How much money do I need to teach English abroad?

That said, there are thousands of opportunities around the world for TEFL certified English teachers that do pay well and offer exceptional benefits. You need to do your research before and find out what opportunities are available for you.

So, how much money you should take when you take a job abroad is like asking how long is a piece of string? It will vary from person to person, and country to country. For example, one person may have a job where accommodation and food are included so, obviously, they do not need to take as much money as somebody who will need to find accommodation and pay rent and a deposit, possibly buy some furniture and so on.

When you start to teach you may need to wait a month or so for your first wage, so you want to have enough money to cover you until then. You will need a few months to get yourself settled into your new life. So, as a guide we do recommend you have enough money to cover you for at least 3 months. That is 3 month rent, food, travel and if you don’t already have a return flight booked we would also suggest you have enough money for a return flight home, or at least access to that money. We don’t want to worry you and the chances are this is being over precautious but life is unpredictable and the last thing you want is to be stuck in a foreign country with no way of returning home.

Just be sensible and realistic. You know yourself better than we do and you know how you are with money and what you enjoy doing. Research, talk to us, learn what the local cost is for those things you enjoy and make sure you have enough money to ensure you have a fabulous time.

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