The Best Secondary Cities in TEFL Destinations to Visit
So you’ve landed that dream job in that buzzing capital city of one of the world’s famous TEFL destinations, and now you just can’t wait for the big metropolis. Maybe you’re off to the historic streets and ancient forums of Rome? Perhaps it’s Buenos Aires a-calling; that sprawling megalopolis of South America? Or, is it Beijing and the Forbidden City, complete with the promise of the Great Wall and the world’s finest Peking duck?
Well, whatever fine TEFL destinations are on the menu this year, it’s worth taking a little time to think about the other places you’ll be able to visit on your adventure too. Not only is there undoubtedly some beautiful backcountry opportunities, but most TEFL destinations have awesome secondary cities, going from the UNESCO-acclaimed streets of Argentine Cordoba to the timber-clad homes of Chiang Mai to name just two. Check them out…
Córdoba, Argentina
While it’s hardly a short ride from the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires to the bustling, student-packed second city of Córdoba, there’s plenty that makes the hefty 700-kilometer ride worth the effort. Take the impressive rows of colonial mansions and beautiful Spanish estancias (residence buildings) of the UNESCO-attested Jesuit Block right in the heart of the town; a richly-adorned area with baroque churches, university buildings and age-stained facades. And talking of universities, Córdoba also hosts the oldest in all of Argentina. That means some awesome exhibitions like the Genaro Pérez Museum, along with one electric nightlife scene, erupting in pure hedonism in Nueva Córdoba each evening!
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Sprawled out where the meanders of the Love River meet the South China Sea, Kaohsiung has risen since the 17th century to become one of Taiwan’s most bustling, energetic ports. The 2.7-million-strong metropolis is fronted by the narrow strip of the Cijin District; a standalone island that throbs with the salty smells of seafood eateries, clicking bicycles and lively promenades. Then there’s the Pier 2 Art District, awash with colossal sculptures and bike paths that weave through curious graffiti displays and public art installations alike. Oh, and let’s not forget the verdant backbone of Shoushan, the Monkey Mountain, alive with colonies of uber-cheeky rock macaques that bath in the streams and sunbathe on the rocks.
Naples, Italy
Naples is home to pillow-like pizza dough and grand castles from the late Middle Ages, the crumbling remnants of volcano-razed Pompeii and the narrow lanes and alleys of the Spaccanapoli district. It’s a hectic and rowdy place where travelers get a real feel for the passionate Campanian character, where Vespa scooters purr over the cobblestones and the gargoyle-adorned, pollution-stained facades are marked by the ages. Oh, and then there’s the wonderfully beautiful reaches of the Amalfi Coast just to the south, not to mention one of the world’s finest archaeology museums to boot. Why not let the Eternal City take the backseat just for a moment?
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai slides easily into this list with its offering of soaring golden temples, pretty pagodas, oodles of medieval timber architecture and historic Old Town walls. The city is nestled deep in the northern reaches of the country, just where the rising foothills of Mae Hong Son province take over, rolling out in dusty, scrub-dressed canyons to the borderlands with Myanmar. The city itself is a real treat, and many EFL teachers in the Land of Smiles opt to hop on the overnight trains from Bangkok and the south to kick-back here on the weekends. There are Rasta-come-Buddha bars with live music every night, one enthralling night market, opportunities to meet the Karen hill tribes, and some of the most acclaimed massage parlours in the country. Talk about relaxing!
Kraków, Poland
Rarely has a country’s second city been quite as enticing as Krakow, Poland. Balancing out the big business energy and overt modernism of the Polish capital at Warsaw, the so-called city of kings offers an unadulterated blast of history and culture. There’s the mighty Wawel Castle on the hill, followed up by one glorious Market Square and the red-brick spires of Gothic churches and monasteries. The Kazimierz quarter is a great place to get a coffee and learn about the darker histories of Krakow, while night time means hitting underground beer halls and sipping potent vodkas until sunrise. Yes sir, this one’s a fine fusion of history and hedonism!
If you can think of any others awesome second cities in TEFL destinations across the world, then be sure to let us know in the comments!