How to Travel and Work Abroad: Celebrate International TEFL Day With a New Career Adventure
Contributed by Jess.
As the year wraps up, it’s only natural to start thinking about what’s next. Maybe you’re craving a change of pace, a fresh start, or a chance to see more of the world. If working and travelling abroad has always been on your mind, but you’re not sure where to begin, teaching English as a foreign language could be your perfect first step. It’s a career that lets you explore new cultures, meet amazing people, and actually get paid while doing it.
Once you’ve got your TEFL certificate from a trusted provider like The TEFL Academy, a whole new world of opportunities opens up. From the beaches of Thailand to the buzzing streets of Seoul, English teachers are in demand almost everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a long-term career abroad or a short-term adventure, TEFL gives you the freedom to work, travel, and grow all at once.
And there’s no better time to start exploring than now, with International TEFL Day coming up on 22nd November. This online event brings together some of the biggest names in the ESL world to share their stories and advice about teaching English overseas and online. Whether you’re curious about life as a teacher abroad or already planning your next big move, it’s a great way to learn what the TEFL lifestyle is really like.
Building a Career That Takes You Places
One of the best things about teaching English abroad is how flexible it is. You can teach for a year, make lifelong friends, and travel to places you’ve only seen on Instagram, or you can build a full-blown international career.
English teachers are in high demand across the globe, but each country offers something a little different. If you’re after a solid salary and structured job package, Japan or South Korea are great options. If sunshine and a slower pace sound more like your style, you might love Spain or Vietnam, where the lifestyle is laid-back and the culture is vibrant.
Getting TEFL Certified
Before you jet off, you’ll need a TEFL qualification, as it’s your golden ticket to teaching English abroad. Most employers look for a certificate from an accredited provider such as The TEFL Academy.
Most courses include around 120 hours of training that cover everything from lesson planning to classroom management. Many programs also give you the option to study online, so you can train at your own pace, which is ideal if you’re working or studying alongside it. Some even include hands-on teaching practice to help you feel confident before stepping into a classroom.
And if you catch the travel bug (which you probably will), you can always go a step further with advanced TEFL courses that lead to higher-paying or specialist roles.
Choosing Your Perfect Destination
Deciding where to teach might just be the most exciting part of all. Each destination offers something unique, so it really depends on what kind of experience you want.
If saving money and career progression are your priorities, South Korea and Japan are top choices. For those chasing a relaxed lifestyle and sunny weather, Spain, Costa Rica, or Thailand might be calling your name.
It’s worth looking into things like cost of living, visa requirements, and local job demand before you decide. Once you’ve figured out what matters most to you, you’ll find the destination that feels just right.
The Digital Nomad Route
If you’re drawn to a lifestyle filled with travel, culture, and flexibility, teaching English abroad offers an amazing way to experience the world. With a TEFL certificate in hand, you can live and work in exciting destinations while building valuable teaching experience.
Many teachers choose to spend a year or more in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Portugal, or Mexico, immersing themselves in the local culture and forming connections within international teaching communities. These vibrant hubs are filled with opportunities to meet other educators and travellers who share a love of adventure and learning.
With your TEFL qualification, curiosity, and sense of adventure, you can create a career that’s as rewarding as it is inspiring, one that allows you to see the world from a whole new perspective.
Final Thoughts
Teaching English abroad isn’t just a job; it’s a life-changing experience that helps you see the world in a whole new way. With International TEFL Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about where your next adventure could take you.
Whether it’s a classroom in Tokyo, a café in Madrid, or a beachside villa in Bali, TEFL can make it happen. The world is waiting; you just need to take that first step.
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