The TEFL Expert Editorial Team
Educational content reviewed for Teach English Asia and international recruitment • Updated 22 August 2026
Overview
Asia is the most popular region for English teachers, offering high demand, competitive salaries, and benefits like housing and flight reimbursement. Major markets include China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan. Each country has its own visa requirements, salary ranges, and hiring seasons. This hub provides a comparative overview of Asian teaching markets to help you choose the right destination based on your qualifications, salary expectations, and lifestyle preferences.
Job Types
Public Schools, Private Academies, International Schools, Online.
Excellent Benefits
Paid flights, housing allowance, health insurance.
Standard Requirements
- 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certification
- Bachelor's degree (required in most Asian countries for a work visa)
- Native English proficiency (some countries restrict visas to passport holders from specific countries)
- Clean criminal background check
- Valid passport with at least 18 months remaining
Salary Information
Salaries across Asia range from $1,000 to $3,500 per month. South Korea, Japan, and China offer the highest pay, while Vietnam and Thailand offer lower salaries but a lower cost of living. Most Asian contracts include housing or a housing allowance and flight reimbursement.
Hiring Seasons
Hiring seasons vary by country. South Korea and Japan have strict seasons (August and April), while China, Vietnam, and Thailand hire more flexibly with peaks before each semester.
Current Teaching Opportunities
Don't Have A TEFL Yet?
Most of these jobs require a minimum 120-Hour TEFL certification to legally hire you.