One of the biggest attraction of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL Jobs) is the opportunity to travel. There are many countries where English is not the primary spoken language, and so the options are wide open.
Something to keep in mind when travelling is that the cost of living varies from country to country – some things may cost half the price of what you may expect. Of course, travelling from one of the cheaper countries to a more expensive country will have the opposite effect – everything will cost twice as much.
It is important to compare your anticipated wages to the cost of living in that country.
Here are a few of the more popular destinations to teach English abroad.
China
With over one and a quarter billion people in China, there is a strong chance of gaining employment teaching English in the country. Trade with the West is of high importance and so many Chinese want to learn the language.
China itself is full of beautiful scenery, wonderful food, and contrasting landscapes ranging from the beauty of the Yangtze river to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
The cost of living is moderate, and many Western brands are available via import. Public transport is easily accessible, and even includes subways and maglev trains.
Places to see: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Yangtze and Yellow rivers, the Terracotta Army
Places to go: Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzou
Russia
Russia is an enormous country with many different landscapes, climates, and people. Where one border faces eastern Europe, another faces China, and another almost touches Canada. This means there are a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds and cultures.
There are also many private English schools, and lots of people who want to learn English due to Russia’s position on the world stage.
The cost of living in Russia is relatively low, and rent in most places is cheap compared to what you may be used to.
Public transport is readily available and cheap, meaning you don’t have to live too close to the places where you will be working.
Places to see: Red Square, The Kremlin, St Isaac’s Cathedral
Places to go: Moscow, Sochi, St Petersburg
Brazil
South America brings an entirely different culture, and Brazil is another large country with plenty to explore. You can find work in large cities or smaller towns, and the landscape includes beautiful coastal areas and mountain ranges.
Brazil is another country where the demand to learn English is high, so there are many opportunities to gain employment.
The cost of living is reasonable, and you should be able to pay your way teaching English in Brazil. Large cities have metro networks, and public buses are common.
Places to see: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado
Places to go: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a part of Europe that is well known for castles…and beer. Since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in the 1990s, the demand for learning English has increased, due in part to joining the EU in 2004.
The cost of living is quite low in the Czech Republic, with many prices only half that of what you may see elsewhere.
Buses and trains are common, and Prague has a metro, ferries, and cable cars.
Places to see: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Prague Astronomical Clock
Places to go: Prague, Pilsen
Enjoy the Options
There are many countries around the world where people are very interested in learning English, as English has become the international language of business. You’re sure to find somewhere that you’ve always wanted to visit!
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Submitted By Jamie McKaye