Best Place To Live As A Teacher

Whether you are new to teaching or you have years of experience, finding somewhere comfortable and safe to live is often a top priority. The chances are that you will not be the first foreign teacher to live and work in the area so there are likely to be a few common options to choose from. Below we look at the basics regarding accommodation when teaching English abroad. In a lot of cases, finding suitable accommodation is not a problem as it can often be included as part of the teacher?s benefit package. If you have a teaching job in China, South Korea, or the Middle East, there is every chance that you will receive free or subsidized accommodation. Government-run recruitment schemes such as Japan's Jet Program also typically include some form of accommodation in the contract. While...  [Read more]

Like several other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has drastically improved its infrastructure since joining the EU. In that time, the market for foreign ESL teachers has also grown considerably to meet the demand from local people who need to improve their English skills in order to move up the career ladder in many different fields. The country has plenty of attractions to offer teachers, including the famous Black Sea coastline, ski resorts at a fraction of the price of most others in Europe, and stunning natural scenery. Bulgaria is certainly not somewhere to teach English if you want to save a large amount of money or live a lavish lifestyle, but that doesn?t stop people from coming here to enjoy the country?s culture, history and natural environment. The...  [Read more]

With a job market that is booming, a widely popular culture, a diverse and stunning landscape, and great food, Mexico is unsurprisingly popular as a teaching destination. The country?s close ties with it northern neighbor the USA ensures that the current demand for the English language is only set to rise in the coming years. The average salary for ESL teachers in Mexico varies considerably depending on the type of job you have and where you choose to live. However, most teachers can expect to earn between $500 and $1,000 per month. While this might not sound like much, the low cost of living ensures it will go much further than the same figure earned in many other countries. When job hunting in Mexico it really pays to shop around as the hourly rate offered by schools can vary...  [Read more]

Yes, it is safe for women to teach English abroad. Not only is it safe, it is also extremely popular as around 150,000 women work as ESL teachers in countries all over the world at any one time. Of this number, most will live and work in modern, cosmopolitan cities that have a similar level of infrastructure and amenities as they would find in their home countries. Whether in Europe, Asia or Latin America, first time teachers will usually be able to find an expat community of English speakers who are able to provide local knowledge and information that will help them to settle into their new community. It is impossible to say that any particular place will be 100% safe all of the time, but by employing some simple precautions single women can confidently head overseas to teach...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad continues to grow in popularity and salaries are on the rise in many parts of the world. Your potential for earning big salaries depends on several factors including your level of qualifications, previous teaching experience and the region or country where you choose to work. When evaluating the salary offered by any particular teaching job it is important to consider both the figure itself and the cost of living in the specific country where you will be living. A monthly income of $1000 in Peru would be enough to provide a very comfortable lifestyle, while the same amount in a major city such as Rome would probably not be sufficient to provide the kind of lifestyle you were hoping for. Any additional benefits included in your contract are also worth...  [Read more]

Every year thousands of foreign ESL teachers head to Japan as jobs are widespread in towns and cities across the country. The average salary is enough to live well and still save and the cultural and social aspects of the country are unlike anywhere else on Earth. If you have already decided that Japan is for you, it might not be quite so easy to decide on exactly which part of it to call home. Every city will have plenty of potential options and quieter areas will also offer a change from the normal hectic pace of city life. Although it would be hard to make a bad choice of destination in Japan, we recommend the following options based on the local job market and the experiences of our previous course graduates. It is no surprise that Japan’s largest urban area is at the top of...  [Read more]

If you are considering Spain as a location for teaching English, you certainly won't be alone as it has long been one of the most popular destinations in Europe. However, before you buy a plane ticket why not take a look at Latin America as many teachers find that this amazing region is actually a better option for them. For many people, the opportunity to learn a new language is one of the great benefits of teaching English abroad. When it comes to learning Spanish, the assumption that Spain is the best place to do so is certainly a common one. However, in reality the type of Spanish used in Spain actually uses accents and slang terms that are vastly different to the language spoken in other Spanish speaking countries. In fact, many native Spanish speakers from outside of Spain...  [Read more]

