After decades of being closed off to the world and suffering through ineffective economic policies implemented by the military government, Myanmar is slowly undergoing democratic reform. A remarkably beautiful country lying on the Bay of Bengal in South East Asia, as Myanmar opens its doors to the rest of the world it is growing rapidly in popularity as a destination for EFL teachers.

After decades of being closed off to the world and suffering through ineffective economic policies implemented by the military government, Myanmar is slowly undergoing democratic reform. A remarkably beautiful country lying on the Bay of Bengal in South East Asia, as Myanmar opens its doors to the rest of the world it is growing rapidly in popularity as a destination for EFL teachers.

Walking around the towns and countryside you feel like you have travelled back in time in a country that has changed little over the last century. Soak up the rich culture on your days off and enjoy the escape of living in a place where McDonald’s and Starbucks have yet to make it onto every main street. It is a country where the simple pleasures of life are enjoyed and monks are treated with the same adulation as pop stars in the Western world.

As well as being a fantastic base for visiting other countries in South East Asia, Myanmar is an astounding country to explore in its own right. Many of its top sights are stunning structures inherited from its long and rich Buddhist history. It is impossible not to be left spellbound by Shwedagon Paya in Yangon; a Buddhist stupa standing at over 100 metres high, liberally covered in gold sheet and diamonds. Another day you could be looking at a boulder that appears as if it could roll off down the side of the mountain if you breathe too heavily; a gigantic gold-gilded rock with a stupa atop of it, Mt. Kyaiktiyo’s “Golden Rock” has to rank alongside the Leaning Tower of Pisa as one of the world’s most precarious landmarks.

It is not simply about amazing landmarks, though, much of the enjoyment of the country can be found in taking it slowly, interacting with the people and absorbing the culture and way of life. Working in Myanmar can also give you plenty of time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the wonderful countryside, with the opportunity to spend any number of days hiking in the hills and mountains.

Typically, teachers will arrive on a tourist visa before converting it to a business visa. Since the country began to open up to the world, its people have gained more freedom and democratic power. Foreigners with a TEFL qualification have been encouraged to come and teach in local schools, as well as private schools.

If you choose to come here, then getting a TEFL job in Myanmar offers an opportunity to save some money and make a difference in the lives of the local people. Aside from the somewhat pricey cost of renting in the city, the cost of living in Myanmar is low, which, combined with the reasonable salaries on offer, help to make it an attractive destination.

As well as paid positions, there are also a growing number of volunteer TEFL positions. A very friendly nation, you can expect lessons to be enjoyable, but always make sure you have extra plans up your sleeve that aren’t reliant on the still-intermittent electricity supply.