Four Unlikely Destinations To Teach English

Deciding where to go to teach English as a Foreign Language is a big decision. It can take you far from home to places you’ve never been to before. The question is, then, how do you decide where to go? The obvious answer is: you go where the jobs are. In our case, as teachers, this means: you go where the students are or where the students go.

You might immediately think of places like the United Kingdom and the United States, or even places like Australia and New Zealand. These English-speaking countries boast a high number of students coming to their shores to learn English. Then there are the non-English-speaking countries which are already home to many language learners. Think of China, Turkey or Argentina.

But there are loads more places you can go to teach English as a Foreign Language. Some of which you may never have heard of! Here we bring you four places you might not have considered to go to teach English, but you should:

Teach English in Morocco

Morocco is colourful and intriguing. It has a big tourism industry so there is a need to learn English. Morocco has a heavy French influence but the government is now placing a lot of importance on learning English. Translation: there are lots of students needing to learn English!

Teach English in Myanmar

Previously known as Burma, Myanmar is as mysterious as it is beautiful. It’s definitely not an established EFL market but an up-and-coming destination which will appeal to the more adventurous EFL teachers. You can choose from volunteer positions or paid positions, though there are fewer of these. On the plus side, if you go soon you’ll still be able to experience a traditional South East Asian country before tourism changes it.

Teach English in Cyprus

Cyprus is a tiny island in the Mediterranean. Do we really need to say more than that? It is a mix of European and Middle Eastern cultures and boasts beautiful beaches, quaint villages and delicious food. Cyprus is not very big but there are a number of private EFL schools that need teachers. It is a part of the European Union so EU teachers are preferred. However, it’s also possible to find a job through the British Council if you’re not an EU national.

Teach English in the Maldives

Another island for you, but this time in the Indian Ocean. Maldives is an archipelago of islands, many of which are still very traditional. You will find jobs in government or private schools in Male or in one of the luxurious resorts we know from postcards. If you’re not in a resort it’s a very traditional Muslim country so you will need to bear that in mind. Even though it may not be your typical TEFL destination, Maldives has a lot going for it.

When deciding where to go to teach English as a Foreign Language, don’t only consider the heavyweights. There are so many countries to choose from when you are a TEFL teacher, and maybe the right choice for you is a bit off the beaten track.