Teaching Off The Beaten Track: 9 Alternative TEFL Destinations

Dreaming of teaching English abroad, but with a twist?

Maybe you’re considering teaching English abroad but you’d rather not teach in China or South Korea or Vietnam – and you’d prefer somewhere a bit more unusual.

So which are the best alternative TEFL destinations to teach English abroad off the beaten track?

As a teacher of English as a foreign language, there is no doubt that the world is your oyster. But there are still certain countries that grab the lion’s share of attention in the TEFL world. Vietnam, UAE, South Korea – these countries are popular with TEFL teachers either for their abundance of teaching jobs, their generous packages, their amazing lifestyles, or a combination of all of these!

Read more: Top European Destinations For TEFL Teachers

But maybe you’d like to venture a bit more off the beaten track.

If this is you, then stay tuned to find out our top 9 alternative destinations for TEFL teachers.

Teach English in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan might be the largest and richest country in Central Asia, but not many people know much about it – except maybe that it’s home to Borat! The country covers two time zones and five different climatic zones, with deserts, mountains, flatlands, deltas, valleys and canyons all over its immense area.

In a bid to improve the country’s standing in the global market, the government has invested heavily into private language schools. This is where you’ll likely find a job. Salaries are generous and airfare and accommodation are generally included in your contract so you can expect to live an exciting life while earning good money. 

Why should you teach English in Kazakhstan? Adventure and $$$.

Teach English in Brazil

If you’re excited by the thought of working in South America and you want to explore a large country, then try Brazil. The demand for English language teachers is high. There are plenty of opportunities if you have a TEFL qualification.

In Brazil you have the choice of working in a city, on the coast or inland. The cost of living is obviously higher in a city, but the wages should be better. Wherever you decide to go you should earn enough to live on with some left over to enjoy your free time.

Popular places to teach English in Brazil:

• San Paulo
• Rio de Janeiro
• Salvador
• Recife
• Belo Horizonte
• Brasilia
• Santa Catarina

Why should you teach in Brazil? Laidback lifestyle and all-round good vibes. 

Teach English in Malaysia

Multicultural, tropical and friendly, there is lots to love about Malaysia. Malaysia is not as well-known as its Asian counterparts Thailand, Vietnam and China, but this only makes it more special. There are many different teaching opportunities available, from private language schools to kindergartens to high schools to universities.

Education is taken seriously in Malaysia, so you are sure to be respected as a teacher here. But that also means you need to be a respectable, respectful teacher to teach here! To teach English in Malaysia you need to have a Bachelor’s degree and be a native speaker of English.

Why should you teach English in Malaysia? The friendly people and gentle way of life.

Teach English in Peru

Another South American option is Peru. Tourism is big business here so many Peruvians want to learn English for the job opportunities it offers.

TEFL teachers can find a job teaching in a private language school, giving extra lessons to schoolchildren or teaching General and Business English to adults. At the same time, there are endless volunteer teaching positions in the more rural parts of the country for a completely different experience.

Peru is a great destination for TEFL teachers with a taste for adventure.

Why should you teach English in Peru? Adventure on a budget!

Teach English in Morocco

Morocco is a historic, beautiful country. It’s very popular as a tourist destination, so English is necessary for the locals to conduct business with tourists. At the same time, young Moroccans are keen to work and travel abroad, so they need English for that too.

As a result of this, there is a huge demand for TEFL teachers in Morocco in international schools, as well as private language schools.

Why should you teach English in Morocco? Cultural immersion

Read more: Top Romantic TEFL Destinations

Teach English in the Republic of Georgia

Not to be confused with the US state where you would find your peaches! The Republic of Georgia is a gem of a European country that is still relatively unknown. You can find a job co-teaching with a local teacher in a school through the Teach and Learn with Georgia programme. Airfare and accommodation are included in your salary package, which makes this offer even more attractive.

And did you know that Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine?! Say no more!

Why should you teach English in Georgia? The hospitality and gorgeous natural surroundings

Teach English in the Czech Republic

Another popular tourist destination, Czech Republic has a huge need for English teachers. You are likely to find a job in private language schools, international schools, universities or private tutoring.

The salaries in the Czech Republic are not particularly high but the cost of living is low, so you are able to live well – and drink lots of beer!  

Why should you teach English in the Czech Republic? The historical and cultural atmosphere

Teach English in Turkey

If you like your coffee as strong as your raki, then head to Turkey. This beautiful, friendly country is growing in popularity as a TEFL destination. Choose from a job in historic Istanbul, the capital Ankara, or Izmir on the coast, but wherever you go you’re sure to find glorious weather and great food. What more could you ask for?

You could even teach English online and take advantage of the laidback way of life of Turkey while working on your own terms.

Why should you teach English in Turkey?  Rich, diverse culture

Teach English in Argentina

From wine farms to glaciers to ski slopes to tango halls, Argentina has something for any visitor. It’s a country that you won’t want to leave so finding a TEFL job there is the best idea to experience its magic.

Business English teachers are especially in demand here. Find a job in a language school or university and spend your free time exploring this amazing country – and probably eating some steak, too.

Why should you teach English in Argentina? The vibrant and colourful way of life.

There you have it. Nine destinations not many people consider when looking for a TEFL job. All of these countries offer not only adequate teaching opportunities but also adventure, intrigue and, no doubt, a whole lot of fun.

Ready to get packing? Sign up for a TEFL course with The TEFL Academy and you could be jetting off to one of these alternative TEFL destinations soon!