Something meaningful
Exploring the World
It comes as no surprise that some of the most exciting things you will ever do happen when you finally decide to get outside your comfort zone. Of course, tackling big life changes that you have never handled before can be scary.
There’s no doubt that dealing with anything new and unfamiliar can be extremely daunting at first. Nevertheless, there are certain enriching opportunities that are absolutely worth the jump.
Perhaps you might need a bit of a push. Because, later on, you could discover some incredible wisdom from simply doing your boldest thing yet.
One life-changing experience is when you go abroad for a long period of time to work, travel, or immerse yourself in a culture different from yours. Teaching English in foreign countries, for instance, is a great way to explore the world while doing something meaningful in the process.
But with so many countries to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to begin your TEFL journey abroad. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options to consider, such as the top 10 countries listed below.
1. Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has been one of the most popular destinations for teaching English for years. Located in the heart of Europe, this city is ideal as a central base while getting to explore the entire continent.
With plenty of tech startups and language schools, Prague offers loads of opportunities for teachers and expats from around the world. Additionally, it is one of the most vibrant, beautiful, and fun capitals that is continuing to grow in size, along with its international job market.
2. South Korea
South Korea is one of the top locations for teaching English overseas due to its range of benefits. Today, high-paying jobs are abundant with generous packages that include contract bonuses, free housing, and airfare reimbursement.
Some other perks of teaching in the country are the low cost of living, the delicious food, and the friendly atmosphere. The country also attracts plenty of international young expats, which is perfect for any first-time teachers looking to make friends and build connections
3. Japan
For a while now, Japan has been a very popular place for teaching English as a foreign language. It comes as no surprise since the country is widely regarded as one filled with natural beauty, captivating landscapes, and enormous metropolitan cities.
Whether you decide to live in Osaka or in a rural village, you can bet that you will experience such a uniquely traditional culture and lifestyle. Though the cost of living is high compared to other places in Asia, English teachers in Japan enjoy competitive salaries, perks, and benefits.
4. Spain
Spain is another great location in Europe worth checking out if you are interested in teaching English abroad. There is a wide variety of opportunities and jobs, as well as attractive visa programs supported by the government.
From delicious tapas to sunny weather to afternoon siestas and more, there is so much to immerse yourself in such an eclectic, enjoyable, and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, as a teacher, you will find lots of hubs and networks in search of available English professionals in the market.
5. Vietnam
Known for its beautiful scenery and welcoming culture, Vietnam is a worthy option for teaching English in a foreign country. In any given year, the country attracts millions of expats and tourists worldwide.
The culture is generally relaxed and supports a calm work-life balance in comparison to other places. While the salaries are not known for being extremely high, it is still a wonderful place for living comfortably, gaining teaching jobs, and enjoying a culturally immersive experience.
6. Costa Rica
If you’re interested in exploring Central America, this might be the perfect spot for you. Costa Rica is incredibly popular for teaching English abroad and for many good reasons.
Its nature is one of the most alluring highlights, which includes gorgeous beaches, enormous volcanoes, and exotic rainforests. The job market is great for teachers, where you can find an extensive number of teaching positions for schools, academies, universities, and private clients.
7. China
As China continues to grow in population, the need for English skills is becoming more essential in the workplace. This is why this country is commonly regarded as one of the easiest locations for finding English teaching jobs.
Even if you decide to live in a largely saturated city for work, you can rest assured that there are plenty of salary jobs offering completion bonuses, free accommodation, and travel reimbursement. Moreover, there is so much to discover in a modern, fast-paced city with excellent cuisine, ancient cultural sites, and an exciting nightlife.
8. Taiwan
Taiwan is another country worth considering for working abroad and is located on an island off the southeast coast of China. With high salaries and benefits, this location is a great place for teaching English to young kids.
It is incredibly unique in that you can actually experience Chinese culture, but in a more tropical environment. There are also plenty of scenic coastlines, hot natural springs, and a vibrant street life filled with so many cultural attractions.
9. Thailand
Thailand is another gorgeous location that attracts lots of young and new teachers every year. Naturally, it’s hard not to see why next to its island setting, warm, beautiful weather, mouth-watering food, and fun party atmosphere.
For teachers, there is an ease of landing a job, which you can enjoy next to a relaxed environment and cheap cost of living. This is a great choice for new teachers, especially in a larger city, where you will quickly fit right in.
10. Online
Thanks to technology, you can now teach English from anywhere in the world. With so many online platforms available, remote TEFL is more accessible than ever.
Platforms like Cambly and Italki let you connect with students around the globe. And if you travel, just keep an eye on your time zone to stay on schedule.
Starting Your TEFL Journey
As the world becomes more connected, there’s so much to gain from living and working in a new culture. With countless TEFL destinations to choose from, your options are wide open.
