Top 6 Tropical Countries for Teaching English Abroad

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Every year, tens of thousands of English speakers are hired by schools to teach English abroad in some of the most fantastic tropical locations on the planet, from Costa Rica to Indonesia.

And guess what? Ninety percent of them have no professional background in teaching or education beyond earning an accredited TEFL certification that provides the training and qualifications sought by thousands of schools and language institutes worldwide.  TEFL-credentialed English teachers in such countries earn salaries that enable them to cover their expenses and enjoy life comfortably. Others, primarily in Asia, make enough teaching English to save 30%-50% of their income after expenses.

Here are our top tropical countries for teaching English abroad:

Best Tropical Countries for Teaching English Abroad

1. Costa Rica

Land of the Pura Vida (“pure life”), Costa Rica offers a stunning array of magnificent coastlines, virgin rain forests and a people known for their sense of humor and warm hospitality.  Despite its small land mass, Costa Rica is actually home to one the best job markets in Latin America for teaching English abroad. Most English teachers in Costa Rica will interview and begin teaching in January and again in June, and most jobs teaching English in Costa Rica entail teaching English to adults in private language academies and tutoring private students.

Read more:

• TEFL Certification in Costa Rica
• The requirements to teach English in Costa Rica

2. Thailand

Known as the “Land of Smiles” for the generosity of its people, Thailand offers thousands of English-teaching opportunities in the heart of tropical Southeast Asia.  From the sparkling beaches of the Andaman Sea to the steamy street markets of Bangkok, Thailand offers an endless and tantalizing array of new sights, sounds, smells and tastes.

A high percentage of English teaching jobs are in Bangkok, a city of dazzling contrasts where modern skyscrapers and state-of-the-art shopping malls stand aside from traditional floating markets, dazzling palaces and ancient temples.

Those who teach English in Thailand typically make enough to save a couple of hundred dollars each month after expenses and in limited cases, may receive benefits like a housing stipend.  Demand for English teachers is very high in Thailand, particularly during hiring seasons in May & November, especially for those with a TEFL certification who are on the ground in Thailand ready to interview and begin teaching as soon as possible.

Read more:

• TEFL Certification course in Hua Hin and Chiang Mai
• The requirements to teach English in Thailand

3. Vietnam

Known for its tropical sun-drenched beaches, steamy river deltas, and teeming cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam is a country on the move, boasting ancient culture, stunning natural beauty, and some of the world's tastiest street food.

As a young, rapidly developing country with an incredibly dynamic economy, Vietnam's need for English skills has grown exponentially in recent years, and demand will continue to rise as the country implements a new plan to make English compulsory for all students by 2035.

Typically, to get hired to teach English in Vietnam, you should plan on interviewing in person, and jobs are open throughout the year.  In some cases, you may be able to apply for positions from home. Private tutoring and teaching English online are also great ways to earn extra income.

Read more:

• Vietnam Country Profile
• The requirements to teach English in Vietnam

4. Indonesia

Sprawling across approximately 18,000 islands that straddle the Equator with a population of nearly 240 million, Indonesia is one of the largest nations on earth and one of the fastest growing job markets for teaching English abroad. 

Those who teach English in Indonesia will encounter a magnificent array of towering volcanic mountains, lush rain forests and spectacular beaches as well as bustling cities and endless opportunities for trekking, scuba diving, surfing and good old-fashioned relaxation. From the teeming streets of Jakarta to the traditional villages of Bali, Indonesia also offers a rich diversity of cultural influences that reflect its history as a crossroads of civilizations whose riches have attracted merchants and explorers from the Netherlands and the Arab Middle East to China, India and elsewhere. 

While it is the world’s largest Islamic nation, Indonesia is a nation whose culture reflects deep Hindu and Buddhist roots, particularly in the extraordinary ruins of Borabadur on the island of Java.

Those who wish to teach English in Indonesia will typically need a four-year degree, a TEFL certification, and citizenship from an English-speaking nation.  It is possible to gain employment locally, but major language schools will also recruit teachers in advance from their home nation, and some English teachers in Indonesia will receive extra benefits like stipends for housing and/or airfare, as well as health insurance and salaries enabling monthly savings of up to the equivalent of $500 a month after expenses.

5. Taiwan

Known as an “Asian Jamaica” to some for its magnificent tropical beaches and lush mountainous interior, Taiwan offers the best of Chinese culture and cuisine in addition to the high tech economy and modern infrastructure associated with nations like Korea and Japan.

For those who love surfing, scuba diving and bungee jumping, Taiwan is virtual heaven, while gourmands and those who love the vibrant pace of modern urban life will delight in the offerings of cities like Taipei.

Those teaching English in Taiwan make enough to save up to $500 a month after expenses and will typically line up their first job in advance from home. Most English teachers in Taiwan are native speakers with four-year degrees, but it is possible for those with an associate’s degree and a TEFL certification to gain employment teaching English in Taiwan as well.

Read more: The requirements to teach English in Taiwan

6. Brazil

From Copacabana Beach and the samba clubs of Rio de Janeiro to the jungles of the Amazon, Brazil in many ways epitomizes the spirit and flavor of the tropics.

With a huge population and a fast-growing economy that is increasingly making the nation a major international economic force, it also faces extremely high demand for English-language instruction. This has only increased in recent years as Brazil cemented its international profile while hosting such major events as the World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympics of 2016.

Foreign English teachers in Brazil are nearly always hired locally, so be prepared to earn your TEFL certification and head to major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to get hired and begin your career teaching English in Brazil. Most positions will be in teaching English at private language schools that cater primarily to business and tourism professionals.  Most English teachers in Brazil also teach English online and take on private students to earn income for travel and to enjoy all that Brazil has to offer.

Are You Ready to Get Going?

Whether you picture yourself grading homework in a café in Ho Chi Minh City, catching a sunset surf session in Costa Rica, or kicking the ⚽ around on the beaches of Rio, one thing is clear: the tropical teaching adventure you’re dreaming about is absolutely within reach. These six countries are just a starting point—there are countless other warm-weather destinations with thriving job markets for English teachers, from Mexico and Colombia to Cambodia and far beyond. With an accredited TEFL certification in hand, you’ll have the training, confidence, and support you need to turn your daydreams of palm trees and plane tickets into a real plan. The next move is yours—start exploring your options, get certified, and get ready to change your life in the tropics.