Teaching English abroad offers educators a chance to experience new cultures while earning a living. Thailand, the Philippines, and Taiwan are three popular destinations for English teachers, each providing unique opportunities and lifestyles. This article compares these countries based on travel, cost of living, quality of apartments, weather, salary, working hours, safety, transport, efficiency of schools, banking ease, workload, savings potential, and the visa process, complemented by real quotes from teachers who have worked there.

1. Travel and Exploration

Thailand: Thailand is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history. Teachers enjoy easy access to picturesque beaches, jungles, and cultural sites. Affordable travel options, such as buses, trains, and budget airlines, make it easy to explore the country.

“I love how easy it is to travel within Thailand. I often take weekend trips to beautiful islands or historical sites. The variety is amazing!” – Sarah, teacher in Bangkok.

Philippines: With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines creates a tropical paradise full of opportunities for exploration. Teachers can enjoy white-sand beaches and vibrant marine life. Domestic travel can involve flights or ferries, but it is generally affordable.

“Living in the Philippines feels like a vacation. I can hop on a quick flight to an island for the weekend, and each place has its charm!” – Mark, teacher in Cebu.

Taiwan: Taiwan is a compact island with excellent transport links. Teachers can explore lush mountains, bustling night markets, and cultural landmarks. The high-speed rail system makes it convenient to travel around the island.

“Taiwan is small, but there’s so much to see! The trains are super efficient, and I can go anywhere in just a few hours.” – Emily, teacher in Taichung.

2. Cost of Living

Thailand: The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $200 to $600. Daily expenses are also affordable.

“I can live comfortably in Thailand on my salary, and I still have money left over for travel and living well.” – Jason, teacher in Chiang Mai.

Philippines: The cost of living varies by region. In Manila, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $300 to $700, while outside major urban centers, costs are lower.

“I find that living in a less populated area makes my expenses much lower, allowing for more savings.” – Lisa, teacher in Davao.

Taiwan: Although the cost of living in Taiwan is higher than in Thailand and the Philippines, it remains reasonable. Rent in cities like Taipei can range from $500 to $1,000.

“Yes, the rent is higher here, but the pay is decent, and my quality of life is excellent.” – Alex, teacher in Taipei.

3. Quality of Apartments

Thailand: The quality of apartments can vary widely. Many teachers find modern, furnished accommodations in urban areas, but some may experience maintenance issues.

“My apartment is great—spacious, modern, and close to everything I need. The downside is that it took a while to find the right place.” – Sophie, teacher in Bangkok.

Philippines: In the Philippines, housing quality varies. Teachers can find affordable apartments in urban areas, but rural accommodations may be lacking.

“The apartment I found is nice and close to work. There are definitely options; you have to look around a bit.” – Jen, teacher in Manila.

Taiwan: Taiwan generally offers high-quality housing. Most teachers live in well-furnished apartments with good amenities.

“I’ve been very impressed with the quality of my apartment. It’s a great size, and everything works perfectly!” – Tom, teacher in Kaohsiung.

4. Weather

Thailand: Thailand has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round and a rainy season from May to October.

“The humidity can be overwhelming, especially in the summer, but you get used to it, and the beaches make it worth it!” – Rachel, teacher in Phuket.

Philippines: The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.

“I love the warm weather, but during typhoon season, I make sure to have a plan in place just in case!” – Peter, teacher in Iloilo.

Taiwan: Taiwan experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cool, wet winters, especially in northern regions.

“I appreciate the change in seasons here. The spring blooms are beautiful, and summers are great for outdoor activities!” – Nina, teacher in Taitung.

5. Salary and Working Hours

Thailand: English teachers in Thailand typically earn between $1,000 and $1,500 per month, with working hours ranging from 20 to 30 per week. Teachers often find that their salary allows for a comfortable lifestyle while enabling them to explore the country.

“Even though I work fewer hours, I can still make enough money to enjoy life here. Plus, weekends are perfect for traveling!” – Daniel, teacher in Chiang Mai.

Philippines: Salaries for ESL teachers in the Philippines range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month, with workweeks usually consisting of 20 to 25 hours. Teachers enjoy a good work-life balance, which is a significant draw to the country.

“I find that I have plenty of free time to enjoy the local culture and spend time with friends. The workload is very manageable.” – Maria, teacher in Pampanga.

Taiwan: In Taiwan, teachers can expect to earn between $2,000 and $2,800 per month, with additional bonuses or incentives available. Typical work hours are between 25 and 30 per week, providing a good income relative to living costs.

“The salary here is great, and I can save quite a bit while enjoying everything Taiwan has to offer. I feel secure here.” – Kevin, teacher in Taipei.

6. Safety and Transport

Thailand: Thailand is generally safe for foreigners, with urban areas seeing low crime rates. However, traffic can be chaotic, particularly in Bangkok. Public transport options like the BTS Skytrain and MRT provide affordable solutions.

“As a female traveler, I always felt safe here. The public transport is fantastic for getting around, even late at night.” – Claire, teacher in Bangkok.

Philippines: While many regions in the Philippines are safe, petty crime can occur in larger cities. Public transport options vary, but buses, jeepneys, and tricycles are widely used, although road conditions can be poor.

“I make it a priority to know which areas to avoid after dark. But during the day, getting around is a fun part of living here!” – Anya, teacher in Boracay.

Taiwan: Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia, with very low crime rates. The public transport system is efficient and highly reliable, making it easy for teachers to navigate the island.

“I never worry about my safety here. The public transport is top-notch, and I love how easy it is to explore.” – Amy, teacher in Tainan.

7. Banking and Ease of Living

Thailand: Banking in Thailand can be straightforward, but some foreigners may find it challenging due to limited English-speaking services in local banks. Nonetheless, many teachers successfully manage their finances.

“Opening a bank account was easier than I expected. I just needed the right documents. Now I can easily use online banking.” – Greg, teacher in Pattaya.

Philippines: Banking in the Philippines can be hit or miss. Some teachers find the banking system cumbersome, while others praise it for its accessibility, particularly in urban areas.

“I prefer using my international bank card for most things. Local banks can be a hassle sometimes, especially with long lines.” – Samantha, teacher in Manila.

Taiwan: Taiwan has a developed banking system, and many banks offer services in English. Teachers find it convenient to manage their finances, with various online banking options available.

“I’ve had a great experience with banking here. Everything is efficient, and I can easily access my funds.” – Jake, teacher in Taipei.

8. Workload and Savings Potential

Thailand: Teachers in Thailand typically find they can save a modest amount of money, especially if they live frugally. However, the ability to save may be limited due to the lower salary scale.

“I can save a little each month, but I focus on enjoying my time here. Travel is my top priority!” – Lisa, teacher in Hua Hin.

Philippines: Although salaries are generally lower than in Thailand and Taiwan, teachers in the Philippines can save considerably if they live outside major urban areas.

“Living in a smaller town allows me to save more while still enjoying the laid-back lifestyle the Philippines offers.” – Rita, teacher in Dumaguete.

Taiwan: Teachers in Taiwan often save the most due to higher salaries coupled with benefits like housing provided by the school. Many report saving between $500 and $1,000 per month.

“With my salary and no rent to worry about, I can save a healthy amount each month and still enjoy the local cuisine and experiences.” – Eric, teacher in Hsinchu.

9. Visa Process

Thailand: The visa process in Thailand can be relatively simple. Teachers typically need a work permit and a visa sponsored by their employer, but the documentation can be cumbersome at the outset.

“The visa process took some time and patience initially, but my school helped me through it, and now it’s much smoother.” – Kelsey, teacher in Bangkok