So you want to find yourself a new teaching destination? You’ve landed on the right page. You’re going to explore ten countries around the globe and perhaps find the right place to start your new adventure as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
Table of Contents
Africa
The second largest continent in the world includes 54 countries, each with its unique culture, landscape, and climate. While some African countries are currently unsafe to visit, many others should definitely be considered as your next TEFL destination.
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Morocco
Located in the north-west of the African continent, Morocco is a popular destination among surf-loving tourists, travellers, and TEFLers alike. The locals are very friendly and welcoming; they love to chat with tourists and to show them around their beautiful country.
Rabat and Marrakech are traditional and vibrant cities, while Agadir is a modern yet tranquil city located on the beautiful Atlantic coast, with long sandy beaches. Wherever you go, don’t forget to visit the local markets – a true experience of the senses!
2. Kenya
Kenya is renowned for its fascinating safaris, but there’s so much more. This country is off the beaten track, which is an advantage for those who want to experience unspoiled landscapes.
This country is an African powerhouse, but the infrastructure and facilities might not be as advanced as you would expect. This is something to consider if you decide to choose Kenya as your TEFL destination. Think about resource-light and no-tech lessons to prepare yourself for any teaching situation.
English Teacher. Photo by Better team
Asia and The South-East
The whole Asian continent is the largest in the world. There are hundreds of cultures, climatic zones, landscapes, and ethnicities to experience. For this reason, perhaps, it is on most travellers’ bucket lists.
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China
This vast country has 26 provinces, each with distinct customs and traditions, cuisine, and dialects. There’s so much to see there that careful planning is a must.
Finding a teaching job in China is relatively simple, but it depends on where you live. Large cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer more TEFL opportunities. There, you will find well-established expat communities that will help you settle in. On the other hand, living in rural areas could feel a little isolating and finding work might be more difficult, but you will experience traditional Chinese culture there.
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South Korea
This is one of the safest countries to live in, and although the cost of living is high, it offers among the highest TEFL salaries in the world.
South Korea’s lifestyle is modern and comfortable, and it’s a great TEFL destination. South Korean learners are keen, hard-working, and disciplined. If you want to find a teaching job in one of the state schools here, you can apply to one of the programmes led by the government, specifically for international teachers. If you want to know more about teaching in South Korea, here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
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Vietnam
The demand for international teachers in Vietnam is constant increase, and the country is determined to focus on education. The country’s economy is growing, and there’s a real need to strengthen international relations for Vietnam to thrive. One way to achieve this is to improve the English proficiency level of the younger generation.
In Vietnam, you could work in a state school, with classes with up to 40 children, or in a private language school. You will usually find better and more modern resources and technical equipment there, and they will offer better salaries and professional support. A university degree is necessary for visa purposes to work in Vietnam, but previous teaching experience is not required.
Europe
It’s quite extraordinary how such a small continent, the second smallest in the world, can have 44 countries and such a variety of cultures and ethnicities. Europe is ideal if you want to visit many countries without enduring long journeys.
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Spain
The country’s current economic crisis hasn’t affected its charm and its popularity among tourists and TEFL teachers. Spain remains one of the favourite destinations due to its rich culture and history, amazing food, and varied landscape.
To teach English in Spain you don’t need a degree, although it’s preferred, but a TEFL certificate will go a long way. You can apply to teach in state schools and universities (with a degree). Still, the most popular and easy route is to contact the many private language schools – or academies – dotted around the country.
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Hungary
There are many TEFL opportunities in this overlooked country, whose economy has been developing since 2004 after joining the European Union.
While any kind of English language class is available in Hungary, Business English lessons are the most popular. Native speakers are preferred here, and a degree, as well as a TEFL certificate, is a must. You will be required to provide your employer with the original copies of your qualifications.
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Czechia
The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe, making it an ideal base if you want to travel around Europe. Cities here are bustling and vibrant, while smaller towns are quaint and relaxed. Wherever you go, however, you’ll be able to find a language school to work for.
No TEFL certificate? No problem! You can train to become a TEFL teacher in the Czech Republic at one of the many training centres and then find a job within the same school!
English teacher. Photo by WeXpats
Latin America
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Brazil
This is the country of adventures, and it’s ideal if you are looking to find a teaching job without a degree – although a TEFL certificate is necessary.
Most schools in Brazil offer 20-25 teaching hours a week, leaving you plenty of time to travel around. Remote applications and interviews aren’t very common here – be prepared for traditional face-to-face meetings with a hard copy of your CV at hand.
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Costa Rica
Like in most Latin American countries, it’s easier to find a job in person – always bring a paper copy of your CV with you. To work in Costa Rica, you’ll need a visa that your employer sponsors. Visas are expensive, so you are more likely to be hired if you agree on a year-long contract. Keep in mind that Costa Ricans are famous for their laid-back approach, which applies to red tape too!
Apply in October and November if you want to work with children, but recruitment for teaching adults is ongoing.
Where Will You Go?
Hopefully, now you have a better idea of a few countries around the world and what they can offer you as a TEFL teacher. Moving to another country is the beginning of a fantastic adventure that requires planning and research. Once that’s all done and dusted, where will you go?
