Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Faculty

Teaching English as a Foreign Language often gets a bad rap as a career due to the perceived impermanence of the assignments. It’s also a role that attracts people looking to earn decent money as they travel the world.

There’s nothing wrong with this of course as everyone understands it is a temporary situation. It’s not the same as accepting a permanent role knowing you plan on leaving once you’ve made enough money.

However, despite many TEFL teachers only looking for a short-term gig while they put some miles on their soils, some want to make it their career.

This is a valid option too and presents you with an incredible opportunity to work and live in any country that piques your interest.

It’s worth noting that the earning potential varies wildly from one country to another but the cost of living usually fluctuates along with it.

While TEFL contracts are usually temporary – often a year, nothing is preventing you from negotiating with your employer to stay on.

Plus, the more experience you get the easier it will be to negotiate higher rates of pay or take a teaching job elsewhere that pays better.

After all, depending on your experience, location and the local tax laws, you can earn as much as £4,000 a month.

As you grow in experience there are also opportunities to progress including roles as academic coordinator and director of studies or even open your own school.

To learn more about how to qualify as TEFL teacher, visit the Teaching English as a Foreign Language faculty page.

One of the great advantages of teaching English as a foreign language if the almost limitless travel opportunities it presents.

Not only can you travel to another country, but you can travel within that country too and enjoy the differences in landscape and culture along with it.

For example, Colombia has a Caribbean coastline, mountain ranges and jungles. Each bringing with it its own experiences and way of life.

Below are some of the most popular destinations TEFL teachers visit:

China

China’s demand for TEFL teachers is exponential due to its growing population and its selective adoption of Western culture.

Increasingly Chinese students will travel to the US, UK and Europe to study at University, creating a real demand for qualified TEFL teachers.

China offers a unique teaching experience with a diverse environment and culture, including some of the most ancient, and modern cities in the world.

Vietnam

Much like its neighbour, China, Vietnam is a melting pot of a traditional way of life and buzzing cosmopolitan cities.

It possesses some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere, a rich, interesting culture and a tortured past that will fascinate you to learn.

Vietnam is a very desirable destination for both new and experienced TEFL teachers alike.

Thailand

Thailand is famous for its beaches, lush scenery, ancient ruins and ornate temples. It’s a popular tourist destination and Bangkok is a riotous clash of ultra-modern building developments and small canal-side communities.

This diverse social and environmental mix makes it a popular choice for many TEFL teachers.

Cambodia

Situated in between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia benefits from the same sunny climates and picturesque views as its neighbour.

Like its neighbour to the East, Cambodia has a rich and interesting history with extravagant royal palaces, the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and the impressive art deco Central Market in Phnom Penh.

Colombia

Colombia has the most diverse ecosystem in the world making it an extraordinary and breathtakingly beautiful place to visit.

Aside from lush forests, mountains and rolling hills, Colombia boasts tropical beaches and colonial Old Towns to explore. Not to mention the best coffee in the world.

Peru

Peru is home to part of the Amazon rainforest and the 15th Century Incan citadel of Machu Picchu set high on the Andes Mountains.

With one of the oldest cultures in the world, Peru is one of the most interesting places a TEFL teacher can find themselves.

Chile

The home of Easter Island, some of the best red wine on the market and surrounded by the Andes and the Chilean coast, it’s a popular destination for tourists and travellers.

The capital of Santiago boasts palm-lined plazas, a neoclassical cathedral and the massive Parque Metropolitano which offers swimming pools, a botanical garden and zoo.

Chile is beautiful and an idyllic destination for TEFL teachers.

Argentina

There aren’t many places like Argentina for its mountains, lakes and grasslands. Thanks to its size, location and geography it boasts one of the most diverse weather systems in the world.

The capital of Buenos Aires is the most visited city in South America and was the home of Latin music and the Tango both originated there.

Plus, there’s a high demand for English teachers and it can be wonderfully hot and sunny!