From Songkran to Bahidora: How TEFL Is Your Ticket To International Festivals

Teaching abroad is an adventure in itself, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Festivals around the globe attract TEFL teachers keen to get down (and probably dirty) in their time off. Whether it’s a music festival, a nod to tradition, or a quirky local event, there’s always something happening no matter where in the world you’re teaching. 

Attending a local festival is a great way to experience the culture first-hand, break away from the usual teacher routine and make new friends along the way.  Here are a few festivals around the world that you may or may not have heard of – and that you might enjoy!

Songkran Festival – Thailand

13 April – 15 April

Songkran is the start of the Thai New Year. It marks the start of a new harvest season in this part of the world, when the sun leaves Aries and enters Pisces.

In the past, people would pour water over Buddha statues in a show of gratitude and respect, and splash it on family and friends as a blessing. 

These days, Songkran is celebrated as a pretty crazy three-day nation-wide water fight. In preparation, people meticulously clean their homes and visit temples early in the morning to reflect on the water-filled festivities that lie ahead. The streets are filled with festival-goers brandishing water guns, buckets and hose pipes. Top tip: don’t forget your water-proof bag – and prepare to get soaked!

Water provides more than a welcome relief from Thailand’s heat; it is believed to offer spiritual cleansing and abundance.  During Songkran, Thai people create a  paste using white clay and water called din sor pong and smear it everywhere. They believe it brings protection against negative forces, so expect to be covered in it!

Why teach in Thailand?

Thailand is a popular TEFL destination for many reasons. It has a high demand for English teachers, the weather is amazing all year round, the cost of living is low and there’s likey a tropical paradise close by. The locals are friendly and there’s a huge expat community. 

The location is great for traveling to equally fascinating neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia. And when you’re bored of the gorgeous beaches, you can always head north and explore the jungle!

Read more: Teach English in Thailand

Bahidorá – Mexico

February

Two hours from Mexico City, in Las Estacas National Park in Morelos, the annual Carnaval de Bahidorá brings a swirl of colour, energy, dance and feathers with hip-hop and electronic artists setting the stage on fire. 

Festival-goers can enjoy activities like kayaking, sunbathing, and swimming, or stay dry with art installations, magic shows, and even circus lessons. 

Why teach in Mexico?

Surf and sun, siestas, tasty tacos, desert oases and tons of museums make Mexico an ideal TEFL location. Despite the low salaries, the natural beauty, cultural attractions, warm weather and low cost of living more than make up for it. It’s perfectly positioned between North and South America, making travel from Peru to New York a breeze. 

Most English teaching jobs are concentrated in Mexico City and hiring is all year-round! Barriers to entry are low and a tourist visa, TEFL qualification and English fluency are all you need to land a decent job and start teaching. 

Read more: Teach English in Mexico 

Cheung Chau Bun Festival – Hong Kong, China

A week in April or May

The Bun Festival is a popular annual event in Hong Kong that originally marked the end of an 18th-century plague. It is celebrated on Buddha’s birthday, so it’s no surprise that this world-famous festival is underpinned by Taoism, a Chinese philosophy emphasising living with nature harmoniously.

This festival takes place on the island of Cheung Chau. Children are dressed as deities and parade the streets on stilts while lion dances happen around every corner. But the highlight of the festival is the bun tower and the famous Scrambling Competition.

A company called Kwok Kam Kee supplies 60,000+ buns that cover a 60-foot-high tower. Participants race to climb the tower and collect buns to bring good fortune. 

Why teach in China?

China is a vast country that is always looking for foreign English teachers, and they offer great incentives! Benefits may include free flights, a housing allowance, paid vacation time, visa support and health insurance. 

China is wonderfully complex and offers a wide variety of English teaching programs to choose from, so you can be picky about where you teach. They have first-, second- and third-tier cities ranging from high-tech to rapidly developing. Plus, every weekend brings an opportunity to explore and experience something new.   

Read more: Teach English in China

Meadows In The Mountains – Bulgaria

August

Meadows in the Mountains is a unique annual festival held at the top of the Rhodopian Mountains of Bulgaria. Here, music, art, nature and community unite in a blissful mix of techno, indie pop and world music to embrace and promote sustainable living. 

Mountain-top weather can be volatile so layer up and bring rain-proof essentials, but don’t forget to bring your questionable dance moves.

Why teach in Bulgaria?

If you’re keen to visit black-sand beaches, explore hiking trails and ski slopes surrounded by dramatic rock formations or admire stunning architecture, then Bulgaria is for you. Nature lovers will vibe with its rich biodiversity. 

Young Bulgarians are keen to learn English, and employers generally offer housing and airfare. You can opt for a short-term summer stint if you don’t want to be tied down, but jobs are plentiful, ranging from international schools and language academies to private tutoring and even university roles. 

Whatever your choice, teaching in Bulgaria offers a comfortable and affordable lifestyle and amazing opportunities to explore Southeast Europe. 

Read more: Teach English in Europe

 World Body Painting Festival – Klagenfurt, Austria

July 

Launched in 1998, the World Body Painting Festival (and competition) has grown into a decades-long celebration of creativity and artistry worldwide. The human body becomes the canvas, literally bringing art to life! 

This crazy celebration is a feast for the eyes and includes creative workshops showcasing special effects makeup and photography. There are a number of quirky sideshows like the zombie walk and the Body Circus. 

 It usually takes place in the town of Klagenfurt which is located in the lush province of Carinthia, Austria, but in 2025 it will span multiple locations including Italy, Croatia, France and Germany. 

Why teach in Austria?

If you’re into freelancing and have an entrepreneurial spirit, then Austria is worth considering since most teaching jobs are freelance Business English positions. Salaries are location-dependent, with Vienna offering numerous opportunities. 

Austria has an enviably low crime rate, great infrastructure and clean air. It ranks 11th in the Quality of Life Index and 17th in the World Happiness Report for 2024. Those are some impressive numbers.

For those seeking stability, options include international schools, public and private schools, universities, and language centres. If you enjoy working with young children and have experience, you can opt for kindergartens, nannying or even babysitting!

Some benefits of contracted jobs may include health coverage, pension contributions, paid holidays, travel allowance and accommodation assistance. 

Read more: Teach English in Austria

Do any of these festivals sound like your vibe? With a TEFL qualification, you can live and teach practically anywhere in the world. You can enjoy great music, authentic culture, unique traditions, and striking landscapes wherever you teach. Sign up for a TEFL course and start booking your festival tickets!