There are stacks of TEFL destinations for hikers ready and waiting around the globe. In this guide, we’ll focus in on just a handful of the ones that we think are the absolute best of the bunch. It’s a pretty enticing selection if we do say so ourselves, hopping from the glaciated heights of the Himalayas to the soaring Andes of South America with a good dose of Europe in between. Just don’t forget the boots and the trekking poles, folks!
Nepal
Nepal isn’t just one of the best TEFL destinations for hikers. It’s one of the best hiking destinations in the world period. The nation is carved through by the tallest peaks on planet Earth. Everest is in there, an eight-day romp through the Dingboche valley from Namche Bazaar. So is Annapurna, which is ringed by a 12-22-day circular walk that’s among the best in Asia. Alternatively, stick to the lower foothills, for simpler walks up Poon Hill near Pokhara or game walks in the low-lying Chitwan National Park to see tigers and elephants.
Spain
Gorgeous, gorgeous Spain is a TEFL destination unlike any other. People come for the spicy tapas plates, the vivacious cities, and the gleaming beaches. Inland, the iconic sierras take over to offer hiking that’s at once off the beaten track and downright beautiful. Andalusia is particularly accessible. It’s home to ranges such as the Sierra de Andújar and the Sierra Nevada, where you can walk between quaint pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages that are lost in time). Don’t discount northern Spain, though. That’s got the foothills of the Basque Pyrenees, the legendary Camino pilgrim’s trail, and the jagged Picos de Europa.
Argentina
Argentina has a proper trump card up its sleeve when it comes to hiking: Patagonia. A vast region that spreads across the border into neighboring Chile, it ranges from the end of South America through some of the most dramatic sections of the Andes. If you can escape there during your time as a teacher in Buenos Aires or Mendoza (where most of the jobs and TEFL internships are), you can look forward to hiking around the eye-watering Fitz Roy massif and coming close to the faces of the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s bucket-list stuff!
Italy
Italy scores super highly on the culture and food front – there’s no doubt about that. The boot-shaped nation boasts art-filled cities like Florence and the Eternal City itself in Rome, plus it’s the home of pizza and pasta and gnocchi. Beyond all that is a whole series of jaw-dropping natural landscapes for those who like hoofing it on the trails. Number one has to the be the Dolomites up north. It’s a sea of cathedral-like spires and mighty bluffs that’s woven together by some of the world’s very best point-to-point treks. Then there are the Aosta Alps, where you’ll hike under the gnarled Matterhorn. And there are the Apennines, which string through the heart of the country in a squiggle of remote highlands and forests.
France
The third and final pick from Europe to make this list of the top TEFL destinations for hikers has to be France. Great sections of the western Alps roll through this handsome part of the continent, including the monstrous summit of Mont Blanc – challenge yourself to conquer its 4,800-meter-high peak if you think you’re up to it! If not, there are oodles of smaller day trails around the Savoie and Haute Savoie regions, not to mention winter ski fields that can rival any in the world.
If you’ve been tempted by any of the best TEFL destinations for hikers listed above then it might just be time for you to get qualified and applying for jobs. Check out our courses page to get started with that. You’ll be out on the trails in no time!
As summer in the Northern Hemisphere swings around again, it’s surely high time to consider what options are on the menu for English teachers. If you’re keen to escape the rainy season of Thailand or dodge the chillier months in South Africa, how about a jaunt to one of these top TEFL destinations for the summer you might not have thought of? They promise to be unusual, off-the-beaten-track, challenging and different.
Slovenia
With its craggy peaks and glowing mountain lakes, rolling hills and sweeping swathes of pine forest, Slovenia really is living up to its reputation as the new adventure mecca of Europe. It’s been a hot mention in major publications like Lonely Planet for 2018, which should mean more and more globetrotters will be making for the rugged Julian Alps, glimmering Lake Bled and lively little Ljubljana (try to pronounce that one in a hurry!) – the capital. There are numerous English teaching jobs that make it a top pick among TEFL destinations for the summer, ranging from private tutoring to summer camps for kids.
