All teachers are not paid well. That is why the teachers in the United States for a huge union. They are strong because of their union, but they are still underpaid, ESL teachers included. In most countries, except Cuba, you will find that teachers are making hardly anything. Teachers come overseas for various reasons, some good, some not so good, but of course, because it is easier living in a country where the economy is much weaker so the US dollar or Euro goes alot further.... allowing them to live a middle-class lifestyle rather than near poverty in the USA.

The situation for ESL teachers is better in the UK because the market is stronger and the have many various supporters trying to populate the world with the English language as quickly as possible.

The United States prefers to fund it's ESL work through a government agency called the US Peace Corp Volunteers, in which, you must sign a two-year contract, and you don't have the freedom of choice of your location, but, they will support you 100% in good times and bad.