Here at i-to-i, we know just how painstakingly frustrating job-hunting can be… we know all too well how much information is rattling around in cyberspace, and frustrating it can be to make sense of it all. We also know that if you’re planning on teaching English abroad, then you’re bound to know someone who is out in China (or any one of the other ‘safe option’ TEFL destinations). But, as much as we love all of those well trodden trails (and whilst we really love the old favorites), we also think that there are loads of spectacular destinations that often get overlooked. Well, luckily for all you would-be TEFLers, the team here at i-to-i Towers have created a list of upcoming TEFL hotspots for you to peruse at leisure.
Europe
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Europe is a firm favorite with TEFLers from around the globe. The standard of living is very high compared to other parts of the world and it is a desirable destination for anyone wanting to get stuck into teaching. Now, obviously there are huge opportunities in most countries in Europe (especially France, Spain and Italy)… however; there are equally exciting and rewarding opportunities in countries that are often overlooked.
While most of Europe’s economies are well and truly going down the sink… Russia’s, along with most other states in Eastern Europe, such as Poland, Slovakia, and Lithuania have been booming! There’s no end of things to see and do – with rich, historic culture, picturesque scenery and friendly faces wherever you turn – you’re sure to have a fun, meaningful experience!
Russia
English teachers are few and far-between throughout Russia, which some old-time TEFLers say is due to a stigma attached to the red state. For some reason, many people have an archaic image of Russia in their head. ‘Cold-war’ views of ‘Vodka guzzling’ Russia are still held by some today; meaning not as many TEFLers have ventured here in the past like they have elsewhere. Basically, the demand for TEFL teachers far outstrips supply in the motherland!
This is excellent news for you eager TEFLers, as there is so much to see, do and experience! Schools will snap you up in no time, and most positions offer a very comfortable salary. The main TEFL hotspots are in and around the major cities, including; Moscow, St Petersburg, Vladivostok and Tver (to name just a few). Most importantly, you don’t need a degree to find TEFL contracts in Russia, and private tuition is a sure-fire way to make a quick buck! So what’s stopping you?
The Czech Republic
Beautiful architecture, friendly locals, an abundance of jobs and plenty of quality beer… It’s a TEFL teacher’s paradise! So, it’s no wonder that the number of TEFL positions in the Czech Republic are rapidly increasing each year. The cost of living is relatively low compared to the rest or Europe – meaning your wages will go that bit further – and it gives you the extra cash to make the most of your spare time.
There is a wide range of accommodation, plenty of teaching positions and few barriers to enter the country; meaning TEFLers have more freedom to relocate and more of a choice of where you will teach. One of the best things about teaching in the Czech Republic is that you don’t have any of the hassle to obtain an EU Visa. Also, employers tend to spread the perks on thick! You’ll probably be offered a free language course and help finding accommodation… And if you aren’t, then polite negotiation can go a long way!
The main TEFL hub is Prague, the capital city, although if you want a more authentic experience and to be treated less like a tourist, then search for jobs outside of the capital in places like Brno and Pilsen.
Asia & the Middle East
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Asia is by far one of the most lucrative places on the planet for all you TEFLers out there. There is a huge demand for TEFL teachers throughout the whole of Asia and most of the Middle East. Whilst the Middle East may not automatically jump to mind when you think of TEFL, let us tell you, there are some great opportunities to be had out there (for that very reason!). There is a lack of English teachers here, and with wages soaring above the cost of living, it’s not uncommon for TEFLers to come back home with a hefty sum stashed away in the bank!
Saudi Arabia
Ok, so this may not be the top of your list… but chances are that’s because you’ve never considered it before! The Middle East offers TEFLers some of the highest paying jobs for native English speakers pretty much anywhere in the world. Whilst there may not be quite as many opportunities in state schools as other destinations, there are a huge amount of jobs to snap up in businesses and Universities… and with annual wages rumored to reach the dizzying heights of $75,000(!), you’d be mad to miss out on the action!
There are, however, a few drawbacks… Mainly, that living in the Middle East is a substantially different experience compared living in other parts of the world. It may be considered a bit ‘quieter’ than other places because Saudi is a dry state, so admittedly the night-life isn’t exactly ‘raving’... but there are plenty of other, more interesting things to be doing with your time (like experiencing the real Middle East… and, of course, earning a boat load of cash!).
You must also be interested in life in the Middle East and understand cultural differences to fully appreciate the experience. You’ll be immersed in a completely different social sphere, so you’re likely to suffer form a bit of culture shock… but that’s what it’s all about, right?! Plus, it’s worth noting at this point that most positions are for male teachers only. Positions are abundant though, and you’ll find the bulk of the jobs in Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh. If you decide to TEFL in Saudi Arabia and land yourself a teaching contract, you’re a shoe-in to earn a small fortune!
South Korea
Now, we admit, South Korea is already a popular TEFL region; but what’s on offer in terms of things to see, do and earn is exactly why it has made the cut. Korea is a TEFL gem in the middle of Asia; it offers absolutely everything you could want in one location, and is one of the best places to teach English in the world (especially for newbies!). It is also one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world; where quality of life is high, the barriers to find work are low and the wages are out of this world (As a rough guide, it isn’t uncommon for teachers to earn about $2000 and have outgoings of around $1000 each month… We’ll leave you to do the math).
