When people talk about teaching in Southeast Asia, they usually paint a picture of palm trees, cheap street food, and a relatively cushy lifestyle. And in the short term, they’re not wrong. For many qualified teachers, moving to Asia is a great way to explore the world, save some money, and gain classroom experience.
Jobs are easy to find, especially in ESL or international schools. Salaries, particularly in places like Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, can seem generous—$2,000 to $3,000 a month in a country where rent is often under $500 and meals cost a dollar or two. Add to that the low cost of living, vibrant culture, and tropical climate and it all sounds like a dream.
But that dream can start to fade when you stay long enough to think about the future.
The Hidden Costs of Staying Long-Term
What many teachers don’t realize until it’s too late is that Southeast Asia often lacks the long-term infrastructure that professionals need to build sustainable careers. Yes, you might be paying tax—but that doesn’t mean you’re covered. Social security, medical care, or pension contributions are often unreliable or non-existent, especially if you’re working in language centers or private institutions.
Health insurance might be offered, but it’s usually basic. If you have a family, expect to pay out of pocket for proper healthcare, especially for anything serious. And don’t assume you can rely on public schools if you have children. While your salary might seem high locally, enrolling your kids in international schools can eat up most of it. Suddenly, that “comfortable” lifestyle isn’t so comfortable anymore.
You’re Not in Control of Education
Another reality check: you’re often not really in charge. In many parts of Asia, the educational system is shaped more by parents and local management than by pedagogy or professional standards. Schools may value appearances over outcomes, rote learning over creativity, and obedience over initiative. If you disagree with a policy, curriculum, or approach, you’re often out of luck. Challenging the system isn’t always welcome, and teachers can be seen as replaceable.
This lack of agency can wear you down, especially if you’re used to being treated as a respected professional. You might start out passionate and full of ideas, only to find yourself teaching to please paying parents or to hit arbitrary test scores rather than actually educating.
The Clock Is Ticking on Your Career
Perhaps the most sobering reality is how staying in these roles for too long can stunt your career growth. Many teaching positions in Southeast Asia, especially in ESL or mid-tier international schools, are essentially lateral moves. There’s limited room to scale up unless you secure a high-level admin role, which is often reserved for locals or tightly networked expats. Your CV might show years of experience, but it won’t necessarily carry weight in countries where education is treated as a long-term, strategic industry.
As you get older, it gets harder to switch tracks. Employers in more structured education systems—Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Australia—often want to see a consistent career progression. If you’ve been floating in loosely regulated roles for a decade, it’s hard to make the case that you’re ready for senior leadership or curriculum design.
In short: you have an expiry date.
A Better Long-Term Strategy
The global demand for qualified teachers is real. But instead of settling for short-term perks, consider investing your time in a country that invests in you. Countries with well-funded education systems offer more than just a paycheck—they offer career development, professional respect, and, crucially, security.
Look for destinations that provide proper medical coverage, social security, maternity or paternity leave, and redundancy protections. Some even offer subsidized or free schooling for your children, helping you plan a life rather than just a lifestyle.
And those paid holidays? They’re more than enough to fund trips to Southeast Asia if you still want a taste of the beach life—without the long-term risk.
Final Thoughts
Teaching in Asia can absolutely be an amazing chapter in your story. But it shouldn’t be the whole book. If you’re serious about teaching as a profession—and not just a means to travel—start thinking strategically about where your career can thrive long term.
Take it from someone who lived in Vietnam for 7 years. Don’t wait too long to make the move. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to shift into systems that reward and respect experienced educators. Teaching in Asia might be a great adventure, but I now realize it doesn’t leave you in a good position long-term.
If you want to consider more permanent career pathways, email [email protected] for a free assessment or follow this link, click here.
Written by Lance Walker
