Teaching Abroad And Travelling Alone As A Woman: Is It Safe?

The thought of packing your bags and moving abroad to teach English as a foreign language is certainly an exciting one! But it’s totally normal to have some anxiety too, especially if you’re travelling alone, and especially if you’re a woman.

Let’s talk about teaching and travelling alone as a woman abroad: is it safe?

Is it safe to travel alone as a woman? Is it safe to live alone abroad as a woman?

Many people wonder, should I travel alone as a woman? And, if you’re a TEFL teacher, you’re dealing with not only travelling abroad alone but living abroad alone too. Is it safe?

Read more: Solo Traveller? Don’t Panic!

Where to travel alone as a woman

Of course we can’t say that anywhere in the world is 100% safe for anyone, but a fear of travelling alone shouldn’t stop you from becoming a TEFL teacher or adventuring across the globe. It’s fair to say there are certain places in this world that are safer than others – but it might not be where you think!

In fact, in 2023 according to the Global Peace Index, the US ranked as the 131st safest country in the world (out of 163), while popular TEFL destinations like Japan, Spain and Thailand ranked 9th, 32nd and 92nd respectively!

According to a 2023 survey, the five safest cities in the world are:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Toronto, Canada 
3. Singapore, Singapore
4. Sydney, Australia
5. Tokyo, Japan

TEFL: The key to moving to a country alone as a woman

Living abroad in a foreign city should be considered the same as living in your hometown. Depending on the city, you may have certain reservations about walking in certain areas at certain times or keeping a good grip on your valuables, but these concerns are global.

But travelling as a TEFL teacher makes travelling abroad alone much easier than travelling as a tourist. How? Well, consider this:

• You can choose where you want to live. As a TEFL teacher you have the flexibility to live practically anywhere in the world. 
• You’re not likely to be totally alone. As a TEFL teacher, you’ll be friends with other teachers in your school or in your city. Other TEFL teachers are sure to be like-minded individuals, and your colleagues at school will be a great source of local information!
• You’re a part of a bigger community. Unless you’re living in a remote part of Mongolia, there’s likely a thriving expat/ digital nomad/ TEFL teacher community near you.

Because teaching English abroad is such a flexible career option, you can tailor your TEFL experience to suit your individual needs.

Tips for travelling and living abroad alone as a woman

Packing your bags yet?!

Before you go here are our top tips for living abroad alone as a woman.

• Have access to an emergency fund – just to be on the safe side.
• If you’re nervous about landing in a foreign country alone, ask your school to arrange a pick up from the airport.
• Contact your local embassy as soon as you arrive and let them know your whereabouts. Keep them updated of any changes in your situation.
• Choosing a job which offers organised accommodation can be a great stress-reliever.
• Be mindful of the culture and etiquette of the local community so as not to offend anyone or stick out as a foreigner. 

Read more: How To Protect Yourself While Travelling Solo

Sound like your vibe? Check out our TEFL courses to get TEFL-qualified today and start your adventure abroad as soon as possible.