Hong Kong
When most of Hong Kong’s usual TEFL teachers are hopping around Asia or lazing on the sands of Lamma Island, the abundance of summer camps in this buzzing metropolis is drawing all the temping crowd. They typically last just a couple of weeks and cater to young children. Expect short contracts that cover months like July and August, before kids return to school. Either side of work, you’ll have time to wander the forest of skyscrapers that rises in Central, hike the Dragon’s Back and taste steamy dim sum from the Cantonese kitchens.
Nepal
If impenetrable mountains and cascading glaciers sound like the sort of challenge you’re after this summer, why not consider plying your teaching skills up in the remote Nepalese Himalaya. We’re not talking about settling between the bazaars of Kathmandu or Pokhara, but rather heading to isolated little hamlets beneath the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, where the main company will be hairy yaks and the views are sure to blow the mind. Programs like Trek to Teach can set you on the right path…
United Kingdom
Yes, we know – the United Kingdom is already an English-speaking nation, right? Why the devil would they need a TEFL teacher to drop in, ever? Well, EFL summer camps are an increasingly popular way for non-native people living in the country to get used to the language, not to mention a good chance to insure real immersion on that language-learning break between June and August. Granted, UK summers might not be what they are down on the coast of the Med, but you can still enjoy some seriously amazing places, from the wave-washed shores of Cornwall to the thistle-dressed peaks of the Scottish Highlands.
Romania
Romania is a true undiscovered jewel of Europe. Set out on the far eastern fringes of the continent, it packs in haunting medieval castles and pine-clad hills, rustic villages and modern cityscapes. It’s also becoming a real favorite among off-the-beaten-track TEFL destinations for the summer, offering an escape to regions like sylvan Transylvania and the craggy Carpathian Mountains. Just look for the short-term contracts that pop up in camps between July and August.
Poland
Most people associate Poland with ice, snow and dreary weather. But that might just be the best-kept secret of the expats that call it home. This huge cut-out of Central-Eastern Europe actually enjoys balmy summers where the mercury often creeps above 85 degrees. Regions like the High Tatras in the south and the Masurian Lakes east of Gdansk turn beautiful, drawing hikers and boaters and wild swimmers. Between June and August there are also plenty of English camps to find across the country, making it a good choice among TEFL destinations for the summer for teachers after something a little different in somewhere a little unexpected.
Anywhere you want!
You read that right! With the rise of online TEFL teaching, it’s now possible to spend your summers wherever you want. You’ll need all the necessary qualifications – a BA and a 120-hour TEFL certificate is a good start – along with a speedy internet connection and an organized schedule, but once that’s sorted it should be just about deciding where you want to go. A hidden flat in the Italian Alps, perhaps? A salt-washed beach hut on Portugal’s surf side, maybe? A little bolthole between the palaces of Spanish Madrid?
If you can think of any more awesome TEFL destinations for the summer that are little left of field, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Or, if you think it’s time you got TEFL qualified and in the classroom, why not consider completing our 120-hour certificate…
So you’ve decided on teaching in Nepal, eh? The land of soaring Himalayan peaks and incense-scented Buddhist shrines, where prayer flags flap in the highland breezes and snow leopards stalk the mountain passes. And then there are the cities, like sprawling, heady Kathmandu, topped by the mighty pagodas of Boudhanath and set to the sounds of chanting monks and purring scooters alike. There’s no question than this high-perched nation of hardy Ghurkhas and hardy Sherpas is going to be an adventure, but what should you pack for the ride? What essentials should be on the menu for every EFL-er making for the reaches of the cloud-covered home of Everest? Let’s take a look at five things that should be top of the list…
Yoga pants
Ah, the classic yoga pants. Not only are these cheeky numbers something of a rite of passage for the budding adventurer, but they are also downright comfy. Baggy and light, they are perfect for those lengthy bus journeys through Nepal’s hair-pinning mountain roads and tracks. What’s more, they’ll help you fit in with the travelers already on the ground, who will all no doubt be already sporting their elephant print and pseudo-Buddhist patterned pants too!
