10 Up & Coming Places to Teach Abroad in 2021

Covid-19 has changed travel as we know it. Gone are the days where you could book a flight and set off for a week without a second thought—there is a lot of research to be done about where you can go and what restrictions await for you when you get there.

These days, many countries are discouraging short-term visitors while encouraging long stays. That means, despite more travel regulations, you can still move to and teach abroad in some foreign countries. It’s a great chance to immerse yourself in the culture, make local friends, and get to know a new way of life—all while earning a living as an English teacher.

So where can you go, exactly? The countries in this article have a growing list of opportunities for aspiring English teachers and are welcoming long-term visitors—just make sure you do your research on quarantine and testing requirements before you go.

Mexico is an incredibly lively, geographically diverse, and friendly country, and getting to spend a long time there as an English teacher is nothing short of a luxury. Its geographic and economic proximity to the United States means that English will always be a useful skill for locals. Plus, what could beat eating tacos on your lunch break?

You will likely need a TEFL certificate to find a job teaching English in Mexico. Most positions are found in big cities, like Mexico City or Guadalajara, but there are opportunities all over the country.

Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic’s red-tiled roofs, intricate architecture, and cobblestone streets will waste no time in stealing your heart—and that’s before you get a chance to discover its unique and exhilarating beer culture.

The country has shown an increase in tourism and economic investment over the years, so English teachers will have plenty of opportunities. Your salary in Czechia will run around $600 - $1,000 a month, which is enough to live comfortably. If you’d like to teach at a private school (and possibly earn more money), keep in mind that you’ll likely need a TEFL certificate.

From the majestic Tayrona National Park to the idyllic Coffee Region, from the fast-paced salsa dancing to the unbelievably friendly people, what’s not to like about Colombia? Due to its recently improved safety and economy, tourism has been rising steadily in this vibrant South American country each year—and so has the demand for English teachers.

Colombia is quite affordable, so though teaching positions don’t pay much—just a $500 stipend for some programs—it’ll be worth the chance to get to know this fun, vibrant country.

Imagine spending your weekends drinking wine in Porto, or lounging on the beach in Lagos—well, that could be your reality while teaching English in Portugal! Because it is part of the EU, learning English is important for getting competitive jobs, so it’s increasingly becoming a priority amongst the population.

Portugal is also one of the most affordable countries in Europe, so your expected salary—between $850 - $1200 a month—will be enough to make ends meet. A TEFL certificate might come in handy, but is not necessary to find a job.

From the white sandy beaches to lush tropical rainforests, Ghana has a lot to offer prospective teachers. Its welcoming culture and vibrant music will make you feel right at home. In addition, Ghana’s growing economic prosperity over the past few years means that learning English is becoming more and more important for its citizens.

Many English teaching positions in Ghana are unpaid, but you can rest-assured that the experience of living and helping the local population of one of Africa’s most quickly developing countries will make it worth your while.

Game of Thrones ended a while ago, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve all forgotten how fairytale-like Dubrovnik’s cityscape is! Croatia has increasingly become a popular tourist destination for Americans and Europeans alike, so demand for English teachers has risen to keep up.

Most English-teaching jobs in Croatia will be found at private schools in the capital, Zagreb, but there are positions to be found in other, smaller cities as well. Keep in mind that a TEFL certificate is required for most positions.

From the mountains of Patagonia in the south to the surreal, dry landscapes of the Atacama desert in the north, this 2,700 mile-long country will never leave you bored. And if that’s not enough to convince you to move to Chile, then maybe the delicious wine and friendly locals will. It is also one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, meaning demand for English teachers grows each year.

The Chilean Ministry of Education runs the English Opens Doors program, which gives you the opportunity to live with a host family and truly immerse yourself in the culture while volunteering as a teacher. If you’d like a paid opportunity, your salary will be $500 - $800 a month.

Costa Rica is probably the most popular Central American country for English teacher hopefuls, and for good reason. Despite being small, Costa Rica seems to have it all—surf-friendly beaches, towering volcanoes, and thriving rainforests. It’s no wonder that lots of teachers would want to live and work here!

Due to its thriving ecotourism economy, learning English is a high priority for locals. A TEFL certificate is required for most positions, and will earn you a salary of $600 - $1000 per month.

Though it’s one of the most highly visited countries in the world, English is not commonly spoken in Turkey outside of major tourist hot spots, meaning there are a lot of people who still want to learn. From the alien landscapes of Cappadocia to the Mediterranean shores of Izmir, teaching English in Turkey will give you the opportunity to explore this historically rich and welcoming country.

Turkey is one of the few countries that doesn’t require English teachers to be native speakers, but a TEFL certificate would definitely be helpful. With salaries ranging from $550 - $1,150 a month, the pay isn’t exactly high, but Turkey is quite an affordable place to live.

If the idea of going overseas is intimidating to you in the age of Covid-19, don’t worry—you can still get a wonderfully immersive experience by teaching online. You can use it to help you gain valuable teaching experience before actually moving abroad, or just as a chance to be exposed to the different cultures of students all over the world.

Online, you can tutor individual students or teach a whole (virtual) classroom of kids. You can also take advantage of your time at home by getting your TEFL certificate online, so that you’re ready to go to your country of choice when you’re ready to.

One of the most important things the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us is the importance of slowing down— swapping fast-paced vacations for a long, meaningful stay in a single country is one way to do so. And though life has certainly slowed down for many of us, it hasn’t stopped, meaning you can still work towards your dream of teaching English overseas.

Whether you choose to explore the Colombian countryside in person or explore your students’ cultures from the comfort of your home, there is no wrong decision about where to teach English abroad. You will have an educational, fulfilling, and eye-opening experience no matter what.

This post is updated annually, and it was most recently revised in December 2020.