The English Teacher. In English-speaking countries, they teach us how to read in between lines and express ourselves clearly through scribbles on paper, almost like an art. Overseas however, “English Teacher” takes on a much more primal role: you teach them English. By far the most important and in-demand language from a business perspective.

Most developing countries are aware by now that you learn languages more effectively at younger ages and, given the option, most parents choose primary schools for their children based on English credentials alone. Hosting English teachers from English speaking countries is a huge leg up for schools in certain countries and cultures. China, Korea, Japan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Ecuador are just some of the hotspot countries to teach English in. Salaries are high, benefits are good, and in some cases the work hours are minimal.

In China, an English teacher from an English speaking country with a few years of experience can expect to make anywhere from 25–35k CNY per month ($3700-$5200/month) along with yearly bonus, housing allowance, and round trips back home for holidays. Taking the cost of living in China into account and you are living on a king’s salary. The bottom line is, there is an unquestionably higher demand and opportunity for English teachers outside of English-speaking countries than inside.

So why aren’t more English teachers Teaching abroad? There are many (good) reasons holding people back: language barriers, cultural shocks, culinary differences, homesickness, and of course loneliness if you don’t know anyone there. Teaching abroad is not for everyone.

There is good news however. Teaching English Online from home is becoming increasingly popular thanks to new platforms (such as Pop On) rising up and offering teachers better opportunities to make more money online by teaching these groups of people. As technology and connectivity advances, so will the appeal of online teaching. Pop On is just one of many futuristic teaching platforms out there, and like all of them we are excited for the next major update.

The Possibilities of Teaching English Overseas was originally published in Pop On on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.