The 8 best beach towns for TEFL teachers
The world is filled with awesome destinations open to would-be teachers. Some of those just happen to be on the sea or the ocean. That’s what we’re looking at here: The best beach towns for TEFL teachers who love the sand, the sun, and the surf. It will take you from South Africa to Southeast Asia, and could just have you reaching for the passport ASAP…
Hua Hin, Thailand
Okay, full disclosure: This is the sun-kissed, salt-washed Thai beach town that we’ve gone to for our Thailand internships over the years. There are miles and miles of cinnamon-tinged sand running up the western edge of the Thai Gulf on offer. They get quiet and more deserted as you head south to Khao Takiab beach, while the main Hua Hin Beach is riddled with cool beach clubs and condos. The truth is that Hua Hin is about much more than lazing on the sand. You can also taste your way through peanut noodles and deep-fried insects in the Cicada Market or launch expeditions to the diving mecca of Koh Tao. We can’t wait to go back!
Barcelona, Spain
One of the coolest beach towns in the world, Barcelona is a veritable magnet for TEFL teachers. The city rolls into the Mediterranean in serious style, going from the Art Deco playhouses of Las Ramblas, through the Gothic churches of a medieval core, and eventually to the long and sunny sand stretches of Barceloneta Beach. The town is a gateway to the rugged coves and stunning shoreline of the Costa Brava, too, and TEFL teachers can earn up to $30 USD/hour in this corner of Europe. Nice.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Forget ‘town’ – Rio is a fizzing, thriving megacity. It’s one of the most rambunctious urban conglomerations in the world, and the home of the lively Latin carnival. Its beaches are the stuff of legends. You can hit stylish Ipanema to dance in Bossa Nova clubs. You can go to kick a football with the local crews on Copacabana. Those two are just as taster, though, because more paradisical coastline awaits in the surrounding region, in Arraial do Cabo and in pretty Paraty, for example.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang sits at the end of the long run of sand that starts with the enchanting colonial town of Hoi An. You’ll want to visit the beaches there if you choose to TEFL in this corner of Southeast Asia – they’re chilled and backed by rows backpacker bars. Da Nang itself is more of a city, with oodles of teaching jobs and access to a rare Vietnamese surf break.
Hong Kong
Most people think of Hong Kong as a bustling, buzzing metropolis. They are right, but there’s a lot more to this semi-autonomous territory on the cusp of the South China Sea. It also deserves a place on this list of the best beach towns for TEFL teachers, mainly because of spots like Lamma Island. There, the skyscrapers fade into the distance and you get to encounter traditional Chinese fishing boats next to golden-sanded beaches. For more options, check out Shek-O and Big Wave Beach on Hong Kong’s main island.
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is perfectly situated on a blustery headland on the west coast of Morocco. It’s the most European of all the cities here, but still comes with spice-plumed bazaars and souks stacked with saris and copper plates. The beach extends south of town. It’s a five-minute walk from the old center and a lovely example of a North African strand on the Atlantic. You also might want to break way to the hidden surf village of Sidi Kaouki for something a touch more rustic.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa
We’ve got a South Africa TEFL internship that will whisk you away to the salt-sprayed city of Port Elizabeth – now officially renamed Gqeberha. Sat on the side of the Indian Ocean on the Eastern Cape, the location means access to gorgeous urban beaches like King’s and Hobies. It’s also connected to the legendary wave spot of Jeffreys Bay, where some of the world’s best surfers assemble for competitions throughout the year.
Cefalu, Italy
There’s romance and charm by the bucket load in Cefalu. Just a little along from the gritty city of Palermo, it’s an enchanting town that’s steeped in history – there are pastel-painted homes next to haunting Norman cathedrals! The beach in Cefalu is a stunner. It creeps right up to Sicily’s northern mountains and touches the town itself. You can be swimming in the Med just moments after finishing up your teaching for the day. Sounds good, eh?
Can you think of any more awesome beach towns for TEFL teachers? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Or, if you’re keen to get qualified and applying for jobs in some of these amazing locations, get over to our courses page right now!