Teaching English abroad funds more extended trips than any other single job category among backpackers. South Korea, Japan, and the UAE pay enough to save $800-1,500 per month after expenses, while countries like Vietnam and Thailand offer lower salaries but dramatically cheaper living costs. The barrier to entry is lower than most people assume, but the difference between a great contract and a terrible one comes down to preparation.
Certifications and Which Countries Pay Best
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the minimum standard most schools require, and reputable online courses from International TEFL Academy or i-to-i cost $250-400. A CELTA from Cambridge carries more weight and opens doors at universities and British Council centers, but the month-long in-person course runs $1,500-2,500 depending on the city. South Korea's EPIK government program pays 2.0-2.7 million won monthly ($1,500-2,000 USD) with free housing, flights, and a completion bonus — applications open in February for August start and September for March start. Japan's JET Programme offers 3.36 million yen annually ($25,000 USD) with applications due in late November for July departures. The UAE pays the highest raw salaries at $3,000-5,000 USD monthly tax-free, but typically requires a bachelor's degree and two years of classroom experience. Vietnam has the lowest entry barrier — many schools in Ho Chi Minh City hire with just a TEFL and pay $1,200-1,800 monthly, which goes far when rent is $300 and meals cost $2-3.
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Download Roammate — FreeContract Red Flags and Maximizing Your Savings
Never sign a contract that requires you to surrender your passport to the employer — this is illegal in every country and a hallmark of exploitative operations. Other red flags include unpaid training periods exceeding one week, penalties for breaking contract that exceed one month's salary, and schools that won't provide the contract in English. Ask for contact details of current foreign teachers and actually call them before signing. Once you're in position, your saving rate depends on lifestyle discipline more than salary. Teachers in South Korea who cook at home and avoid the Itaewon bar scene regularly save $1,000 monthly. In Japan, avoid key money apartments by choosing share houses through services like Oakhouse or Sakura House at 50,000-70,000 yen monthly. Set up automatic transfers to a home bank account on payday — if the money never hits your local spending account, you won't spend it. A 12-month teaching contract in a high-paying country can fund 6-8 months of backpacking in Southeast Asia afterward.
