The world of international teaching is an exciting and rewarding one, offering the opportunity to travel, experience new cultures, and make a real difference in the lives of students across the globe. However, it’s also a world where the financial rewards can vary greatly from country to country. In this light, we’re going to delve into the top five countries for IQTS (International Qualifications for Teacher Status) international teacher salaries, with a special focus on Dubai.
1. United Arab Emirates: The Jewel of Dubai
When it comes to high-paying teaching jobs, the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, is often at the top of the list. The combination of high salaries, tax-free income, and a high standard of living make it an attractive destination for teachers from around the world.
Teachers in Dubai can expect to earn anywhere from £2,000 to £4,500 per month, depending on their level of experience and qualifications. This is significantly higher than the average teacher salary in the UK, which stands at around £1,900 per month.
Moreover, many schools in Dubai offer additional benefits such as free accommodation, health insurance, and flight allowances, which can add a significant amount to the overall compensation package. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of living in Dubai can be quite high, so it’s important to factor this into any salary calculations.
Teaching Opportunities in Dubai
There are a plethora of teaching opportunities in Dubai, ranging from private international schools to public government schools. The Emirate is particularly known for its British and American curriculum schools, which are highly sought after by expatriate families.
Furthermore, the UAE government has been investing heavily in education in recent years, with a particular focus on improving English language skills. This has led to a surge in demand for native English speaking teachers, making it an ideal destination for IQTS qualified teachers.
2. Switzerland: High Salaries in the Heart of Europe
Switzerland is another country known for its high teacher salaries. Teachers in Switzerland can expect to earn an average salary of around £4,000 per month, making it one of the highest paying countries in the world for teachers.
However, like Dubai, Switzerland also has a high cost of living, particularly in cities like Zurich and Geneva. Therefore, while the salaries may be high, it’s important to consider the cost of living when evaluating the overall compensation package.
Teaching Opportunities in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to a large number of prestigious international schools, many of which follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. These schools are often looking for experienced and qualified teachers, making it an attractive destination for IQTS qualified teachers.
Additionally, Switzerland’s central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for teachers looking to travel and explore the continent during their time off.
3. Australia: High Salaries Down Under
Australia is another country where teachers can earn a high salary. The average teacher salary in Australia is around £3,000 per month, although this can vary depending on the location and type of school.
One of the main benefits of teaching in Australia is the high standard of living, with the country regularly ranking highly in global quality of life surveys. Additionally, the country’s diverse landscape and friendly locals make it an attractive destination for teachers looking to work abroad.
Teaching Opportunities in Australia
Australia has a robust education system with a wide range of teaching opportunities, from urban schools in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, to rural schools in the Outback. The country also has a strong demand for teachers in specialist areas such as special education and English as a second language (ESL).
Furthermore, Australia’s proximity to Asia makes it an ideal base for teachers looking to explore this part of the world during their holidays.
4. Japan: High Salaries in the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan is another country where teachers can earn a high salary, with the average teacher salary standing at around £2,500 per month. However, like Dubai and Switzerland, Japan also has a high cost of living, particularly in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Despite this, Japan offers a unique cultural experience and a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for teachers looking to work abroad.
Teaching Opportunities in Japan
Japan has a strong demand for English language teachers, particularly in its private language schools, also known as eikaiwa. These schools offer a range of teaching opportunities, from teaching young children to providing business English classes for adults.
Additionally, the Japanese government runs the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme, which recruits foreign teachers to work in public schools across the country.
5. Qatar: High Salaries in the Middle East
Finally, Qatar is another country in the Middle East where teachers can earn a high salary. The average teacher salary in Qatar is around £2,500 per month, although this can vary depending on the type of school and the teacher’s level of experience.
Like Dubai, Qatar also offers tax-free income and a range of additional benefits such as free accommodation and flight allowances, making it an attractive destination for teachers looking to maximise their earnings.
Teaching Opportunities in Qatar
Qatar has a large number of international schools, many of which follow the British or American curriculum. These schools are often looking for experienced and qualified teachers, making it an attractive destination for IQTS qualified teachers.
Furthermore, Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup has led to a surge in demand for English language teachers, as the country prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.
Conclusion
Teaching abroad can be a rewarding experience, both personally and financially. While the countries listed above offer some of the highest salaries for teachers, it’s important to consider other factors such as the cost of living, the standard of living, and the cultural experience when choosing a destination.
Ultimately, the best country for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. However, with a bit of research and planning, you can find a teaching job that not only pays well, but also offers a rewarding and enriching experience.
Enhance Your International Teaching Career with iQTS
Ready to elevate your teaching credentials and unlock higher salaries in top destinations like Dubai? The IQTS at UWE presents the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) Programme, designed to overcome the challenges of strict qualification requirements and limited career progression. Join a community of educators who have seen a 50% increase in interview callbacks and a 45% rise in promotion rates. Don’t let isolation or unfamiliarity with global education systems hold you back. With our flexible online study options, you can balance professional development with your teaching commitments. Make Your Next Step towards a fulfilling international teaching career with iQTS.