Qatar is a country that has blossomed from a largely unknown stretch of desert into a popular international destination in just a few decades. This rapid growth has attracted large numbers of foreign workers who now make up around 90% of the population. Qatar is a safe, modern, comfortable place to live and work which ensures it is increasingly popular with ESL teachers. As is the norm throughout much of the Middle East, Qatar offers teachers the chance to earn a very competitive salary. Tax-free monthly earnings of around $2,000 to $4,000 are typical, depending on your previous classroom experience and your teaching qualifications. Most of the best jobs will also include a healthy benefit package that includes return flights from your home country, free housing, and full medical...  [Read more]

  The ITTT TEFL course in Russia gives you the opportunity to learn how to live and work teaching English in one of the most interesting countries in the world. Following successful completion of the course, you will find yourself in a great position to secure a job teaching EFL in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok and elsewhere in Russia. Russia is generally considered to be one of the most diverse countries in the world. Its incredible features include historical sites, world famous ballet performances and theatrical productions, beautiful nature, and of course the hospitable local people. By joining our course in Russia you will not only undertake a TEFL course with a world leader in the industry, but also enjoy some of the best cultural experiences in the world. Attending...  [Read more]

If you plan to Teach English as a Second Language (TESOL) in your home country, overseas, or online, you will find there are usually a few requirements laid down by employers that can vary from country to country or job to job. In some cases, teaching positions can be restricted to native English speakers only. However, the good news is that the demand for English teachers is very high in many areas, which means there are typically plenty of jobs available for all fluent English speakers. So what are the main requirements when it comes to non-native English speakers teaching ESL? Before you start looking at potential jobs around the world, the first thing you will need to do is complete a TESOL certification course. With a TESOL qualification in your back pocket you will be taken...  [Read more]

There are many reasons to choose Orange County as the place to take your TEFL/tesol course. The pleasant Mediterranean style climate, over forty miles of beautiful coastline and the convenient proximity to Los Angeles in the north and San Diego to the south are just a few. Any first-time visitor soon realizes why this collection of small well-designed cities is a great place to live, work and study. The county was initially a sparsely populated region where cattle ranches and other farming pursuits were the main industries. However, the beginning of the 20th century saw the arrival of road and rail networks, and this link to Los Angeles put Orange County on the map as an easy weekend get-away for the new stars of the early Hollywood. Continued improvements to the road infrastructure...  [Read more]

If you have already graduated from one of our TEFL certification courses and have yet to decide on where you would like to teach, or you are thinking about signing up for a course and are looking for an insight into the most popular teaching destinations, then the following guides might provide some welcome inspiration. Below you will find dozens of countries from all corners of the world where there are plenty of good opportunities for teaching EFL. Click on the countries that interest you to access a wide range of travel tips, country facts and other useful information. Living and Teaching English in France - Habits, Customs & Curiosities Living and Teaching English in Spain - Habits, Customs & Curiosities Want to see more infographics on TESOL and TEFL? Check...  [Read more]

Spain has many attractions that draw a large number of teachers every year. The warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, world class beaches, and world famous cuisine are just a few. Many people also take the opportunity to learn Spanish while living and working in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If Spain is on your list of potential destinations, take a look at the following tips that should help you on your way. The main requirement for teaching English in Spain is a TESOL qualification. The vast majority of employers that offer a decent salary will expect their job applicants to have completed an internationally recognised teacher training course. A relatively small number of teaching jobs can be secured from within your home country via a government recruitment...  [Read more]

