Emerging from several long years of study to a lack of jobs? Then pack your bags, grab a TEFL certificate and escape!
Mix together the burnout from long nights of revision and the disappointment at the lack of decent graduate jobs available, and it’s no wonder that you’re thinking about escaping and travelling the world.
But where to go? Here are our top seven favourite places to explore after you finish university.
Psst… want to know how to fund your adventures? Teaching abroad is the perfect way to get paid to live abroad. Discover how you (yes you, the one at the back with the rubbish grammar) can do a TEFL course and find work in any of these amazing countries by downloading your free Graduate’s Guide to Teaching & Travelling Abroad from http://www.onlinetefl.com/graduates.html.
1) China
Why go? If you’re looking for something different, China will certainly be your cup of tea (there’s a lot of that too). You’ll be confronted with a rich culture, infused with over 1000 years of tradition, mixing with boundless economic growth and consumerism. It’s fascinating, frustrating and fantastic in equal measures.
Best thing: The people – Chinese people see it as a matter of national pride that you feel welcome and have a good time, so if you’re planning on working there, expect lots of invites and attention!
Fun fact: In Chinese, 4 is the unluckiest number, as the word ‘si’ (‘four’) is the same as the word for ‘death’ – the only way you can tell them apart is through a subtle difference in pronunciation.
2) Thailand
Why go? Famous for its Full Moon Parties, white sandy beaches and smooth, clear seas, Thailand is unsurprisingly high on the travel wish-list of many a recent graduate looking for a bit of time off after university.
Best thing: The food! Thailand is renowned for its incredible street food – with different stall holders specializing in dishes whose recipes are closely guarded secrets.
Fun fact: Keep your flip-flops on! In Thai culture, baring the soles of your feet or pointing your tootsies at people is seen as incredibly rude.
Why go? South Korea is often overlooked in favour of better-known destinations, but what a mistake! It’s got gleaming cities, tranquil countryside and bags of charm, not to mention incredibly friendly people.
Best thing: Amazing scenery. Seoraksan National Park, with its incredible mountains and forests, is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Fun fact: South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, with broadband networks around 5 years ahead of any country in the West.
Why go? Laid-back, central American vibe, incredible wildlife and scenery, cheap living costs – the only question you really need to ask yourself is why are you still at home?!
Best thing: Ecuador’s biodiversity – Charles Darwin wrote the Origin of Species on Ecuador’s remote Galapagos Islands due to the incredible number of species there.
Fun fact: Corn beer, which is traditionally drunk at Ecuadorian celebrations, is fermented by women chewing up corn and spitting it into the mixture... mmmm…
Why go? Japan really doesn’t need much introduction – it’s high-tech, fast paced, neon-lit living at its very best – and if it all gets too much, you can always escape to the nearby countryside.
Best thing: Japan’s cities – if you like fast-paced city living, you’ll be in 24/7 heaven in Tokyo, Osaka and other Japanese metropolises.
Fun fact: In Japan a woman shouldn't wipe her head with a towel after dinner like the men do.
6) Indonesia
Why go? With over 17,500 individual islands, Indonesia is ripe for exploration, from her bustling cities like Jakarta to gorgeous beaches on islands like Bali, perfect for surfing and relaxing.
Best thing: Diving – 25% of the world’s coral reefs are located in Indonesia, so if you want to experience the world underwater, this is the place to do it.
Fun fact: Indonesia is home to some of the weirdest creatures in the world, including fish that climb trees to catch insects and spiders that eat birds.
Why go? It might not be as exotic as some of the other countries on this list, but the Czech Republic more than makes up for that with her beautiful cities, fascinating history and welcoming people.
Best thing: The beer! It’s cheap, it’s tasty and it’s sold just about everywhere.
Fun fact: Unsurprisingly (considering the ‘best thing’ above), the Czech are the world’s heaviest consumers of beer. Cheers!
What do you think? Where are you planning on visiting?
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