Waterproofs
Okay, so while all the photos you see of those alpine valleys around Namche Bazaar and the icy peaks of Makalu Barun are usually filled with blooming spring flowers and sun-kissed valley towns, it’s worth remembering that the brochures are there to get climbers into the wilds. Us teachers are a different bunch. Focussed on gerunds and proper grammar instead of crampons and ice picks, we need to be reminded that Nepal also has its fair share of rain. In fact, it has a whole monsoon season of its own, which runs from June to early September, and sees everywhere from the Everest valley to the streets of Pokhara drenched in water. The lesson? Don’t forget the waterproofs!
Stomach pills
A medley of spice-packed dals and lentil curries, momo dumplings and meaty thakali fries with Sichuan peppers and ghee, the Nepalese kitchen promises some seriously mouth-watering treats. However, just like the country’s near neighbor of India to the south, the food here isn’t for the weak-stomached. Packed with chilli and herbs and spices, it can be a tad hard on the bowels, and has been known to cause the odd bout of unwelcome Delhi Belly! So, be sure to take the right meds to fend off the rumbles if you don’t want to risk your time in the classroom when teaching in Nepal.
Walking boots
You know the saying, “when in Rome…”. Well, when teaching in Nepal, there’s surely no better way to while away a weekend or a holiday than by breaking away from the classroom and into the wild and rugged backcountry that’s made this section of the Himalaya so darn famous! Teachers living in cities like Pokhara will be able to hit the winding trails of the Annapurna foothills in no time, and the Kathmandu Valley offers some seriously awesome broadside views of the high Himalayas in the distance. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then packing a sturdy pair of walking boots is a must!
Ear plugs
You could be forgiven for thinking that little Nepal is a peaceful place, and that’s probably true in the remote monasteries of the Dingboche and the high Himalayan hills. However, anyone who’s lived between the streets of the capital, or in smaller Pokhara city, will know that’s not entirely the case. Purring scooters and chanting monks, clicking prayer wheels and the ring of roadside curry hawkers; all noises you’re simply going to have to get used to if you intend on teaching in Nepal. To avoid being kept up at night by the racket, pack a set of earplugs to drown out the noise. Other teachers also sing the praises of blindfolds, to block out the city lights to boot. (Just don’t forget to remove the lot before hitting the classroom in the morning!)
Can you think of any other items that people teaching in Nepal will need to take along for the adventure? We’d love to hear about it in the comments. And if you’re thinking of taking the plunge and getting TEFL qualified, be sure to check out our offering of courses.
This week’s post is written by Ashley Mathews who previously taught English in the Himalayas and now works for our incredible partner charity Trek to Teach.
If you’re interested in teaching English overseas, and have begun doing your research, you’re likely familiar with some of the great destinations you can teach at. Favorites such as Thailand, China, Korea, and Spain offer some amazing experiences. However, today i’m going to share with you an experience unlike anything you’ve seen before, a destination that requires you to climb to a whole new world – the Himalayas!
That’s right, Trek to Teach – a member of MyTEFL’s Giving Back program – welcomes you into remote communities living deep in the Nepalese Himalayas to teach English. Just so long as you’re not put off by a 2 day hike through waterfalls and breathtaking valleys to get there!
So if you’re up for a truly unique teaching experience in Nepal, here’s the 3 things you’ll need:
1. An open mind
When deciding where I wanted to study abroad I knew I wanted to go somewhere drastically different from home (Oregon, USA) to expand my view of reality; What I got far surpassed my expectations. Life in the Himalayas is tranquil, full of rich tradition and frankly quite simple. I was given a much needed break from the college pressure of deciding what I wanted to DO.
While teaching English in Nepal I learned the meaning of BE.
This learning came from setting aside my view of the world and picking up a new pair of glasses. I wanted to embrace what it meant to be Nepali. What is their daily routine? How do they celebrate life? What do they eat? I was diving head first into a new rabbit hole and with that came some contradictions to American ways of life. For example, here is the U. S. of A., you could say that beef is a significant contributor to some of the staple dishes of American cuisine. Eating a hefty steak or burger is a regular occurrence for many and I had never really thought twice about it.
