Top Countries for Non-Native ESL Teachers

Out of the 195 countries in the world, including six English-speaking countries, it shouldn’t be hard for ESL teachers to find employment, right? Unfortunately, it is. Even though a lot of countries need ESL teachers, some of them still prefer native speakers. 

The longstanding belief that native speakers are better instructors than trained non-native ESL teachers still prevails. As stated in a previous post, “Being a native speaker doesn’t automatically make you an English teacher. It makes you an English speaker. It is worth noting that being able to teach English requires more than just speaking the language since childhood or growing up in an English-speaking country—teaching requires training.” If your goal is to teach English, don’t lose hope. There are still countries where you can teach English as a trained non-native speaker.

Best Countries for ESL Teachers

Here’s the list we’ve compiled of countries where you can work as an ESL teacher. You don’t have to be a native English speaker, but you must at least have teaching experience in order to receive a job offer.

1. Argentina

Argentina is one of the wealthiest countries in South America. The rise of the economy has made ESL classes more affordable. Also, many businesses now require employees to learn English. To get a job as an ESL teacher, you’ll need experience, a teaching certification, and a bachelor’s degree. The average salary of ESL teachers ranges from $650 to $900 per month.

2. Cambodia

Cambodia is more lenient about accepting ESL teachers compared to its neighboring countries, Vietnam and Thailand. But, because of this, the salary is lower. An ESL teacher can earn about $700 to $1,000 per month.

3. China

As the world’s top manufacturing powerhouse, China has business deals with various countries. This is why speaking English is necessary. To teach in China, you must have a bachelor’s degree, teaching certification, and at least two years of  instructional experience under your belt. If you meet the qualifications, you can make anywhere from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. If you land a job in a private institution or international school, your salary could be from $2,800 to $4,300 per month.

4. Mexico

Since Mexico is close to the United States, the demand for English is high. Mexicans learn basic English in school, but there’s little opportunity for them to use it. Most institutions, public and private, require a college degree and a teaching certification. ESL teachers can earn about $500 to $1,000 per month in Mexico.

5. Taiwan

Even though English is part of the Taiwanese school curriculum, the need for ESL teachers in Taiwan is greater than the amount of qualified teachers in the country. This makes the job search easy for ESL teachers. Private institutions require an ESL certification and a criminal background check. Public schools require a bachelor’s degree in education or a related program, a valid teaching license from your home country, and teaching experience. You can earn between $1,500 to $2,000 monthly. 

Two Countries with Stricter Requirements

1. Japan

Japan is one of the most sought-after countries in the ESL world when it comes to obtaining a teaching position because of the culture and high-paying salary. In Japan, an ESL teacher can earn $2,000 to $2,500 per month. Although it’s not impossible for non-native English speakers to find teaching jobs in Japan, it is much more difficult. 

Japanese institutions typically require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, teaching certification, and passport from an English-speaking country. One way to get your foot in the door, as a non-native ESL teacher, is to go through a recruitment agency that partners with language centers. 

2. South Korea

Did you know that there are over 100,000 language centers in South Korea? South Korea has gained global popularity because of its tech companies, K-pop, K-drama, and K-beauty. Over the years, Korean culture, trends, and music have influenced people worldwide. Like Japan, the country has strict requirements for ESL teachers. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, undergo a criminal record, possess a passport from an English-speaking country, and, in some cases, hold a teaching certification. Regarding salary, an ESL teacher can earn $1,800 to $2,000 per month.

Takeaway