They say the best way to experience a country is through its food and we couldn’t agree more! 🌍

This World Food Day, we’re serving up a delicious twist on your TEFL bucket list. From fiery street food in Bangkok to fresh pasta in Italy, these destinations aren’t just amazing places to teach English  they’re a feast for the senses.

So grab your chopsticks, forks, or fingers, and get ready to TEFL and taste your way around the globe!

1. Thailand – Pad Thai, Sunshine & Smiles

Teaching in Thailand means two things: warm welcomes and even warmer spices. Between lessons, wander through night markets and discover Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Mango Sticky Rice. Every dish is a symphony of sweet, sour, and spicy.
🌶️ Don’t miss: A local market in Chiang Mai — grab a plate of stir-fried noodles for less than €2 and join locals for a spontaneous chat over coconut ice cream.

2. Italy – Pizza, Pasta & Passion

Few places blend teaching and living so effortlessly as Italy. After class, swap grammar tips for gnocchi recipes and embrace the dolce vita. Whether you’re based in Rome, Florence, or Sicily, you’ll never be far from a wood-fired pizza or creamy carbonara.
🍝 Don’t miss: Taking a cooking class with your students — it’s cultural exchange (and carb loading) at its finest.

3. Japan – Ramen, Respect & Refinement

TEFL teachers in Japan love the country’s precision, politeness, and cuisine. The food scene is both humble and high-tech — think ramen bars, sushi trains, and street yakitori. Each meal is an art form.
🍜 Don’t miss: Ordering ramen from a vending machine, slurping loudly (it’s polite!), and ending with a matcha ice cream stroll.

4. Mexico – Tacos, Tunes & Teaching Joy

Mexico is bursting with life — colourful markets, friendly locals, and food that dances on your tongue. Between teaching English and learning Spanish, you’ll devour tacos al pastor, enchiladas, and tamales straight from the street vendors.
🌮 Don’t miss: A late-night taco run with your fellow teachers — laughter, lime, and maybe a little too much salsa.

5. Spain – Tapas, Paella & Endless Sunshine

With a relaxed lifestyle and huge demand for English teachers, Spain is a dream TEFL destination. Embrace long lunches, siestas, and sociable tapas evenings with your students. Patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and paella — every bite tells a story.
🍷 Don’t miss: Sharing plates at a local bodega. It’s the Spanish way — food, friends, and no rush.

6. Vietnam – Pho, Fresh Herbs & Friendly Faces

Vietnam is a sensory explosion — fragrant food, bustling streets, and welcoming people. English teachers love the low cost of living and high quality of cuisine. Pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls are daily staples.
🥢 Don’t miss: Breakfast on a plastic stool by the roadside — a steaming bowl of pho as scooters whizz by is the ultimate Vietnamese moment.

7. South Korea – BBQ, Bibimbap & Buzzing Cities

Korea is fast-paced, futuristic, and full of flavour. With great salaries and free housing for many teachers, it’s a TEFL hotspot worth exploring. Feast on Korean BBQ, kimchi, and bibimbap — food here is all about community and shared experience.
🔥 Don’t miss: Going out for samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) with your colleagues — grilling, chatting, and endless side dishes included!

A World of Flavour Awaits

World Food Day celebrates the power of food to connect us — and that’s exactly what TEFL does too. Every lesson you teach and every meal you share brings you closer to another culture.

So whether it’s curry in Chiang Mai, espresso in Rome, or tacos in Tulum, one thing’s for sure — the world’s classroom comes with a seriously good menu.

Ready to TEFL and taste the world?
Start your TEFL certification today and discover a career that feeds your wanderlust and your appetite! 🍽️✈️