10 Countries Where It’s Surprisingly Easy to Live and Work

Work isn’t what it used to be. These days, more people are ditching the 9-to-5 office grind for something far more exciting—working from anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or full-time digital nomad, the freedom to live and work abroad has never been more within reach. But let’s be honest: some countries make it way easier than others.

While a few places drown you in paperwork or demand sky-high salaries for residency, others practically beg you to stay, with simple visa rules, low costs, and communities full of fellow wanderers. Want to sip coffee in a Spanish café between meetings? Or swap your dreary commute for beachside Wi-Fi in Bali?

This guide is your shortcut to the ten easiest countries to live and work in as a teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL).

We’re covering everything from affordable healthcare to fast internet, expat-friendly cities, and even special visas for remote workers. So if you’re ready to turn “work from home” into “work from paradise,” keep reading—your next adventure starts here.

South-East Asia

Indonesia

Whether it’s the spiritual calm of Ubud or the surf-friendly beaches of Canggu, Bali has become a digital nomad magnet—and for good reason. Indonesia offers a relaxed lifestyle, low cost of living, and a vibrant international community, especially in Bali.

The country has recently launched a Remote Worker Visa (E33G), but remote workers can stay for 60 days, with extensions available for up to 180 days, with the regular B-211A visa.

The food is cheap and delicious, scooters are the preferred mode of travel, and you’ll find plenty of co-working spaces with fast internet. English is widely spoken in nomad hubs, and with rice terraces on one side and beaches on the other, your biggest challenge might just be finding time to work between adventures.

Thailand

Thailand isn’t called the “Land of Smiles” for nothing—it’s one of Southeast Asia’s easiest (and most fun) places to teach English. Between the friendly locals, postcard-perfect beaches, and dirt-cheap cost of living, it’s no wonder many TEFL teachers stay way longer than they planned.

Do you want to know how to live and work in Thailand as a teacher? You don’t even need experience—just a bachelor’s degree and a sense of adventure.

Sure, the paperwork isn’t quite as relaxed as the vibe—you’ll need a work visa, permit, and a clean background check. But most teachers just roll in on a tourist visa and sort things out once they land a job.

Salaries (around 800–1,200/month) might sound low, but when your rent is under $200 and a plate of pad thai costs less than your morning coffee back home, you’ll live way better than you would on twice that in the West.

Bangkok’s the go-to for city lovers, Phuket’s all about island life, and Chiang Mai? Think cozy cafés, mountain temples, and a chill expat scene. Whether you’re teaching kids by the beach or hustling in a skyscraper school, Thailand makes the whole “work abroad” thing feel more like a permanent vacation.

Vietnam

Let’s be real—Vietnam isn’t just a place to teach English; it’s a full-sensory experience. One minute you’re sipping cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese coffee) in a Hanoi alley, the next you’re zipping through Saigon’s motorbike chaos or waking up to misty mountains in Da Lat.

Or you’re strolling through the small alleys in Hoi An, my favorite town. The best part? You can actually afford this life while doing meaningful work.

Jobs are everywhere—kindergartens, language centers, even fancy international schools if you’ve got the credentials. No degree? No problem (at some places). Just grab a TEFL cert, and you’re golden.

Pay? Solid for Southeast Asia, especially at private centers where you’ll score better hours (think: afternoons/evenings, leaving your mornings free for beach naps or motorbike road trips).

Hanoi’s your jam if you love city vibes and ancient temples. Saigon’s for the night market addicts and sun-chasers. Either way, Vietnam doesn’t just let you teach—it throws you into a life where every day feels like the best kind of culture shock. 

Latin America

Argentina

Argentina makes teaching English easy and life even better. No degree? It’s often not required—just bring a TEFL cert and enthusiasm. Pay ($700−1,200/month) goes far when rent is $300, and steaks cost $5.

Try to get paid in US dollars if you can. A USD salary stretches way further than local peso wages. Just budget carefully—the gap could shrink if policies change.

Buenos Aires offers nonstop culture and nightlife. Prefer quieter? Try Cordoba’s student vibe or Mendoza’s wine country.

Visa-wise, most teachers enter as tourists and sort paperwork after getting hired. You’ll work reasonable hours with plenty of time to explore—think weekend trips to Patagonia or learning tango between classes. 

Mexico

The country’s booming tourism and international trade sectors have created endless opportunities for English teachers, from corporate trainers in Guadalajara to surf instructors/teachers in Sayulita.

