I can throw South Tyrol into the mix. It’s italian territory, but most of the population speaks a bavarian (german) dialect, it’s culturally very Austrian (used to be Austria until end of WW1) and is very geographically beautiful. It’s also a rich province and I think teacher’s pay is also decent, but can also be expensive compared to other places in Italy.

The people can be strange and seem secluded, but I would say we are generally open-hearted and friendly. Catholicism is, however, like everywhere in the Alpine region, a big part of the culture, but most participate only for those reasons and I never experienced any sexuality motivated hate. Fun fact: my elementary school religion (!) teacher out themselfs to us as lesbian, and years later they transitioned and a’were still teaching there (however, different subjects).

The school system is a bit weird also: there are german schools, where italian is tought as a second language, and vice versa. English is part of both schools types. There are few private schools (I went to one of those, they have to still conform with teaching curricula etc.) and afaik the qualifications for teachers are more relaxed there; they usually filter applicants on a more individual basis.

I can’t speak for the countries you mention, but I can give you an insight for The Netherlands.

First of, there is a big demand for English teachers in highschool (students aged around 12 to 18).

But. To become a teacher you need a university degree. Either a bachalors degree or a masters degree (masters unlocking the later ages/classes). See the following page for details: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/werken-in-het-onderwijs/vraag-en-antwoord/welke-onderwijsbevoegdheden-zijn-er

Also note that being a teacher is a tough job. Budget cuts have put a lot of strain on the sector, and the teachers do feel that. A lot of people burn out. However, the pay is decent, so if you love the job, you can thrive.

I mention all this, because I suspect that it is similar in other European countries. Hence, to get a good job will require proper preparation and some dedication. Maybe studying abroad in the country you want to move to first.

I really don’t know about English in Austria, Poland or Italy. My experience with English in Italy is 30 years ago, but it comes to: nobody speaks English, and very few people tries.

If you want an open minded population, you’re way better off going for a large city, than a specific country. Last time I was in Berlin I found what was described as an English language feminist queer bookstore. I doubt that you’d find that in a picture-esque Toscan town.

Be aware that you’ll need to have some formal training in English grammar and language theory, in order to teach in most cases. You can’t just drop in with a high school diploma and teach English.

Austria, in a city like Graz or Vienna, hands down.

For Austria and Germany I would basically rule out working as a english teacher tbh - It’s next to impossible.

Basically everyone goes to a state operated or recognised school - and for a job at these you will need a local education degree, superb local language skills (like: Not only speaking on the level of a natural speaker but also dialect free) and for Germany, depending on the state/in the majority of states you will also need the right citizenship.

Private language schools exist,but they are not widely used (like really really rarely) and often are staffed by teachers having a locsl degree, local education students that need some extra money,etc. There are very very few spots where someone with an non-local degree might fit in (and most ads you see for that sadly are a pyramid-like scam).

So… Tbh, maybe consider another way of making money. (And note that self employment in Germany works totally different from the US, is highly regulated and has a LOT of hidden costs)

Why just these 4?

I’m German and I can tell you you will hardly make a living teaching English in Germany. I used to work as a languagr instructor. The language schools don’t pay you nearly enough to live and to teach at a regular school you need to have a univerity degree in education. Institutions that pay you enough always require a relevant university degree like ESL or education. If you want to come here, I’d highly suggest you look into different jobs.

According to the Wikipedia, I believe Italy speaks the least amount of English out of the 4.

I am German. I believe this, but…

good pay for jobs like teachers,

… you should also research this point very specifically, if you are absolutely determined about becoming a teacher.

Job markets for teachers are very different in all of the 4, and there are tons of regulations if you want to teach children. You would need to go through years of university education here first.

By the way, be prepared to learn the local language very, very good. This is the most important thing of all, if you are looking for a good life for yourself.

Also you should know that almost every American who comes here thinks that they could become a teacher of English language. This makes the worst demand/supply ratio.

rich culture (probably all),

Yes. Easily when compared to Usa.

friendly people,

Nowhere.

Austria, Italy, and parts of southern Germany as long as you are a tourist.

cheap places

Far South in Italy, and maybe the most rural parts everywhere. But there payments are low accordingly.

good to live,

Nearly everywhere in Europe, when compared to Usa. Seriously.

not a lot of far-right, homophobic/Nazi groups (I’m a lesbian).

Research this: when comparing left and right in any absolute measure, the left in Usa is still much further right than all “medium” right (=excluding real extremists) in Europe.

In Germany I would recommend Cologne. Other big cities are also relaxed. Rural parts are 20 years behind. Avoid the east of Germany because of Nazi extremists. Poland and Italy have strong Catholic traditions.

I mean, Italy is being ruled by a far-right government right now, and e.g. the unemployed are in a really shitty situation in Italy right now AFAIK. Meloni’s government seems more moderate than Germany’s or Poland’s far right, but that’s kind of a gamble between the far right government you have versus the far right government that you might get in a couple of years.

As a German, it’s my impression that Austria is more socially conservative than Germany, though it might be different if you compare specific cities and specific laws that are relevant to you. AFAIK, their far right is less extreme than Germany’s or Poland’s, though.

Austria and Germany are probably good on English education, though, their general English level is pretty high compared to any of the romance countries, just by merit of having an easier starting point.

Im not sure if there is a high demand for english teachers in germany. I would argue that most kids pick up english by themself from social media, their favorite influencers, youtube or some indy videogames that did not have the budget tr translate into 20 different languages and only come in english.

When it comes to far-right, you should avoid Italy. Poland currently is okay, but it could change after next election. Austria is a bit problematic as well but nearly okay. I think, Germany is best choice though the CDU/CSU try to shift to more right decisions.

Friendly people can ve found in every of these countries but also unfriendly ones. Don’t know which one to favor.

Also, not a lot of far-right, homophobic/Nazi groups (I’m a lesbian)

Well, tough luck.

But to be more constructive: large cities will be fine. As a (not-trans?) lesbian you also kind of won the “how much do people hate me for who I am” lottery, as in: you’re probably in the least (but still) hated LGBTQ demographic.

I would expect the countries you mentioned to be the ‘same’ when it comes to stuff like cost of living, salary (more dependent on the region of the country, i.e. in the south of Italy or in the east of Germany salaries are waaay lower). So it might depend on other factors. I would consider e.g. climate and weather: warm and long summers are your thing? Italy.

Another factor could be: how much do you plan to travel? Best connections for Central and Western Europe in Germany, for Eastern Europe and the Balkans in Austria.

You like snow in the winter and maybe skiing? Austria or northern Italy. Generally mountaineer? Austria (or northern Italy).

You want to be close to the sea for windy water sports? North Poland, North-East Germany. Like beaches and sunshine better? Italy it is again.

Good food? Austria or Italy.

You want to see a powerful country in decline and taking whole Europe with them? Germany. You want to witness Russian aggression? Poland. OK, I am leaving the seriousness behind, but you get the gist of what I am writing…what are you looking for in specific?

Oh, and who needs the most English teaching? France, but they don’t want to be taught, so there’s that.

A big tolerant city with cheapish rent would probably be Vienna. (Correct me if I’m wrong Austrians). They have lots of cheaper social flats.

It’s not southern Germany or big cities in Germany. Id ask AI. Consider local income in comparison with cost of living. Maybe choose a medium sized city.

I don’t know anything about Poland or Italy though.

Germany. Or Po-land, Po-land, Po-land, Po-land!!! (It’s close to my favorite country!!)