Looking for ways to travel and actually be able to afford it? Perhaps you should consider ways to teach abroad.
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences in our lives. It helps us discover ourselves while developing an understanding of others; it gives us different perspectives on life, and it improves our physical and mental health.
With so many beautiful places to explore it’s no wonder so many people are looking for ways to spend time exploring. Whether you’re thinking about a gap year abroad or planning to fully embrace a nomadic lifestyle, you might soon realize that traveling can be expensive, and the need to find a source of income might become necessary.
How to Teach Abroad and Travel the World
An opportunity to teach abroad is incredibly valuable for anyone who wishes to explore the world. We’re here to offer you some tips on how to find work as a teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL) while exploring and enjoying some of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Teach in Thailand
Conveniently located in the center of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a gateway to many beautiful countries and a great place to teach abroad. Working and living in this amazing country will allow you plenty of opportunities to travel around this stunning corner of the world.
But Thailand itself has plenty to offer. From unspoiled beaches to the peaks of the highlands and the river valley to the vast flats of the Khorat Plateau, Thailand has much to explore for anyone who wishes to teach abroad.
Because of its tropical climate, Thailand has three seasons: hot, rainy, and dry. A monsoon occurs annually between the rainy and dry seasons in the most eastern areas of the county.
Securing a teaching job in Thailand can be competitive but the rewards are great. You must hold a bachelor’s degree as a minimum and a TEFL certificate is strongly recommended.
Teaching qualifications from your own country and two years of experience are necessary only if you are seeking a teaching role at international schools. Most private language schools, however, are happy to hire newly qualified TEFL teachers and there are endless ways to do teach in Thailand.
Salaries for English teachers are high compared to the national average, and the cost of living is exceptionally low. This means that you will have plenty of funds to explore and enjoy Thailand and its neighboring countries.
Teaching in Costa Rica
This is another country that is growing in popularity among those who wish to teach abroad as TEFL teachers. Perhaps it’s its beautiful landscape, or maybe it’s the relaxed way of life of the Costa Ricans, but there’s something truly magical about this country.
The ‘Pura Vida’ volcanoes, coastlines, and caves of Costa Rica are just a few reasons to explore this tropical oasis. If you are looking to get in contact with nature, this is the place for you: it ranked #6 among the 10 most fascinating countries to visit in 2020.
Life here is not as cheap as that in its neighboring countries, but it’s affordable for a TEFL teacher who plans to teach abroad. Although degree holders are preferred, you should be able to find a job as an English teacher with a TEFL qualification, which is strongly recommended.
Applying for jobs before getting to Costa Rica might prove to be unsuccessful – remote interviews aren’t very common here. It is advised to do your research on schools that interest you beforehand, and present your CV and cover letter in person once you’re there.
Unsurprisingly, you’ll have more chances (and more options!) of finding a teaching job in the larger cities.
Teach in Spain
This country is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for tourists and travelers alike. Despite its economic crisis, Spain offers plenty of work for those looking to teach abroad as TEFL teachers.
The locals are investing a great amount of time and money to develop their English language skills, in order to improve their career opportunities because living in Spain is quite popular.
This is a country that has different climate areas. From the Atlantic, there are cooler temperatures to the mild Mediterranean conditions. These differences define the Spanish landscapes of sandy beaches to high mountains to explore. There’s always something new to do in your free time.
Finding a teaching job here is relatively easy as a degree isn’t necessary, although it would be an advantage. A TEFL qualification from a reputable provider is required to get hired as a teacher of English.
Private language schools (also known as ‘academies’) recruit all year round, so these are the go-to employers for most teachers, especially those who are newly qualified.
Teach in Kenya
While this country is often overlooked, it actually offers a comfortable lifestyle for TEFL teachers. Although the salaries here aren’t high, they allow you to discover what this incredible country has to offer. Teach abroad in Kenya and explore its beaches, mountains, savannah, and desert.
While there are many opportunities to teach English as a volunteer in rural areas, cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru will give you the chance to find work at either public schools or private language schools. Urban areas are also home to large expat communities.
What attracts most travelers to this country is the wildlife. There are many parks in Kenya where you can go on a safari and look for animals such as rhinos, elephants, and lions, to name but a few.
There are also some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya, where communities often celebrate their culture with festivals and traditional activities, such as henna painting, poetry, and dances.
In Conclusion
From East to West, there are many beautiful countries to visit; some are so fascinating that you might find yourself settling in. To support your travels and your adventures you can teach abroad. Teaching English as a foreign language gives you the chance to earn money while allowing enough free time to enjoy your international experiences.
