Escape the Grind. Go Where You’re Respected, Valued, and Rewarded.

American teachers are burning out. The workload keeps growing, the pay hasn’t kept up, and somewhere along the way the respect disappeared. There’s a version of this career that looks completely different. It exists. A lot of people are already living it.

What Teaching in Asia Actually Looks Like

This isn’t a gap year. It’s a career move that mid-career teachers are making every year. Smaller class sizes. Schools that still operate like teaching is a profession worth respecting. A salary that actually stretches because the cost of living is a fraction of what you’re used to.

And the location changes everything. Asia puts you in the center of one of the most travel-rich regions on earth. Weekend trips to Bali, Japan, Vietnam, or the islands aren’t a splurge – they’re just what you do when flights cost $40 and you’re already there. The school calendar gives you real chunks of time off, and for the first time you’ll actually have somewhere worth going.

This isn’t giving up your career. It’s reclaiming it.

Southeast Asia

Thailand

The most popular destination for Western teachers and easy to see why. International school salaries run $1,500 to $4,000/month depending on school type. Cost of living in Chiang Mai sits around $1,200/month for a genuinely comfortable life. Central location means Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia are all a short cheap flight away.

Vietnam

Fast growing international school market with strong demand for qualified Western teachers. Salaries from $1,800 to $3,500/month. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi both have strong expat communities, incredible food, and easy access to beaches, mountains, and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Malaysia

English friendly, multicultural, easy to live in. International school salaries from $2,000 to $4,500/month. Kuala Lumpur gives you a modern city at a fraction of Western costs and puts you in a great spot for regional travel across Asia.

Cambodia

Growing international school market with a very low cost of living. Good entry point for first time international teachers. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are relaxed, affordable, and well positioned for travel across the region.

East Asia

China

The highest paying market in Asia for international teachers. Salaries from $2,500 to $6,000/month with housing and flights included at top tier schools. Shanghai and Beijing offer world class infrastructure and a strong base for travel across East and Southeast Asia.

South Korea

Strong pay, well organized system, housing often included. EPIK and GEPIK government programs offer structured entry points. Salaries from $2,000 to $3,500/month. Central location with easy access to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

Japan

Culturally rich and professionally rewarding. JET Program and private school placements available. Salaries from $2,000 to $4,000/month. Higher cost of living than Southeast Asia but excellent quality of life and unmatched access to the wider region.

Taiwan

Underrated. Safe, welcoming, great quality of life, lower cost of living than Japan. International school salaries from $2,000 to $3,500/month. Good gateway to both East and Southeast Asia.

I’ve Done This From Both Sides of the Desk

I spent 14 years living and working abroad across 40 countries. Eight of those years I ran Novacent, an English language center in Vietnam, where I hired teachers, built curriculum from the ground up, and learned firsthand what international schools are actually looking for – and what trips up first year teachers who weren’t prepared.

Now I’m moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand to teach high school business at an international school. I know this world from both sides.

When you book a consultation with me you’re not talking to a recruiter who gets paid when you sign. You’re talking to someone who has actually lived this career, in this part of the world, and can give you the honest picture.

The Teacher Relocation Consultation Price: $297

One focused session built around your specific situation. Not a generic overview.

Country and school type matching based on your background, goals, and lifestyle
Honest salary and cost of living breakdown for your target destinations
Resume and application guidance for international school positions
Visa and work permit overview for your chosen country
What to expect your first 90 days
How to make the most of your time off - regional travel, long weekends, school breaks
Bonus included: Complete Year 1 ESL A1 curriculum bundle for middle years to high school - lesson plans, student worksheets, homework sheets, and quick reference cards. Ready to use from your first week. No planning required.

Just Need the Materials? The Year 1 ESL A1 Teaching Bundle - $97

A complete set of professionally designed lesson plans, student worksheets, homework sheets, and quick reference cards built specifically for ESL A1 level middle years to high school students. Built from 14 years of classroom experience in Southeast Asia. American English throughout. Ready to use from day one. For teachers who already have placement and just need to hit the ground running.

Not Sure Yet? Start Here.

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