Whether you are planning a gap year abroad or looking for something more permanent, teaching English in Europe is certainly an idea that is well worth exploring. Every year thousands of ordinary people just like you pack their bags and head off to this extraordinary continent in search of fun, adventure, and a cultural experience that will stay with them for life. As long as you have a solid understanding of the English language you are eligible, although most employers will expect you to also complete a TESOL certification course before you start teaching. Across the continent there are many countries to choose from, all which have their own benefits to offer. However, to give you a head start we have put together the following list of countries that we think are the best for...  [Read more]

  Join our TEFL/TESOL course in Utah and explore one of the most exciting US states for four weeks. Home to vibrant red canyons, gushing rivers and dry deserts, Utah is definitely worth checking out. Thousands of years ago, the area of Utah was populated by Native Americans of the Ute-Aztecs and Navajo tribes. Still today, you can see some of their historic artifacts in the Utah’s museums, exhibition halls, and galleries. Today, Utah is a major tourist destination for travelers looking for adventure, nature, and history. When you spend four weeks in Utah for our training course, you will have plenty of time to explore all that the state has to offer. You can clearly see how the wind, water and time have changed and influenced Utah’s landscapes over millions of years. When you are...  [Read more]

Although violence and drug related crime have dominated the headlines in Colombia in the past, the country is now changing dramatically. Peace has largely returned to the streets and the tourism industry is thriving as people flock to enjoy the country?s many attractions. Colombia is an exotic and exciting place to teach English, but just make sure you get there before the whole world finds out. Although the average salary of between $700 and $1,000 per month is not particularly high, teachers can still live well in Colombia due to the relatively low cost of living. The best salaries are usually found in private schools which also typically provide extra benefits such as housing assistance and health insurance. The average hourly rate for private tutoring is around $12 to $25,...  [Read more]

If you are a TESOL teacher who enjoys coastal living, there are several countries that could be a great fit for you. Teaching English as a foreign language in a coastal location can offer a unique and rewarding experience, combining the opportunity to teach with the chance to enjoy a relaxed beach lifestyle. Here are some of the best countries for TESOL teachers who love the coast: Thailand is a popular destination for TESOL teachers, with its stunning beaches, warm climate, and welcoming locals. Places like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui offer a perfect blend of teaching opportunities and beach living. The demand for English teachers is high, and the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for many TESOL teachers. Spain is another great choice for TESOL teachers who...  [Read more]

For some people, teaching English at home or overseas is just a short-term plan to try something new or to earn some extra cash during a gap-year adventure. If this applies to you, then a standard 120-hour TESOL certification course should be sufficient to get you the jobs you need. However, if you are planning to make teaching English a long-term thing or you simply want to have a more thorough understanding of life in an ESL classroom before you start, then one of our extremely popular TESOL course bundles could be the answer. ITTT has several course packages to choose from and each one offers a more in-depth introduction to the world of English language teaching, as well as great value for money. The two courses that make up this bundle offer the perfect introduction to ESL...  [Read more]

With over 300 million people studying English and a rapidly growing economy, China is unsurprisingly the top employer of ESL teachers in the world. As demand is so high in many areas of the country, schools offer high salaries in order to fill their vacant positions. Salaries vary considerably in different areas of this vast nation, but wherever you choose to live and work in China you should be able to save a good amount of your salary each month. Teachers with no previous experience can expect to earn anywhere from 6000 RMB to 12000 RMB per month ($1000 to $2000 US dollars). As well as a healthy basic salary, many ESL jobs in China also include extras such as free housing and paid airfares in and out of the country. Thanks to these extra perks and a low cost of living, many...  [Read more]

Although online English teaching has been around for several years its popularity has really gone through the roof since the COVID-19 pandemic turned most people’s lives upside down. With international travel restrictions in place across the world, many teachers who would otherwise be living and working overseas have had to seek alternative employment via online teaching platforms. Now that things are slowly returning to normal, many TESOL qualified teachers will start to head off to far flung corners of the world. However, many others will choose to stay working online as it is easy to get used to the convenience and stability that this type of work can bring. Because of the pandemic most online TESOL teachers have been working from their own homes in recent times, either from a...  [Read more]