Ten of the Best Places to Travel and Teach English

The pandemic has left many of us wanting to broaden our horizons, and there’s no better way to do it than by living and working overseas.

Teaching English while travelling is an amazing way to explore the world, and it’s an option open to many native speakers with a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) qualification. Not only will it give you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a foreign culture and mix with the local population on a meaningful level, but you’ll be making a significance difference to the lives of your students as part of the process. And the skills and experience you pick up along the way may even further your original career — if you choose to return to it!

Here are ten of the best places to travel and teach English. Some of them may surprise you!

1. Italy

Italy is a fabulous option for those who want to teach English, but equally, be taught in return by their students. They’re likely to be full of energy, passionate about their country, and enthusiastic to share it with you. Living and working in Italy will put you in the box seat to explore incredible centres of history and culture like Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. Even the smallest towns and villages have infinite charm, so take the opportunity to travel as widely as you can. From applying to work in the public school system, to sending your CV to private educational facilities, there’s no shortage of opportunities. The experience as a whole can be life changing.

2. Spain

If you’re looking to work in a country that celebrates work-life balance, Spain is a great choice. While the siesta stereotype has long been laid to rest, a desire to balance work, recreation and rest is alive and well — and an extended mid-afternoon break is still a feature of many workplaces. Some schools continue to divide the day into two distinct halves (with a two-hour-or-so hiatus in the middle and late afternoon finish), while others teach in one block and finish the school day mid-afternoon. With the relatively low cost of living across Spain, TEFL teachers should expect a modest salary. However, many find that this can be supplemented by offering private tutoring.

Like Italy, Spain has an intricate history to explore and very distinct regional cultural identities. The Mediterranean climate and great beaches are a bonus!

3. France

France holds huge appeal for Australians as an immersive travel destination, and culture vultures, history buffs and foodies alike will love their time here as teachers. Like its European neighbours, France has a school year that runs from September to the end of June or July (depending on the school you find yourself in). That means a long summer holiday, but those looking to boost their income across this period may want to teach at a summer camp.

Something to consider when looking at teaching positions in France is the cost of accommodation. To avoid high rents, steer clear of major cities like Paris and Lyon, and opt to base yourself in a regional centre. And of course, Paris, Lyon and the like are just a train trip away!

4. Czech Republic

The landlocked Czech Republic straddles Europe’s east and west, and you’ll find the way of life here less familiar than in western European nations. But the result is often a more enriching experience for teachers. The Czech Republic also has a reputation as an extremely safe destination, which can be reassuring for single travellers. Many teachers will find themselves working in the private sector helping adults improve their English for work-related reasons — ideal if you prefer teaching older learners rather than school students. Note that if you do have your eye on a long-term stay and want to eventually transition to teaching in the school system, securing a role can be very competitive.

5. China

There’s a huge demand for native English-speaking teachers in China, which means plenty of choice if you hold a degree and TEFL certificate (the pre-requisites for all teaching positions). That said, there are some aspects of the work culture to be aware of. Longer working hours are the norm, and while that’s reflected in your pay, it doesn’t suit everyone. You should also expect slightly different holiday periods than those back home. For example, you’ll probably find yourself working over what you know to be the Christmas period. Older teachers often find it difficult to secure a position (the maximum age is 60, but it can be tough to get a gig even in your early to mid-50s).

On the flip side, the positives of working in China are significant. In addition to above average wages, you may be offered accommodation, supplemented healthcare, and a travel stipend to cover the cost of flights during holidays. Research any potential position or offer of employment carefully, as scams are not uncommon.

6. South Korea

Outside of the capital Seoul, South Korea is less well-known to Australians than many of the other countries on this list. It’s a dynamic place to teach English, but you’ll need a flexible attitude to work and plenty of energy to make a go of expat life. Like the Czech Republic, South Korea is renowned as a safe place to live and work. Accommodation can be on the small side, but is often provided by your employer. You’ll find the basics in life affordable, while luxuries come with a high price tag.

The choice between teaching in a public or a private school is one that depends on your personal preferences. You’ll earn less working in a public school, but there will be more free time to travel. Working in a private school will bring you a higher salary, but you’ll work significantly longer hours to get it. Work is a way of life in South Korea and you’ll soon discover that children are just as goal orientated as their parents!

7. Japan

There are so many things that sell Japan as a travel destination and make it irresistible to English language teachers. Another of the safest countries in the world, Japanese culture melds the highly traditional with the downright quirky. From ‘cuddle cafes’ to talking toilets, life here often takes on a very surreal feel!

English teachers in Japan are well paid and highly respected, but a tertiary qualification and squeaky clean record are needed to even get a foot in the door. Once a position is secured, you’ll need to get to grips with the socially accepted formalities that define daily work-life. Depending on where you teach, there may also be a strict dress code.

8. Vietnam

Those looking for a complete cultural disconnect from their old life will certainly find it in Vietnam. Officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and rapidly modernising (although some 70% of the population still depends on subsistence farming), this is a fabulous option for would-be English language teachers. A tertiary degree and TEFL qualification are almost always required, but teaching experience is not necessarily a pre-requisite. The school year runs from August to June, which leaves plenty of time to travel during the summer break.

Rent and the cost of living are incredibly cheap, the food is amazing, and there are endless chapters of Vietnam’s history to explore. City slickers will love Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while those wanting to experience a more traditional lifestyle should investigate working in Hue, Hoi An, Dalat, and other regional centres.

9. Turkey

Turkey (now officially known as the Republic of Turkiye) is often overlooked by those wanting to travel and teach English in Europe, but this enigmatic country actually offers several advantages over its counterparts to the west. Not only will you have the opportunity to deep dive into one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet, but you’ll generally earn more than you would in Western Europe. The cost of living is also lower, putting you even further ahead financially. And in some cases, accommodation will be included in your employment package.

All of that said, you should be cautious when planning to look for work in Turkey. The country has suffered political unrest, a spate of terrorist attacks, and devastating seismic activity in recent times. Refer to Smart Traveller for the latest travel advice. Typically, a degree and TEFL qualification are required to work in the Republic, and you must be a native English speaker.

10. United Arab Emirates

Based on the high, tax-free salaries offered in the United Arab Emirates, TEFL teachers often achieve the zenith of their careers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, that makes this market one of the toughest to crack. You’ll need a tertiary degree, a relevant qualification to teach English, and a strong teaching resume. If you’re lucky enough to be offered a position, your work visa will be sponsored by the school. Upon starting work you may well find yourself in the running for bonuses and incentives, which in some instances can include the cost of your flights home during school breaks.

What’s the next step?

Find out more about completing a TEFL course on The TEFL Org’s help pages. You should also check the Smart Traveller website for specific requirements for Australian residents planning to live and work overseas.

This post was published thanks to The TEFL Org.

Do you have any tips for the best places to places to travel and teach English? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story.

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