Top TEFL Destinations For 2019

We’ve already looked at five of our top TEFL destinations for 2019 – Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China and the United Arab Emirates. But before you book your flight, have a look at the other five to see if any of these are more your style.

Top TEFL destinations for 2019

Germany

Germany is fast becoming a favourite EFL destination in Europe.  It has one of the largest EFL markets in Europe and there is no shortage of students looking for teachers. Plus, with its positioning in Europe it offers amazing travelling opportunities for your time off.

In Germany you will find lots of work teaching Business English for companies, so most jobs can be found in the big cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Stuttgart. It is common for EFL teachers in Germany to work as freelancers rather than be employed by a school (though there are language schools if you’d prefer to try to find work there). This means that you have total flexibility over your working hours.

Spain

What’s not to love about Spain? The food, the weather, the afternoon siestas and late-night lifestyle – Spain is a vibrant and energetic place to live. Though the economy in Spain is not doing so well right now – or perhaps because of this – the demand for EFL teachers is high. Spanish people may struggle to find jobs in their country so they understand they need to learn English if they want to work abroad.

You’re most likely to find a job at language schools in the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia. Your workload won’t be overly heavy so even though your paycheck will reflect this, you will have plenty of time to hit the beach and chill out.

Russia

Russia may be the biggest country in the world but not many people have dared to venture there. There is a growing awareness of the importance of English among Russians, which means there are hundreds of thousands of eager language learners waiting for teachers.

In Russia you will either teach in a public or a private school or in one of the growing number of language schools. EFL jobs are well-paid and often accommodation is one of the most expensive costs of living in the country.

Chile

Latin America has long been the destination of choice for travellers from all over the world but it hasn’t yet found favour with EFL teachers. This looks set to change in 2019. Chile is one of the safest countries in Latin America and its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle make it a very attractive country to live.

Finding a job in Chile usually means living in Santiago, Valparaiso, Serena or Concepcion. You will probably be teaching in a language school, though it is possible to teach in a public school through the government’s Open Door programme.

Colombia

A few years ago you might have thought we were pulling your leg if we told you that you should go and teach in Colombia, but those days are over. Colombia is now politically stable and one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America. Plus it has a booming market for EFL teachers.

You can teach in Bogota or Medellin in language schools, or you can try for one of the new posts in Colombia’s government schools. To supplement their income, many EFL teachers teach private students or teach online when they are not at school. In your time off there are beaches, rain forests, shopping and late-night parties to keep you occupied.

Of course these are not the only options you have as TEFL destinations for 2019. Other countries which deserve a mention are Vietnam, Czech Republic, Mexico and Hong Kong. But we’re convinced these are the top ten TEFL destinations for 2019. So choose your TEFL destination, pack your bags, book your tickets, kiss your loved ones goodbye and off you go!