Then I went to Nepal. During Tihar, festival of the lights, there is a day purely dedicated to celebrating cows. The idea is that their production of milk symbolizes that of a mother which is to be honored and respected. Not only do the cows receive beautiful flower necklaces and blessings on their holiday, they ALWAYS roam the streets freely and are never eaten. Holy cow! The idea of celebrating cows was foreign yet extraordinary to me. Living in Nepal taught me that nothing is absolute. What I consider normal is just my version of normal. For me to say it’s “normal” to eat beef disregards the 900 million Hindus who would say otherwise. And this isn’t to say that after going to Nepal I’m now “beef free” (because I’m not), rather I have an appreciation that there’s other ways to see things. With that, I say have an open mind, and be curious; Nepal will not disappoint.
2. Patience
Good things take time to master, especially teaching. English classes in the Himalayas are for the most part taught in Nepali. Much of the instruction mimics what educational philosopher Paulo Freire would call “banking” style of instruction. Teachers will read an English sentence aloud and instruct in Nepali for the students to repeat the sentence back to them; Similar to call and response, or Freire’s idea of depositing information to fill students, storing it and then withdrawing it back. While there is value in this technique for memorization, the context was missing for students. Then I came in, speaking ONLY English, full of holistic ideals about education. I had to be patient with my students, fellow teachers and importantly myself for success to arise.
The blank expressions from my students eventually softened as they got to know me and my style of teaching, but it took time and lots of laughter at my acting out of English words. As much as the internship was new for me, it was just as unfamiliar for them; both parties had to adapt. There was an adjustment period where I had to learn my students’ knowledge base of English, and they had to adjust to a teacher who didn’t speak their language. I knew how important repetition was while teaching ESL, but the delivery of instruction could be varied in nature to keep the students engaged and excited to learn.
One of the Nepali teachers and I were talking over tea one day, and he inquired about my teaching techniques. He had asked my students what we do in class and they said “we play games!” You can imagine his reaction as he was a believer in direct instruction. He recognized that the students were enjoying themselves but were they learning? He wasn’t the only sceptic. Many of the teachers thought it was a tad bizarre that I’d take the kids outside for our class period. Teaching outdoors was foreign to them, but I knew that retention of information came easily when it was presented in a captivating way. I slowly invited my fellow teachers into my classes to observe and eventually try the new techniques. They started to notice that students retained and applied information more effectively when they enjoyed the learning process. But it didn’t happen overnight. I worked up to it by building rapport with the teachers until they felt comfortable enough to try something new.
“Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle
I had to apply this quote to myself first and foremost. I knew I was going to teach my students English, but I didn’t know how or what techniques would be most fruitful. Some lessons were useful, and others absolutely failed; I had to adapt and not get down on myself when things didn’t work the way I’d expected. Reflection allowed to me slow down and not let my own ego get in the way of most effectively teaching. In America we live in a society where expectations are set extremely high, and success is expected overnight. As rapper Mos Def would say, “How you got high expectations but got no patience?” Set an intention, and be open to the outcomes. With a goal that’s flexible, you may find an easier path to reach it!
3. Essentials, forget the rest
This last tip seems to go without saying, but it’s a lot easier said than done. With any trip out of the country, it’s natural to contemplate bringing everything you might need. I found myself trying to plan & prepare for potential “what if” scenarios prior to leaving. Looking back, I’d say bring your hiking boots, appropriate clothing and something unique from homeland to share with your students, and you’ll be set. Life is simple in the Himalayas and the more you embrace it’s simplicity, the better your experience will be. You’ll be surrounded by friendly people, breathtaking peaks, and a peaceful culture. With less “stuff” you’ll become resourceful and try the Nepali ways of doing things; not to mention make the load lighter for your travels.
These three principles have transcended my internship to bring me where I am today, nearly two years later. Trek to Teach truly rocked my world and gave me the keys to unlock a whole new perspective on life. With an open mind, patience and the essentials, I’ve found life to be easier and have more meaning, I hope nothing but the same for you!
Are you ready to start your TEFL adventure? Take the first step by getting your TEFL training and certification. MyTEFL’s online courses give you all the training and certification needed to teach around the world and help support great organisations like Trek to Teach.
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