🌏 Your Ultimate Guide to Teaching in Southeast Asia in 2025

Introduction

With a booming education market, affordable living, and incredible travel opportunities, Southeast Asia has become one of the most sought-after destinations for teachers worldwide.

But here’s the question that matters most:
“Where’s the best place to teach in Southeast Asia?”

Whether you're chasing a higher salary, a slower pace of life, or international school prestige, this guide will help you make the right decision. We’ve compiled the most up-to-date information on teacher salaries, benefits, cost of living, and job availability across Southeast Asia—using GBP (£) as the base currency, with EUR (€) and USD ($) for reference.

Why Teach in Southeast Asia?

• 📈 High demand for English teachers
• 🧳 Affordable travel across tropical destinations
• 🏡 Low cost of living in most countries
• 🌍 Cultural immersion in diverse, welcoming societies
• 💼 Career growth in international schools and ESL centres

At Teachola, we help you tap into these benefits—securing roles that align with your goals and lifestyle.

Best Countries to Teach in Southeast Asia (2025)

🇸🇬 Singapore – Highest Earning Potential in the Region

Salary Range:

• £2,350–£5,400/month
• €2,775–€6,375/month
• $2,990–$6,860/month

Why It’s Great:
Top-tier international schools in Singapore offer some of the highest teacher salaries in Asia. While the cost of living is high, generous salaries, housing allowances, and full medical cover more than compensate.

Best For: Experienced, certified teachers with UK, IB or US curriculum experience.

Teachola Insight: We help qualified teachers access private international school roles with full visa sponsorship and relocation support.

🇻🇳 Vietnam – Best Work-Life Balance & Travel Perks

Salary Range:

• £950–£1,600/month
• €1,120–€1,880/month
• $1,205–$2,030/month

Why It’s Great:
Vietnam offers a perfect mix of strong salaries and low living costs, making it ideal for teachers who want to enjoy a high quality of life and still save. Demand is strong across both ESL centres and international schools.

Best For: TEFL teachers looking for vibrant cities and beachside weekends.

Teachola Insight: We place teachers with vetted language centres and schools in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

🇲🇾 Malaysia – A Hidden Gem with Growing Opportunities

Salary Range:

• £1,300–£2,400/month
• €1,535–€2,830/month
• $1,650–$3,050/month

Why It’s Great:
Malaysia’s growing international education sector offers competitive salaries and western-style contracts—particularly in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. English is widely spoken, making it easy to adjust.

Best For: Qualified teachers looking for stability and a multicultural environment.

Teachola Insight: We partner with reputable schools and help with visa processing for West Malaysia and Sarawak.

🇹🇭 Thailand – Great Lifestyle & Entry-Level TEFL Roles

Salary Range:

• £800–£1,300/month
• €940–€1,540/month
• $1,015–$1,650/month

Why It’s Great:
Thailand remains a favourite for first-time teachers and career changers. The cost of living is low, and schools often help with accommodation and work permits.

Best For: New graduates and first-time TEFL teachers.

Teachola Insight: We place teachers in both public schools and high-paying private institutions—with visa and housing support included.

🇮🇩 Indonesia – Up-and-Coming Market with Affordable Living

Salary Range:

• £850–£1,400/month
• €1,000–€1,650/month
• $1,080–$1,780/month

Why It’s Great:
With a growing middle class and interest in English education, cities like Jakarta and Surabaya are opening doors to more teaching jobs. Many roles include housing or a stipend.

Best For: Teachers looking for tropical surroundings and community living.

Teachola Insight: We provide relocation support and pair you with reliable ESL chains and international schools.

🇰🇭 Cambodia – Easy Entry and Growing Demand

Salary Range:

• £700–£1,100/month
• €825–€1,300/month
• $890–$1,400/month

Why It’s Great:
Cambodia offers flexible visa policies, a welcoming culture, and opportunities to teach in schools that may not require a degree. Phnom Penh is the main teaching hub.

Best For: Teachers seeking a low-barrier, low-cost lifestyle.

Teachola Insight: We ensure all placements are with reputable institutions and help you plan for legal, long-term stays.

Salary Comparison Table (GBP, EUR, USD)

CountryGBP (£)EUR (€)USD ($)Best ForSingapore£2,350–£5,400€2,775–€6,375$2,990–$6,860Experienced international educatorsVietnam£950–£1,600€1,120–€1,880$1,205–$2,030TEFL teachers & lifestyle seekersMalaysia£1,300–£2,400€1,535–€2,830$1,650–$3,050Qualified subject teachersThailand£800–£1,300€940–€1,540$1,015–$1,650New TEFL teachersIndonesia£850–£1,400€1,000–€1,650$1,080–$1,780Culture + lifestyle balanceCambodia£700–£1,100€825–€1,300$890–$1,400Easy access, flexible visas

FAQs: Teaching in Southeast Asia

❓ Which country in Southeast Asia pays teachers the most?

Singapore is the highest-paying destination by far, especially for qualified, experienced educators.

❓ Where can I save the most money?

Vietnam and Malaysia offer the best balance of income and cost of living—making them great for saving.

❓ Which is best for new teachers?

Thailand and Cambodia are fantastic for first-time TEFL teachers thanks to low entry requirements and easy lifestyle.

❓ Is TEFL certification necessary?

Yes—for most countries, a 120-hour TEFL certificate is the minimum requirement. Teachola can help you find an accredited course.

How Teachola Helps You Get Hired

At Teachola, we offer far more than just job listings.

✅ Our Services:

• 🎯 Job matching based on your qualifications and goals
• 🛂 Visa and contract support
• 📚 TEFL training guidance
• 📞 Pre- and post-departure mentoring
• 🏫 School vetting and onboarding prep

Final Thoughts

Southeast Asia offers a unique opportunity to grow your teaching career, explore the world, and earn a competitive income—all while living in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Whether you’re eyeing high-paying positions in Singapore, a balanced life in Vietnam, or cultural immersion in Thailand, Teachola is here to make it happen.

🎯 Start Your Southeast Asia Teaching Journey Today

👉 Apply with Teachola and get placed in one of Southeast Asia’s top teaching destinations—with full support from start to finish.

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