1. China
It’s easy to see why China comes in number one on our list as it has the largest job market for English teachers in the world.  They literally hire throughout the year and most interviews are done over the phone or email.  Sometimes, even airfare is paid for to China.  With about three hundred million people learning English in China, there’s no doubt as to why China is the most popular country to teach in.

2. South Korea
As one of the strongest teaching markets in the world with some of the best benefits, we have South Korea at number two.  According to International TEFL Academy “In most cases, airfare is reimbursed, and South Korean schools typically provide free housing. A typical contract offers a free return flight, paid vacation and 1 month salary bonus (around $ 2,000 USD after 12 months.)”  Thus it’s pretty easy to see South Korea’s place on this list.

3. Japan
With one of the longest traditions of hiring English teachers in the world, Japan is an easy number three.  With English being a mandatory course for Japanese children.

4. Taiwan
With jobs pretty much available year-round, Taiwan is an excellent choice for any potential teacher looking to go abroad.  Most teachers have to pay for their own airfare and housing, but with many placements offering a generous salary a teacher can easily save a bit of cash per month.

5. Thailand
While most teaching jobs in Thailand are provided through private schools, most teachers can still find placements throughout the year.  With interviews being done in person, there are still some that are done electronically.  Thus at number five, we have the land of curry, Buddha, and smiles.

6. Czech Republic
After the Czech Republic was allowed membership in the European Union in 2004, the need for native English speakers as teachers rose dramatically. Since then, the need has only grown, thus we have the Central European stalwart of the Czech Republic coming in at number six.

7. Mexico
The Spanish speaking, southern neighbor to the United States boasts a fairly strong job market for English with opportunities usually open throughout the year.  Because most schools offer a good hourly wage at twenty to twenty five hours a week, most teachers can afford a comfortable lifestyle and travel a bit.

8. Saudi Arabia
At number eight, we have a surprise contender in… Saudi Arabia!  Boasting a great $1,500 to $3,000 tax-free salary a month with included airfare, housing, and health insurance, Saudi Arabia might be one of the most comfortable places to teach abroad.  However, it does have a somewhat restrictive society and those thinking about teaching there must be aware of those consequences.  So, just as with any country, Saudi Arabia has pros and cons and those thinking about going there just have to weigh what’s most important them.

9. UAE
Just like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates offers great salary and other benefits, but has the drawback of having an extremely competitive job market.  This competition is created by the fact that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are pretty attractive places to the average Westerner given all the amazing architecture and shopping.  Finally, spring and summer are the best times to look for placements as the school year usually starts around August.

10. Vietnam
Coming in at number ten, we have Vietnam, the last but certainly not least of our most popular countries to teach in.  With a large and young population, Vietnam’s youth is yearning to learn English and teachers can find placements throughout the year without a problem.  In the end, with a low cost of living and a beautiful culture, Vietnam is a wonderful place to teach abroad.