One of the most exciting parts of teaching abroad isn’t just the classroom—it’s immersing yourself in an entirely new culture. Every destination has its own rhythm, atmosphere, and energy. Before you even board a plane, music can help you imagine what life might feel like in your future home abroad.
At myTEFL, our graduates teach in destinations across Asia, Latin America, Europe, and beyond, with particularly popular placements in countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina.
So whether you’re dreaming about neon-lit city streets, tropical beaches, mountain temples, or late-night street food adventures, here’s a playlist-inspired journey through some of the world’s most popular teaching destinations.
Japan: Neon Lights, Late Trains, and Endless Possibilities
Japan feels like a fascinating blend of tradition and futurism. One moment you’re standing in a centuries-old shrine; the next you’re surrounded by giant LED billboards and bullet trains.
Song: Midnight City — M83
Highlight lyric: “The city is my church.”
The dreamy synths and glowing atmosphere perfectly match a night wandering through Tokyo after work.
Song: Tokyo Drift — Teriyaki Boyz
Highlight lyric: “Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo…”
You can’t talk about Japan without mentioning one of the most iconic songs associated with the country’s modern urban culture.
Teaching vibe: Fast-paced, exciting, and endlessly surprising.
South Korea: Ambition, Energy, and City Life
South Korea has become one of the most sought-after TEFL destinations thanks to its excellent benefits, modern infrastructure, and vibrant culture. Many teachers arrive expecting K-pop and leave talking about hiking trails, food markets, and lifelong friendships.
Song: Dynamite — BTS
Highlight lyric: “Light it up like dynamite.”
An obvious choice, but it perfectly captures Korea’s infectious energy.
Song: On Top of the World — Imagine Dragons
Highlight lyric: “I’ve been waiting to smile.”
For many first-time teachers, moving to Korea feels exactly like reaching a long-awaited goal.
Teaching vibe: Ambitious, rewarding, and incredibly dynamic.
Taiwan: Friendly Faces and Hidden Gems
Taiwan often flies under the radar until teachers arrive and discover why so many never want to leave. Night markets, mountain scenery, and famously welcoming locals make it a favorite among myTEFL graduates. Taiwan is also featured among myTEFL’s placement destinations.
Song: Good Life — OneRepublic
Highlight lyric: “Oh, this has gotta be the good life.”
Taiwan has a way of turning ordinary days into memorable adventures.
Song: Home — Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Highlight lyric: “Home is wherever I’m with you.”
Many teachers arrive planning to stay a year and end up calling Taiwan home.
Teaching vibe: Welcoming, balanced, and community-oriented.
Thailand: Beaches, Temples, and Everyday Adventure
Thailand has long been one of the world’s most popular destinations for both travelers and English teachers. It’s easy to see why: beautiful scenery, incredible food, and endless opportunities for exploration.
Song: Island in the Sun — Weezer
Highlight lyric: “We’ll never feel bad anymore.”
The relaxed, tropical feeling fits Thailand perfectly.
Song: Riptide — Vance Joy
Highlight lyric: “I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations.”
A soundtrack for stepping outside your comfort zone and saying yes to new experiences.
Teaching vibe: Relaxed, adventurous, and unforgettable.
Vietnam: Fast Scooters and Bigger Adventures
Vietnam‘s TEFL market continues to attract teachers seeking affordability, culture, and a high quality of life. From bustling Hanoi to modern Ho Chi Minh City, every day feels like a story waiting to happen. Vietnam is one of myTEFL’s supported internship and placement destinations.
Song: Adventure of a Lifetime — Coldplay
Highlight lyric: “Turn your magic on.”
A fitting anthem for teachers embarking on their first overseas move.
Song: Send Me On My Way — Rusted Root
Highlight lyric: “I would like to reach out my hand.”
Perfect for weekend trips, spontaneous road journeys, and embracing the unexpected.
Teaching vibe: Energetic, affordable, and full of discovery.
China: Scale, Opportunity, and Constant Discovery
China remains one of the largest teaching markets in the world, offering opportunities in everything from mega-cities to smaller cultural centers. It consistently attracts teachers looking for professional growth and cultural immersion.
Song: Viva La Vida — Coldplay
Highlight lyric: “I used to rule the world.”
The grand, sweeping sound feels fitting for a country rich in history and ambition.
Song: Empire State of Mind — Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Highlight lyric: “There’s nothing you can’t do.”
While written about New York, the feeling of limitless possibility resonates strongly with life in China’s major cities.
Teaching vibe: Ambitious, fast-growing, and full of opportunity.
Mexico: Colour, Culture, and Community
Mexico has become increasingly popular among teachers seeking a vibrant lifestyle and strong sense of community. It’s also one of myTEFL’s internship destinations.
Song: Livin’ La Vida Loca — Ricky Martin
Highlight lyric: “She’ll push and pull you down.”
Fun, energetic, and impossible not to sing along with.
Song: The Nights — Avicii
Highlight lyric: “One day you’ll leave this world behind.”
A reminder to collect experiences rather than possessions.
Teaching vibe: Social, colorful, and rich in culture.
Costa Rica: The Meaning of “Pura Vida”
Costa Rica isn’t just a destination—it’s a philosophy. The country’s famous phrase, Pura Vida, reflects a lifestyle centered around appreciation, balance, and enjoying the present moment.
Song: Three Little Birds — Bob Marley
Highlight lyric: “Every little thing is gonna be alright.”
If Costa Rica had an unofficial soundtrack, this might be it.
Song: Banana Pancakes — Jack Johnson
Highlight lyric: “Maybe we can sleep in.”
Relaxed, sunny, and impossible to rush.
Teaching vibe: Laid-back, nature-focused, and refreshingly simple.
Argentina: Passion, Culture, and Late Nights
Argentina offers teachers a unique blend of European influence and Latin American energy. From tango halls to football stadiums, passion is woven into everyday life.
Song: Viva La Vida — Coldplay
Highlight lyric: “I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing.”
Its dramatic energy feels right at home in Buenos Aires.
Song: Beautiful Day — U2
Highlight lyric: “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away.”
A reminder to embrace every moment abroad.
Teaching vibe: Creative, passionate, and unforgettable.
What’s Your Teaching Abroad Soundtrack?
Every teacher’s journey abroad is different. Some are drawn to the skyscrapers of Seoul, others to the beaches of Thailand or the mountain landscapes of Taiwan. But one thing remains the same: the best adventures often begin with a single decision to go.
As you explore teaching destinations with myTEFL, try building your own “teach abroad” playlist. You might be surprised how quickly a song becomes tied to a place, a classroom, or a memory you’ll carry long after your contract ends.
After all, years from now, one song might be all it takes to transport you back to that tiny café in Tokyo, that night market in Taipei, or that sunset on a beach in Costa Rica. And that’s part of what makes teaching abroad so unforgettable.