Teaching in Asia
Countries Covered:
Other Destinations:
South Korea: High savings, tech-forward cities, strong education culture.
Indonesia (Bali/Jakarta): Island life or city buzz with good packages.
Cambodia: Low cost of living, relaxed pace, growing school market.
Thailand
A warm, welcoming destination where culture, comfort and career meet.
A Warm Welcome and a Rich Culture
Thailand is known for its friendliness, vibrant street life and natural beauty - from golden temples to tropical islands.
Work-Life Balance
The workweek is Monday to Friday, with a strong respect for teacher wellbeing. Evenings and weekends are free for exploring night markets, massages or island hopping.
Affordable Lifestyle
Enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a teacher's salary. Eat out daily for under £5, rent a modern apartment with a pool and explore local and regional travel affordably.
Family Life
Thailand offers excellent international schools, childcare options and safe, welcoming communities. Many families settle long-term because of the quality of life.
Culture and Community
Experience Thailand's rich culture - Buddhist festivals, traditional dance and street food. Expat teachers are plentiful, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Professional Opportunities
While some schools pay modestly, others offer competitive international packages with housing and flights. There are opportunities for progression, especially in British curriculum schools.
Vietnam
A blend of culture, community and opportunity.
Warm, Welcoming People
Vietnamese people are known for their warmth. You'll quickly feel part of your local community.
Family-Friendly Options
International schools and English-speaking health care make Vietnam a viable option for families. Outdoor play and cultural festivals add colour to kids' lives.
Career Benefits
International schools are growing in number and quality, offering structured career progression and leadership roles for strong teachers.
China
Where tradition meets innovation and opportunity.
Big Cities, Big Potential
China offers a fast-paced lifestyle with enormous teaching opportunities, especially in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Modern Conveniences & Historic Culture
China blends futuristic skylines with centuries-old temples and tea houses. Daily life is efficient and increasingly English-accessible.
High Earning, Low Spending
Teaching salaries are among the highest in Asia. With subsidised housing, flights and daily expenses low, savings potential is excellent.
Expat Hubs
Cities have strong international communities, with social events, expat networks and amenities like Western restaurants, gyms and international supermarkets.
Family-Friendly Living
International schools for your children, large parks and extracurricular programmes make raising a family here feasible and exciting.
Professional Environment
China's best schools are academic powerhouses with strong systems and expectations. They offer clear promotion pathways and well-funded CPD.
Hong Kong
Where East meets West in a vibrant, global city.
East Meets West in a Skyline City
Hong Kong offers the energy of London with the beauty of tropical islands - all packed into one vibrant, vertical city.
Compact, Connected Living
Public transport is world-class and affordable. You can be at the beach, on a hiking trail, or dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant within 30 minutes.
Competitive Salaries
Salaries are high and while rent is expensive, many schools include housing or allowances. Teachers can still save well.
Safe & Efficient
One of the world's safest cities, Hong Kong is ideal for solo teachers, couples and families. English is widely spoken and the healthcare system is excellent.
Work Culture
International schools have a high standard of excellence and expectations are strong - but so are the rewards and the prestige of working here.
Japan
Where tradition, innovation and respect shape everyday life.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Japan offers an elegant fusion of old and new - ancient temples and high-speed trains, tea ceremonies and sushi trains.
Efficient, Polite, Beautiful
Life in Japan is incredibly organised and clean. Public transport runs on time, streets are safe and the scenery is breathtaking year-round.
Calm, Respectful Work Culture
Schools are structured and students are respectful. However, the culture values formality and consistency - something to adapt to.
Quality of Life
While cost of living is high in Tokyo, many schools offer allowances. Outside big cities, life is more affordable. Teachers enjoy hiking, onsens, cherry blossoms and food experiences galore.
Family-Friendly and Safe
Japan is extremely safe and offers strong healthcare, excellent education options and clean, secure environments for children.
Malaysia
Where tradition, innovation and diversity create a relaxed tropical lifestyle.
A Laid-Back, Tropical Lifestyle
Malaysia offers relaxed living, multicultural communities and great travel links to other parts of Asia.
English-Friendly
English is widely spoken in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, making it easy for teachers to settle in.
Affordable City Living
Rent, transport and food are cheap by international standards - a teacher can live comfortably and still save.
Warm Weather Year-Round
Tropical weather and palm-lined beaches are part of daily life, alongside modern malls and entertainment.
Teaching Environment
International schools follow UK, IB or American curricula, with well-funded resources and a focus on holistic education.
Singapore
High Quality, High Expectations
Singapore is a global city - clean, efficient and incredibly safe. It's one of the best places to live and work in Asia.
Modern Living
Expect spotless streets, fast Wi-Fi, safe transport and green spaces everywhere. It's a hub for families, professionals and high-flying schools.
Global Opportunities
Schools here are well-regarded worldwide. Leadership roles, CPD and academic excellence are the norm.
Cost of Living
While expensive, salaries are high and benefits (housing, bonuses) often offset costs. Excellent healthcare and amenities support high quality of life.
Ideal for Families
Top international schools, English-speaking services and endless things to do with kids - from zoos to tech camps to beach days.
