Quality of Life Teaching English Abroad

What is the Quality of Life of an English Teacher Overseas?

Typically, EFL instructors are paid better than the average wage in a country. You will usually live better than the average wage earner. Not bad, eh?

Yeah, well . . . what level is that? What if the “Average Wage Earner” lives in a tin shack?

Good question! Your quality of life can be modest, but can also be very good. It depends a lot on the country. But, I don’t think I have ever lived poorly. Nor have I heard other teachers from other countries complain.

Even in countries where wages are quite low, teachers tend to live well on the local economy.

What problems exist?

Though it seems like a great idea to get free housing from your employer, it can sometimes a bone of contention. You may find yourself living in what looks like a slum. I know I have. But, very modest housing in many poorer countries doesn’t mean what it means in many developed countries. It is quite unlikely that gangs or crime will be out of control.

In Korea, I had friends who lived in an area, that back home in America, I would be afraid to enter after dark. But, in Korea, no problem. In many countries, crime is not the problem it is “back home”.

In spite of the alarmist and xenophobic press in the West – you will often find many parts of Asia in particular – far safer than most Western cities.

My Personal Experience

While teaching English in Taiwan, Korea (twice), Saudi Arabia and Thailand – my quality of life has always been good. I eat well and live well, and can afford good medical care (typically at a small fraction of the cost back home).

With the exception of Thailand – I have always been able to save significant money every month (minimum US$800/month, up to double or triple that). In all countries, you should expect to be able to live well on the local economy and to be able to vacation in the region.

Ted’s Tips™ #1: Don’t judge a job on wages alone. Find out what that wage buys on the local economy. In some countries you will be able to save as much as half of your wages and that is often MUCH more than you could have saved “back home”.

Ted’s Tips™ #2: Asia in particular is a much safer place than most of the “West”. Do ask about local conditions for crime and safety, especially in Latin America.