The Best Countries for Work-Life Balance When Teaching English Abroad
A world where personal life revolves around work doesn’t exist anymore. In its place, there is a new-found culture where employees realise that their most valuable asset is time, not money. This comes with a deep understanding that time, unlike money, doesn’t come and go. It just goes and doesn’t come back.
In response to this priority shift, employers have moulded their work environment to offer perks that support the physical and mental well-being of their workforce, encourage networking and team spirit in the workplace, and promote flexible work arrangements.
What does this mean for the ELT industry? It’s easy to envision teaching English abroad as the ideal balance of sand, beach, and culture in exchange for a few hours of work a day. But often, that’s not the case.
What’s the ideal country for work-life balance?
Objectively, the ideal destination for English Language Teachers doesn’t exist because it all comes down to personal preference. However, there are some key aspects of your work life that should be considered (and checked with your potential employer) before signing a contract.
These factors can make all the difference:
- Reasonable work schedule
A packed teaching schedule might look good on paper if the salary is high, but it can quickly take a toll on your energy, social life, and ability to explore your new surroundings. Look for roles that cap classroom time around 25–30 hours per week—and be sure to ask whether that includes planning and admin or if that’s just contact (teaching) hours.
- Paid holidays and time off
Not all contracts are created equal, and not all countries have the same view on taking time off work. Some positions offer generous holiday allowances aligned with school calendars, while others provide little more than national public holidays. If time off matters to you (and it should), check how much paid leave you’re entitled to—and when you can actually take it.
- Money balance: salary vs cost of living
A high salary means little if your rent eats up most of it. Focus on countries where your income goes further—where you can live comfortably, eat out, save a little, and even travel locally. Financial security means it’s easier to achieve and maintain a work-life balance when you’re not constantly budgeting for basics.
- Company culture: respect for personal time
Some cultures naturally lean into a slower pace of life. In countries where lunch breaks are sacred, after-hours emails are frowned upon, and weekends are truly for rest, you’ll find it much easier to switch off and recharge. Local attitudes toward work can influence your entire teaching experience.
- General support
Health and well-being are foundational to a good work-life balance. From healthcare to finding accommodation, starting a new life abroad can be overwhelming. It’s always worth checking what kind of support your potential employer will provide - and to what extent. Some schools offer private healthcare packages, while others provide accommodation for their staff. At the very least, you should be given help finding a place to stay. Don’t forget: if you are required to travel (e.g. holding your lessons at the client’s premises), the cost of public transport should be subsidised.
Find YOUR ideal destination
As previously mentioned, there isn’t such a thing as the ideal destination for teaching English abroad, but it’s all in our minds. Therefore, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to get out of this experience.
Here are some ideas to help you find the best destination for you:
- If you want to reconnect with nature, try Costa Rica:
This vibrant country embodies the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, where days can be spent lounging on beaches, hiking through lush national parks, exploring volcanoes, or joining in on colourful festivals that run late into the night.
To teach English in Costa Rica, you’ll need a visa sponsored by your employer, and the process isn’t always quick—or cheap. For this reason, schools tend to favour candidates who can commit to a one-year contract. While adult teaching roles can open up year-round, the best time to find work with children is around October or November. Most schools expect a TEFL certificate, and although it is not always mandatory, having a degree and being a native English speaker definitely helps.
- If you are looking for a high-paying position, try:
Kuwait ranks among the wealthiest nations in the world. For English teachers, it's one of the most financially rewarding workplaces. Salaries are exceptionally high, typically ranging from $2,600 to $4,000 per month, especially for those teaching Business English or English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to professionals in the oil and energy sector. Even better, earnings are completely tax-free, allowing teachers to save a significant portion of their income. In addition to generous pay, most teaching packages include housing, utilities, health insurance, transport to and from work, and annual return flights to your home country.
Contracts usually last one to two years, and while experience is valued, many schools are open to hiring newly qualified teachers with a degree and TEFL certification. Just note: to work legally in Kuwait, you'll need a residence visa and a valid work permit, which your employer will typically help arrange.
South Korea has gradually made it to the top of the list for TEFL destinations. This is because it offers the unique advantages of offering teachers a solid salary while experiencing a unique blend of modern city life and deep-rooted tradition. From high-tech cities like Seoul and Busan to serene mountain landscapes and coastlines, South Korea offers an exciting lifestyle—one of the most rewarding pay scales in the TEFL world.
English teachers here can earn between $1,350 and $3,100 per month, depending on the type of school. That makes South Korea one of the highest-paying countries globally for TEFL teachers, and many positions also include free housing, flight reimbursements, and contract completion bonuses.
- If you prefer an affordable cost of living, try Vietnam:
If you are looking for a budget-friendly place to teach English without compromising on the cultural experience, Vietnam should be high on your list. Alongside its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, Vietnam offers an incredibly affordable cost of living, which means your salary can go much further here than in many other countries.
With a growing economy and an increasing focus on international communication, the demand for English teachers is strong—especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Teachers can comfortably cover their expenses and still have money left to enjoy travel, local cuisine, and weekend getaways. It's not unusual for teachers to save money while maintaining a good quality of life.
Job options range from teaching young learners in large state schools to smaller groups in private language centres. While public schools may have bigger class sizes and fewer resources, private institutions offer better facilities, higher pay, and a more balanced schedule.
- If you want to work in public schools, apply for government-led programmes in South Korea, France, Hungary, or Spain.
Compared to other countries, there’s one that offers a much wider range of options. Let’s explore English teaching programs abroad in South Korea: SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education), if you are interested in working within the Seoul area; GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea); and EPIK (English Program In Korea), perhaps the most popular programme available.
Finding work-life balance abroad
There’s no exact science to finding the right balance between work and personal life; it’s everyone’s choice. In the TEFL world, however, aspects such as work schedule, time off, company culture, the relation between salary and cost of living, and support to newcomers are crucial to identify whether the country (or the workplace within the country of your choice) matches your needs and your wants.
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