TEFL Certificate? Check. Passport? Check. Teaching job in a country with beaches that will act as a backdrop for every selfie you post, making friends back home green with envy? Erm… not sure? Then let us run you through our Top 5 TEFL destinations with amazing beaches that will you have you frantically trawling through our jobs board hunting for vacancies!
Thailand
If you visited a different beach for every weekend of your time teaching abroad, you still might not see all the white sand Thailand has to offer. Add into that, the mix of a vibrant party scene and mouth-watering food and you’ll see why Thailand has become a firm favourite on the map.
The biggest demand for teachers are in the big cities like Bangkok but there are still options for teaching on the islands like Koh Samui; and even if you do find yourself in a bustling city, you’ll have all weekend to enjoy a beach getaway: all you need is a degree, your TEFL certificate and a pair of flip flops!
Brazil
With both the Lopes Mendes Beach and the Baia do Sancho voted in Trip Advisor’s top 25 beaches of the world in 2013, Brazil has no shortage of beautiful vistas; and in fact, if you teach in this tropical country, you’ll have have over 9,000 kilometres of beach to choose from: talk about being spoilt for choice!
And the demand for English teachers is almost as great. Like any country that experiences strong economic growth, Brazil also needs more and more teachers to help their population speak the language of business.
If you’re looking through our Free TEFL Jobs Board you may be forgiven for thinking that there aren’t that many positions out there, but don’t be fooled. Most of the jobs in Brazil are not widely advertised so you will have most success by getting yourself out there and knocking on doors in person. Oh, and fitting in a bit of sunbathing in between job interviews!
Bali, Indonesia
This idyllic island is well-known as a tourist destination, with people flocking from all over the world to kick back and relax on the white sands. And where better to mark your students’ work than relaxing on a gorgeous beach like the one below?!
It won’t come as a shock to know that competition for teaching positions is fierce. As well as a degree you’ll also probably need at least a year’s teaching experience – but the pay-off is worth it! You’ll experience a low cost of living so your salary will stretch a long way, and nd to top it off, Indonesia is the home of Nasi Goreng – pretty much one of the tastiest dishes on the planet!
Mexico
Think gold sands, blue seas, green palms and you’ve got it. Mexico beaches are pure perfection. And it’s not just the beaches that makes Mexico so special – if you teach English in this culturally-rich country, you truly will have an unforgettable experience.
The salary may seem a little low but so is the cost of living so you should be able to live comfortably; and like Brazil, there’s a high demand for teachers so whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’ll easily be able to find teaching work.
Spain
With more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline to choose from, you’ll find plenty of places to stretch out by the shores of the Atlantic or Mediterranean sea.
For many first-time TEFL teachers, summer camps are a popular option; as are the numerous entry-level positions at schools across the country. English lessons are compulsory in all state schools so there is demand for teachers in pretty much every town and city.
The average salary for a new teacher working in Spain is around €1,100 a month, so you’ll have plenty of money to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this sunny country.
If you’re at your happiest when you’re surrounding by sun, sea and sand, then you’ll be in your element teaching English in these beautiful countries. So get your certificate, pack your suntan lotion and get out there – just don’t forget to send us your exotic selfies!