Koreans are renowned as being some of the friendliest people in the world; and it doesn’t stop at employers, who are usually willing to reimburse your airfare, provide you with free accommodation, sort out your visa and sometimes even provide severance pay! (It even isn’t unheard of that TEFL teachers can choose the area, school and class size that they will teach in!).
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For fans of city living, Seoul is the second largest metropolitan are in the world. Located in the north-east of South Korea, it is a true modern mega-city and is home to a population of over 12 million people! In fact the surrounding area, the Seoul National Capital Area (SNCA), is home to a total population of around 24.5 million people(!); which means almost half of South Korea’s population lives in the SNCA, and almost a quarter in the capital itself – making it the country’s economic, political, social and cultural focal point. This is great news, because this huge population has led to a huge demand for TEFL teachers. Most signs, shops and menus have both English and Korean translations, making acclimatizing to living there that little bit easier. It also means that there are plenty of people to meet, plenty of places to go, plenty of things to see, and plenty of experiences to lap up. Trust us; you’ll never be short of things to do … your wages won’t stretch as far as the city does but you’ll have plenty of fun blowing them in South Korea!
Although Seoul would be the first choice; there are also opportunities in Daejeon, Busan, and Gwangju – with ample vacancies in both public and private schools. One of the best ways into teaching in South Korea is to go through the government-run EPIK program, which places English teachers all over the country (although be aware that year-long contracts are often spent in more rural areas on the outskirts of the larger cities).
Taiwan
Taiwan is a rapidly emerging TEFL destination and, although it has been on the TEFL radar for a while now, it is really starting to take off and is definitely somewhere to consider! There is a large demand for teachers all year round, which is coupled with extremely low cost of living and relatively high wages… meaning it’s possible to save quite a bit whilst you’re out there. There have even been reports of TEFLers returning from Taiwan with at least $8000 in the bank!
Taiwan is perfect for first time TEFLers, as it is a safe, stable country with gorgeous scenery and a rapidly growing economy. There are some major chain schools that can help prepare you for life in Taiwan and make your whole transition a little less painful. There is also quite a bit of syllabus guidance due to the more regimented atmosphere in the classroom. This will mean that your lesson plans may need to be approved by other teachers – with certain subjects slipped in or taken out – but it also means that you will have a helping hand with your lesson planning. So if you’re a first time teacher and maybe have some debts to pay off, then Taiwan could be right up your street!
The Americas
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There has been a surge in English learners throughout Southern and Latin America in recent years… And with lush landscapes, tropical wildlife and enough activities to keep you busy all year round; you’re sure to have the time of your life! Most countries in the region are very easy to find work in, with only Brazil asking for a degree in order to obtain your visa; and with such a large group of countries squeezed into such a small place, visiting other places in your spare time couldn’t be easier! So… jobs are a-plenty, the scenery is literally awe-inspiring, and the relaxed culture is truly infectious… It’s clear to see why the Americas are quickly becoming a firm favorite in the TEFL world!
Brazil
Two words… “World” and “Cup”… It’s one of the main reasons for Brazil’s recent ‘TEFL Boom’. With the country set to hold the 2018 event, now is the time to get out there; because many, many businesses and individuals are learning English in order to prepare for it. There are some unforgettable experiences to be had, especially in the party capital – Rio (other hotspots include Bahia and São Paulo).
One drawback of finding work in Brazil, compared to other countries in South America, is that a BA Degree is a Visa must-have… although there are 2 reasons why this shouldn’t bother you.
- 1) Because just about every other country in the world these days requires a degree to obtain a visa, and…
- 2) It is extremely common to meet people who work illegally (mainly because the Visa process in Brazil is so tedious).
Now I’m not saying, “oh yeah, you’ll be fine if you don’t have a visa!”… Because you’re more likely to get ripped off by employers or have poor working conditions forced on you… although, plenty of people work illegally and are perfectly fine. However, if you decide to chance it, you’ll always be checking over your shoulder… So it’s your call!
Mexico
From the barren dessert to the snowy volcanoes, the landscape in Mexico is as diverse as it gets! There’s plenty of things to get up to in your spare time, and so much culture to take in… you’ll never be short of things to see, do and experience. Also, you’ll never be short of jobs because the demand for TEFLers in Mexico is massive – for both veterans and newbies, alike!
Wages may not seem quite a competitive as elsewhere in the world, but you will still be able to live very comfortably due to the low living costs. The main cities for finding TEFL work are Oaxaca, Pachuca, and Veracruz – but with jobs being thrown at you left, right and centre, you’re bound to settle-in in no time. Universities, private and public language schools, businesses and individuals are all desperately eager to learn English, so get out there and teach them!
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So do something different, go somewhere original, experience something new… and be a trailblazer! If you’re not already TEFL qualified, check out i-to-i TEFL’s website for more information and the latest deals: www.onlinetefl.com.
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In South Korea severance pay isn't a perk, it's the law! They have to give you one months wages at the end of your contract (which will always be one year) and if they don't, they are breaking the law.
Love this Laura, your bit about Taiwan is spot on. I work at a chain school and am a first time teacher. The process has been so easy. They arrange airport pick up, hotel accomodation, then helped me find my own accomodation, they give me more than half my rent every month as an allowance and are applying for my working visa for me. Perfect. :)
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