What makes Mexico truly special is its accessibility. While a degree helps, many schools prioritize your TEFL certification and teaching energy over formal credentials. The paperwork is refreshingly straightforward, too – secure your FM3 work visa after landing a job, with most schools guiding you through the process.

Whether you crave Mexico City’s electrifying urban energy (think world-class museums hidden among colonial architecture) or the slow rhythm of teaching in an Oaxacan pueblo, or even working from the beach in Tulum, Mexico offers the rare combination of professional opportunity and personal freedom.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica needs English teachers. With a TEFL cert, you can work in cities, beach towns, or eco-lodges. San José has the most jobs, but beach towns offer smaller classes and ocean views.

The pay can be anything between $600−1,000/month, and you can spend your weekends surfing or hiking volcanoes.

A TEFL certification is usually enough to secure a teaching role, although a degree would be an advantage. Learn Spanish to connect with students and locals: it’ll help you understand and embrace the “pura vida” vibe–a lifestyle where work doesn’t dominate life.

You’ll teach in the mornings, then hit the beach or jungle by afternoon. Many teachers fall in love with the place and stay years longer than planned.

Europe

Spain

Spain offers an appealing mix of vibrant culture and steady demand for English teachers. For non-EU citizens, options include the government-run NALCAP program (which provides a visa and stipend) or securing a student visa that permits part-time work. 

EU nationals have an easier path, applying directly to language academies that often sponsor the required work documentation. Regardless of origin, all teachers will need to obtain an NIE (foreigner identification number) to work legally.

The teaching environment here reflects Spain’s relaxed culture. Expect informal classrooms where students address teachers by first names, and schedules built around the traditional two-hour midday break.

While Spanish education emphasizes memorization, creative teachers can gradually encourage students to participate in English conversations. Most opportunities exist in private language academies offering evening classes, though public schools and private tutoring provide alternatives.

Italy

That Italian saying about good wine coming in small barrels perfectly captures this country, compact in size but overflowing with flavor.

Beyond its world-famous cuisine (where every region boasts its own pasta shapes and sauces), Italy has breathtaking diversity – from Tuscany’s sun-kissed hills to Sardinia’s turquoise waters and the Dolomites’ jagged peaks.

And then Puglia’s beautiful beaches, the Amalfi Coast famous towns, and beautiful art-filled cities such as Florence. I might be biased because I’m from there, but there is no place like Italy!

For English teachers, Italy offers both opportunity and challenge. The demand is real, from business professionals to tourism workers and students preparing for international exams. But be warned: salaries run modest, bureaucracy tests patience, and outside major cities, English fluency drops quickly.

Eastern Europe

Georgia

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a melting pot of cultures. The country is known for its welcoming locals, beautiful mountains, and ancient traditions. 

Georgia has a relatively low cost of living, with affordable housing and food. Teaching English is in demand, especially in Tbilisi, Batumi, and other major cities. Public schools, private language schools, and businesses always seek qualified teachers.

A TEFL certificate is typically required, though a degree is not always necessary. The work visa process can be straightforward, and many schools offer assistance in obtaining one.

Georgia’s unique cultural experiences extend beyond work. You can enjoy the country’s famous wine, taste traditional dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings), and immerse yourself in the local hospitality.

Georgian is the official language, and while most young people speak English, learning the basics of the language will help you better connect with the community.

Poland

Poland offers something for everyone, from cultural events, museums, and festivals to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. However, its harsh, long winters might not be ideal for those seeking a warm climate.

Life in Poland is generally affordable compared to most European countries, especially in dining, public transport, and everyday goods, but clothing and fuel prices can be relatively high.

Finding work as a TEFL teacher is relatively simple, but note that the influence of Poland’s past under communism means some bureaucracy is involved in securing work permits, requiring patience with red tape. 

The most popular option for TEFL teachers is private language schools (or academies), which offer positions in major cities like Warsaw and Kraków.

Classes are usually small (10-15 students) and generally held in the afternoon/evening (General English) or before/after working hours (Business English). These schools often provide accommodation for TEFL teachers as part of their contracts.

Teachers working in public institutions are often hired through agencies, and class sizes can be large (up to 40 students). Work hours tend to be longer than in academies, but compensation is higher.

Teaching in preschools involves working with groups of up to 20 children, typically from 8 am to 5 pm. These positions offer better salaries but can be more demanding.

Living and working abroad is a wonderful and transformative experience that will help you discover the world within and around you. What country tickles your fancy from our top 10?