The two highest paying countries in the world are Japan and Korea. Japan, however, has a MUCH higher cost of living, and teachers typically must find their own apartments. In Korea, the school usually provides the teacher with a place to live. Starting pay is about $2,000 to $2,200 per month with no bills (or possibly $80 per month or so if you get stuck with utilities). I have lived in both countries, and I would describe neither one as laid back! That being said, you can always find the expat community if you miss home.

I can’t give you absolute figures, but my former college roommate was teaching in Vietnam (and now teaches in Taiwan) and has been able to live very comfortably in both places.

I wouldn’t recommend teaching if you’re looking to get rich, though…it has its rewards, for sure, but I know of comparitively few teachers who, say, own their own yacht, etc…

The rewards of teaching english are far greater than money, but if that is what you are interested in I think you should look at places in big cities, particularly in Japan, Korea or even China. As mentioned earlier, these places are not “laid back”.

If by “highly paid” you mean making more money than locals, try Thailand, which is very very laid back. If you work at a public school you make about 4 times more than a Thai teacher who has been working for 20 years.

Good luck finding the right job!

P.S. My school in Chaing Mai, Thailand is currently (and desperately) searching for a grade 2 teacher. If you want to know more just contact me and I’ll be happy to provide details!