When I first started this blog I wrote about
which countries were the best for teaching English in. This article contains another view from a
guest blogger.
Moving abroad for a summer, a semester, a year or for even longer to teach English as a foreign language (
TEFL)
is an exciting prospect to say the least. Getting the opportunity to
travel, meet new people, experience a new lifestyle or culture and
discover more about yourself in the process has a certain allure. But
where? There are so many countries around the world with TEFL
opportunities and making the right decision for you is a very important
one. Well, I am here to help with a few recommendations. Here are the 10
best countries for your TEFL adventure.
Considering Europe?
If
you don't have an EU passport or permission to work in the EU it is
still possible to teach English legally in the EU. Check out
Europe for non-EU passport holders for more info.
1. France
Want to experience typical French culture, fashion and cuisine in the streets of Paris, Marseille or Bordeaux, then
TEFL in France
is the choice to you. It isn´t one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the world for nothing. Its trademark romantic ambience,
famous quality wine, world renowned artists and passion for film show
just why. It has the benefits of the big city whilst boding arguably the
best beaches in Europe across the breathtaking southern French coast.
Again with TEFL opportunities available between September and June, with
summer schools also spread across the country and 20-25 working hours
per week, you are sure to enjoy all that France has to offer.
2. Italy
Fancy living and working in Florence, Rome or Venice. Well, these are some of the places where the opportunities to
TEFL in Italy lie.
Typically you will be able to find work from September until June, with
summer school opportunities also available. You will need a BA degree
in order to teach English in Italy and as with all destinations a TEFL
certification is essential, so make sure you complete a before you go.
With an average of 20-25 teaching hours per week you´ll have plenty of
time to enjoy all that Italy has to offer. With 100,000 monuments to see
nationwide and being the European epicenter of art, fashion and
gastronomy, their influence is plain to see in every corner of the
country.
3. Spain
To
teach English as a foreign language in Spain,
a BA degree is not necessary and with a wage that will enable you to
comfortably live the Spanish lifestyle you will be able to find that
famous quality of life everyone talks about. The Spanish cities of
Barcelona, Seville and Madrid are amongst the most popular places to
TEFL. Sport crazy locals have an undeniably pleasant lifestyle of long
afternoon lunches, fantastic nightlife, long summers and world class
architecture. It is common to take on additional tuition lessons, but
expect these to be late afternoon/evening as most students are
professionals or attend university.
Latin America, perhaps?
You can find more info in
FAQs for Latin America.
4. Brazil
If you have your heart set on a
TEFL job in South America,
Brazil could be for you. As an emerging economic superpower, the demand
for English teachers is booming. Although not mandatory, the best way
to find a position to
TEFL in Brazil is in person. The hiring
process typically goes ahead from February to March, then July and
August. Brazil has an exciting few years ahead, as they will host the
2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. White sand beaches,
thriving rainforests and passionate people are what you´ll find in this
country.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica
could be your ideal destination. It’s a tropical paradise with welcoming
people. It is considered one of the most environmentally friendly
places on earth and prides itself on its vast national parks. It is
often a requirement to travel to the country in order to interview.
January, June and July are the best times to find work. It will be
difficult not to fall in love with its natural beauty and relaxed
lifestyle.
How about Asia?
Find more info about
teaching in Asia.
6. Korea
With one of the fastest growing economies in the world,
TEFL in Korea
presents an interesting opportunity. The cosmopolitan city of Seoul
alone has 1000 language schools and with 25,000 English teachers
descending on Korea each year, it is fast developing. With year-round
opportunities; interviews conducted by phone; air-fare reimbursements;
free accommodation and a one-salary bonus; a generous wage; low-taxes
and typically 10-20 days paid vacation, it is easy to enjoy a desirable
lifestyle and save money in the process. Korea is now the most
technologically advanced country in the world and a mix of traditions
such as martial arts and architectural treasures makes for a rich
culture.
7. Vietnam
Two
decades of economic growth have created a young Vietnamese population
hungry for education. Airfares and housing are not provided. However, a
generous salary and a low cost of living will enable you to enjoy a
comfortable lifestyle. Interviews can be taken in advance or in person.
With 20-25 hours a week teaching time, you will have plenty of time to
test the diverse mix of Chinese Confucianism and Cambodian Buddhist
cultures. From the mountainous terrene to the bustling cities you will
be able to sample the local cuisine of spring rolls and noodle soup.
8. Thailand
Want to travel to “The Land of Smiles”? The growing number of private and now public language schools has created a demand for
TESOL in Thailand.
With such a low cost of living you can enjoy a portion of world famous
Thai cuisine for almost nothing. With strong Buddhist religion and
stunning landscape you’re sure to fall in love. English teaching jobs
can be found on 12 month contacts to teach both children and adults.
Most interviews are done in person and housing and airfare expenses are
not normally included. Working 20-25 hours per week will allow you to
see a place that embodies the past and the future of south East Asia.
9. China
Plain
and simple, the job market for English teachers is the largest in the
world. This is not the only thing that is the largest; the population,
the amount of English learners (300 million) and its economic growth also
are. This leads to a demand of adults wishing to learn English for
international business. The cost of living is low, the wages reasonable
and as free housing and flight cost reimbursement are common place for
those teaching English
in China, it seems like an attractive
offer. A BA is not obligatory but it is preferred. China really is a
diverse country, with its busy cities and ancient attractions, from
Shanghai to the Great Wall.
10. Japan
English
Schools are scattered everywhere across Japan with millions of adults
and all children from the age of five learning English.
TEFL in Japan can
be easier than you think as interviews are conducted throughout the UK,
US and Canada 3-6 months prior. Osaka and Fukuoka are only two of the
many exciting, bustling Japanese cities and Tokyo is the largest
inhabited area in the world. From ancient cities to bullet trains and
from traditional dress to advanced technological research, Japan boosts a
diverse existence.
So, what’s it going to be…?
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