Spain is one of the most popular destinations for new English teachers, but it is far from the only option. If you are weighing up where to build your teaching career abroad, it helps to see how Spain stacks up against the other big hitters: Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the rest of Europe. This honest comparison looks at salaries, savings potential, lifestyle, job availability and entry requirements so you can choose the destination that truly fits your goals.
If Spain is already your front-runner, read this alongside our complete guide to teaching English in Spain: salary & visa.
How the Top TEFL Destinations Compare at a Glance
Every destination trades off money against lifestyle in a different way. Broadly speaking, Asia and the Middle East win on salary and savings, while Spain and the rest of Europe win on lifestyle, culture and proximity to home for European teachers. Latin America sits closer to Spain on pay but offers a very different cultural experience.
- Spain: modest salary, outstanding lifestyle, easy travel within Europe.
- South Korea & Japan: strong salaries, good savings, structured contracts.
- China: high salaries and savings, huge job market, cultural adjustment required.
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia): the highest tax-free salaries, but strict requirements.
- Latin America: low pay, low cost of living, vibrant culture.
Salary and Savings Potential
Spain
As covered in our guide to English teacher salaries in Spain, most teachers earn €700–€1,600 per month. This is enough to live well but rarely to save significantly, unless you add private classes. Spain is a lifestyle choice more than a savings choice.
Asia
South Korea, Japan and especially China offer far stronger savings potential. In China, teachers often save 30–50% of a salary that may reach the equivalent of €1,500–€2,500 per month, and many contracts include free accommodation and flight reimbursement. If your priority is clearing debt or banking money, Asia is hard to beat.
The Middle East
The Gulf states pay the highest salaries in the TEFL world, frequently tax-free and bundled with housing and flights. However, these roles almost always require a degree, a recognised teaching qualification and prior experience, so they suit established teachers rather than beginners.
Latin America
Countries such as Mexico, Colombia and Chile pay modestly, usually just enough to cover local living costs. Like Spain, the appeal is cultural immersion and lifestyle rather than financial gain.
Lifestyle and Culture
This is where Spain shines. The relaxed pace, café culture, world-class food, warm climate and famously social lifestyle make it one of the most enjoyable places to live and work. Weekend trips across Europe are cheap and easy. Asia offers a fascinating cultural contrast and excellent infrastructure, but the distance from home and the intensity of some work cultures can be challenging. The Middle East offers tax-free earnings and modern comforts, but a more conservative social environment. Latin America mirrors Spain's warmth and sociability at an even lower cost.
Job Availability and Timing
Spain has a large and steady job market, particularly in language academies and through the government's assistant programme. Peak hiring runs from late summer into autumn. Asia recruits year-round with a huge volume of positions, especially in China and South Korea. The Middle East hires selectively and competitively. If you want the widest choice of entry-level roles quickly, Asia offers the most volume, while Spain offers the best balance of availability and quality of life for European and native-English teachers.
Entry Requirements Compared
Spain is relatively accessible: a recognised TEFL certificate is the core requirement, and a degree helps but is not always essential for academy work. Our guide to the requirements to teach English in Spain covers the details, and non-EU citizens should also read the Spain student visa guide for English teachers. By contrast, China, South Korea and the Middle East almost always require a bachelor's degree for a legal work visa, and the Gulf adds experience and qualification hurdles on top.
For an official view of visa rules before you commit to any European destination, check the European Union's live, work and study portal.
Which Destination Is Right for You?
- Choose Spain if you value lifestyle, culture and European travel over maximum earnings.
- Choose Asia if saving money and paying off debt are your top priorities.
- Choose the Middle East if you are an experienced, degree-qualified teacher chasing the highest tax-free pay.
- Choose Latin America if you want warmth, immersion and adventure on a small budget.
If you are still deciding where within Spain to base yourself, our guide to the best cities to teach English in Spain will help you narrow it down.
The Verdict
There is no single best destination for teaching English abroad; there is only the best destination for you. If your goals are lifestyle, culture and an easy base for exploring Europe, Spain is genuinely one of the finest choices in the world. If your goals are financial, Asia and the Middle East will serve you better. The good news is that a recognised TEFL certificate opens doors in all of them, so the qualification you earn today gives you the freedom to choose the life you want tomorrow.
