours of extra work to your schedule, you can boost your income and put something aside for savings.

– Flights are far cheaper if you come from Europe and travelling around is also low-cost thanks to companies like Flixbus. 

Deciding where to teach TEFL in 2025 is a big decision, and you should take the time to research your dream destination. What are you looking for? What sort of life would make you happy? Can you live comfortably on the local salary? Doing the research will help you have realistic expectations for when you arrive and start work. Don’t forget that there might be ways to supplement your income such as working extra courses, private teaching or teaching English online. 

The TEFL market in 2025 presents exciting opportunities across the globe. From the tax-free perks of the UAE to the cultural richness of Japan and Vietnam, each country offers unique advantages. Considering your qualifications, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences, you can find the perfect destination to maximise your earnings and enjoy an unforgettable experience! The first step is to get your TEFL certification, so what are you waiting for?