Where can I teach English abroad during Covid-19?
Go back two years and TEFL teachers had the whole world at their beck and call. There were jobs on offer in China, in Russia, in Spain, in Japan, along with a burgeoning online industry that meant you could go wherever you want and work, provided you had your laptop and an internet connection. Then came the pandemic, which closed down borders and countries and put a stop to global travel. Well…not quite. Cue this guide of five places that it’s still possible to teach in during the age of Covid-19.
Thailand
One of the few glimmers of hope for TEFL teachers searching for somewhere to go and ply their trade during the dark days of the pandemic is the fact that the much-loved Land of Smiles remains open to professionals. Yep, there are special exemptions in place for those who come in search of English-language classrooms. There are plenty of opportunities open here, too, with pay rates ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 THB (that’s about $900-1,200 USD) per month. November marks a further loosening of travel restrictions at Thai airports (with some vaccinated travelers now allowed in without the need for quarantine), and it’s the beginning of the dry season, as the stunning isles of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta switch rains for endless sunshine. Not a bad time to go, eh?
South Korea
Before Covid came and messed everything up, South Korea was one of the world’s most booming TEFL markets. There have been some impacts on the nature of work here, with a noticeable trend towards online tutoring, but the demand for teachers remains strong. What’s more, the authorities now allow inbound travel from the US and a number of other countries, provided you can show proof of a negative PCR test. There’s also a potential quarantine exemption in place for those coming on business. South Korea offers some of the highest pay rates for English teachers in Asia – think up to $2,200 USD/month! It’s also noted for its exceptionally high quality of life, with uber-efficient cities like Seoul leading the way.
Mexico
We’ve only recently launched our Mexico Internship in the land of tacos and tequila. One of the few countries that’s remained almost completely open to tourism throughout the entire pandemic, it’s proved a favorite among all sorts of TEFL-related professionals, from those who work remotely online to those seeking out a position in a local school. There’s no need to get a PCR test to gain entry (though it’s likely you’ll need one to return home to most countries, including the USA), just fill out a health declaration and scan a QR code at the border. Easy. Then it’s onto the handsome colonial cities and the cactus-spotted canyons, the mariachi bars of Mexico City and the white-sand beaches of the Yucatan.
Argentina
We also run a TEFL internship in Argentina. It’s based in Buenos Aires and has remained open for new teachers for several months during the pandemic. So, if you like the sound of dancing the tango and chowing down on thick Gaucho steaks while doing a cultural introduction to your new home, all before moving onto a paid teaching placement that offers between $500-700 per month, it’s certainly one worth considering. Entry requirements at the border are pretty simple – you’ll need proof of vaccination and a PCR test taken within three days of arriving in the country.
Costa Rica
If you’re idea of a great escape from the world of the pandemic is mist-gathering jungles, surf-bashed Pacific beaches, and forests filled with sloths and orchids, you can’t go wrong with Costa Rica. This is one seriously gorgeous part of Central America, famed for its waterfalls, its booming biodiversity, its epic surf, and chilled local vibes. There are some entry requirements. You’ll need proof of vaccination and to fill out a Health Pass, for example, while unvaccinated travelers can enter but they’ll need to purchase an official travel insurance policy. TEFL jobs here pay around $750-$1,100 per month.
These are the five mainstay TEFL destinations that remain open to travelers in the age of Covid-19. If you’ve tempted by any of them, be sure to head over to our internships or courses page to get started with your adventure!