Is TEFL Still a Worthwhile Path to Living Abroad in 2025?

For many professionals, especially those in fields like IT, the dream of working overseas can feel just out of reach. When traditional job applications don’t pan out, teaching English often emerges as a compelling alternative. But is it still a viable path for building savings and a good life abroad?

Let’s break down the key considerations for four popular Asian destinations.

Salary vs. Cost of Living: The Savings Potential

Your ability to save hinges entirely on the country and city you choose.

• China often offers the highest salaries relative to local living costs, especially in major cities. It’s frequently cited as the top choice for those focused on saving money. After expenses, significant monthly savings are possible.
• Japan provides a comfortable, modern lifestyle but with a higher cost of living. Savings are possible with careful budgeting, but the focus here tends to be more on experience than accumulation.
• Thailand and Malaysia offer a fantastic quality of life with lower costs. However, salaries for TEFL teachers are generally more modest. You can live very comfortably, but aggressive saving requires a specific lifestyle or a position at a top-tier international school.

Verdict: For pure saving power, China leads. For a balance of comfort and modest savings, look to Thailand or Malaysia.

The Real Workload: More Than Just Classroom Hours

Don’t be fooled by a low weekly “teaching hour” count. Your real workweek includes:

• Lesson planning and material creation
• Grading and administrative tasks
• Mandatory office hours or school events

Language centers often have evening/weekend schedules with more teaching hours but less prep. Public schools come with larger classes and more administrative expectations. International schools offer the best packages but require specific teaching credentials and experience.

A realistic full-time position typically demands 35-50 hours of total commitment per week.

Time to Explore: Understanding Vacation Reality

Paid vacation varies dramatically by contract type and country.

• Many contracts, especially in language centers, align with local labor laws, which can mean as little as 10-12 days of paid leave, plus national holidays.
• Public and international school contracts usually include longer, fixed holiday periods (e.g., summer/winter breaks), which are ideal for travel.

Always scrutinize the contract—what’s written is usually what you get. Travel is absolutely possible, but your budget will determine how far you go.

Stability & Visa Ease: Securing Your Foundation

Job security is directly tied to your employer’s reputation.

• Stick with established, licensed schools. Read reviews and talk to current teachers.
• China and Japan have structured, well-defined visa processes for legitimate employers, which offers security.
• Regulations can change; always ensure your work visa is sponsored by your employer from the start.

Feeling stable is common with a good employer, but always have a financial buffer.

The 2025 Verdict: Is TEFL Worth It?

For someone with an IT background looking to get abroad and save?

Yes, it can still be a very strategic move, but with caveats.

• As a Savings Vehicle: It’s effective, primarily in China or with high-qualification roles elsewhere.
• As a Life/Career Experience: It’s excellent for gaining international living experience, learning cross-cultural skills, and buying time to network for other opportunities locally.
• The Alternative Route: Consider directly targeting IT roles in global companies with Asian offices or looking for “digital nomad” visas in places like Malaysia, which might allow you to freelance in your field.

Quality of Life Comparison

• Japan: High organization, safety, and convenience. Can feel insular; making local friends takes effort.
• Thailand: Unbeatable lifestyle for many—great food, travel hubs, and friendly locals. Work culture can be relaxed but sometimes disorganized.
• Malaysia: Cultural diversity, fantastic food, and English widely spoken. Saving potential is similar to Thailand.
• China: Fast-paced, dynamic, and full of opportunity. The culture shock can be significant, but integration is deeply rewarding.

Final Advice

TEFL is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It is, however, a proven pathway to live decently, save strategically, and gain invaluable international experience. For a career-changer, it opens a door. What you build after walking through it is up to you.