How to Choose the Best Country to Teach Abroad

One of the first questions teachers ask when they start considering international teaching is:

“What’s the best country to teach in?”

But after eight years of teaching internationally, I think there’s a better question:

What’s the best country for YOU?

Because the destination that works for a single teacher focused on saving aggressively may not be the same destination that works for a teacher moving abroad with a spouse and two children.

And that’s okay...

Choosing where to teach internationally isn’t just about finding a beautiful country on a map. You’re choosing where you’ll live, work, build community, spend your money, and experience everyday life.

Here are a few things I recommend thinking about before you start applying.

1. Start With the Life You Want

Before researching schools, think about what you actually want your life abroad to look like.

Do you want a large, fast-paced city? Somewhere quieter? Easy access to beaches and outdoor activities? A place that makes regional travel easier?

Maybe your priority is having a slower pace of life. Maybe you want to travel as much as possible. Maybe you’re moving with children and your priorities look completely different.

There is no universally “best” answer.

Your goal is to find a destination that aligns with the life you want to build.

2. Look Beyond the Salary

This is a big one.

A higher salary does not automatically mean a better financial package.

When comparing destinations, consider the entire compensation package:

• Housing or a housing allowance

• Health insurance

• Annual flights

• Tuition benefits for dependents

• Retirement or end-of-service benefits

• Professional development

• Transportation

• Cost of living

• Taxes, where applicable

You also need to consider what everyday life will cost you.

A salary that looks lower on paper may stretch significantly further in a country with a lower cost of living. On the other hand, a strong salary paired with benefits such as provided housing can create opportunities to save that you may not have considered.

Compare the package, not just the paycheck.

3. Consider Who Is Moving With You

Are you moving alone?

With a partner?

With children?

Your answer can completely change what you should look for in a destination and school package.

If you're bringing children, investigate dependent visas, school tuition benefits, childcare costs, healthcare, housing size, and whether the school's package is designed to support families.

If your partner is coming with you, research whether they will be able to work, what visa options are available, and whether your household could comfortably live on one income if necessary.

A destination that makes sense for a single teacher isn't automatically the best choice for a family—and vice versa.

4. Think About Your Financial Goals

Ask yourself what you want international teaching to help you accomplish financially.

Are you hoping to:

Pay off debt?

Build your savings?

Invest?

Travel more?

Support a family?

Simply have more breathing room each month?

Different international teaching markets offer different financial opportunities.

For example, China can offer strong earning and saving potential, while countries such as Thailand and Vietnam may offer moderate salaries paired with a more manageable cost of living. Panama may offer lower salaries but a lower cost of living depending on your lifestyle, while parts of Europe can come with higher living expenses and different tax considerations.

In the Middle East, competitive international school packages may include benefits such as housing, flights, insurance, and tuition support, which can significantly change the value of the overall package.

This is why looking only at salary numbers can be misleading.

5. Research Everyday Life, Not Just Vacation Life

This is where social media can get us in trouble.

A country can look incredible during a seven-day vacation and feel completely different when you're waking up there every Monday morning for work.

Research what it is actually like to live there.

Look into transportation, weather, healthcare, groceries, housing, social life, cultural expectations, air quality, commute times, and access to the things that matter to you.

Join expat groups. Talk to teachers currently living there. Follow people who show normal day-to-day life, not just vacations and weekend trips.

You aren't choosing your next vacation destination.

You're choosing your next home.

6. Research the School Just as Much as the Country

This might be the most important part.

A dream destination does not make a poor employment package a good opportunity.

Once you narrow down your locations, research the individual schools carefully.

Look at accreditation, curriculum, leadership, teacher turnover, contract terms, benefits, workload, professional development, and what current or former teachers say about their experiences.

Your experience abroad will be shaped by both where you live and where you work.

The goal isn't simply to get overseas.

The goal is to find a reputable international school and package that make sense for you.

So…Where Should You Teach Abroad?

If you're sitting there thinking:

“Okay, but I still have NO idea where to start…”

I created something for you.

Take my Where Should You Teach Abroad? Quiz to explore destinations that may align with your lifestyle, financial priorities, and family situation.

Your result isn't meant to tell you exactly where you have to move. Think of it as a starting point for your research.

→ TAKE THE WHERE SHOULD YOU TEACH ABROAD? QUIZ

And once you've narrowed down where you might want to teach, it's time to get application-ready.

My International Teacher Application Toolkit can help you start preparing your CV, cover letter, and other key materials you'll need when applying to reputable international schools.

Hiring season is here. Don't wait until you see the perfect opening to start getting ready.

→ GET THE INTERNATIONAL TEACHER APPLICATION TOOLKIT

Your international teaching journey doesn't have to start with having everything figured out.

Start with one question:

Where could this teaching career take me?

Then start preparing to go.