Find out how I saved $1,000/month while living my dream abroad.
When people think of teaching English abroad, they often picture a life of adventure and travel. But what many don’t realize is how teaching can also be a gateway to financial freedom. Not only can you earn a stable income, but you can also save money, enjoy a better work-life balance, and use those savings to fund future adventures or build a secure future.
Here’s how teaching English abroad changed my life financially—and how it could change yours too.
1. Saving $1,000 a Month in Vietnam
When I lived and taught in Vietnam, I earned $1,400 USD a month working full-time. On top of that, I made an extra $1,000 USD per month through private tutoring for just ten extra hours a week. With the low cost of living, I managed to save $1,000 every single month.
Here’s what my budget looked like:
- Rent: $200/month for a lovely apartment including bills and wifi
- Living Expenses: $800/month for mobile data, food and drink, transport, and nights out/ socialsiing/ entertainment
- Savings: $1,000/month
With this setup, I wasn’t just surviving. I was saving money while living more than comfortably and enjoying life. I dined out often, explored neighboring countries, and even embarked on a three-month motorbike trip down Vietnam’s stunning coastline. And all while building up significant savings.
2. Where Did My Savings Go?
One of the best parts of teaching English abroad is how far your income can stretch in countries with a lower cost of living. Here’s how I used my savings to enhance my life:
- Relocation Freedom: I could afford to move to new countries whenever I wanted, from Thailand to Indonesia to New Zealand.
- Family Visits: I traveled home regularly to visit loved ones without stressing about the cost of flights. Moreover, many of my closest family and friends also came out to visit me!
- Adventures: I explored neighboring countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia and immersed myself in unforgettable experiences, from swimming with dolphins to hiking through jungles.
- Starting My Own Business: Those savings gave me the cushion I needed to pursue my passion and launch my own business- Teacher’s Friend! I love helping people experience the joy of teaching abroad.
- A House Deposit: Teaching abroad even helped me start saving for a future house—a goal I never thought I’d achieve while working back home.
3. Work Less, Save More
The best way I describe the financial reality of teaching abroad is this:
I earned less than most of my friends back home, but I also worked far fewer hours. Plus, I had much lower living costs, which gave me far more disposable income than I ever had in a typical 9-to-5 job.
Here’s what I gained:
- Work-Life Balance: I had more time to focus on hobbies, travel, and personal growth.
- Professional Development: Teaching helped me develop valuable skills like communication, adaptability, and cultural awareness, which I now use in my business.
- Savings Potential: Even with a lower salary compared to Western standards, I was able to save more because of the affordable cost of living in many countries.
4. How You Can Do It Too
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling while building financial stability, I highly recommend teaching English abroad. It changed my life. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose the Right Destination: Look for countries with a low cost of living and good earning potential. Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea are great examples.
- Supplement Your Income: Take on private tutoring or online teaching for extra cash. It’s flexible, and highly in demand. When you sign up with Teacher’s Friend, I offer tips and guidance on the best ways to do this.
- Have a plan for progression: With Teacher’s Friend, I’ll help you maximise your earnings and give you all my tips and tricks for getting higher pay in the world of ESL.
5. Teaching English Abroad Isn’t Just a Job—It’s a Lifestyle
Teaching English abroad gave me more than just an income—it gave me the freedom to design a life I love. I traveled the world, saved for my future, and experienced things I never imagined possible. And the best part? It’s completely within reach for you too.
Whether you’re looking to escape the 9-to-5 grind, build financial freedom, or simply see the world, teaching English can be the gateway to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Are you ready to take the leap? Let’s make it happen together!
Teaching English abroad is proof that you don’t have to choose between adventure and stability—you can have both. With a bit of planning and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, you can create a life that’s rich in experiences, stable income, and memories that last a lifetime.
Your dream life is out there. All you have to do is take the first step.
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