The five best places to TEFL when you retire

Retirement is a time to rejoice. It’s when your working life is over; you’ve put in all the hours and are now ready to reap the benefits of a life of leisure. Congratulations!  However, retirement does not imply that you must stop doing something exciting and challenging every day. Far from it, in fact, and this is where TEFL can help. Many people believe that TEFL is only for teenagers. Do you want to teach English in another country? Could that only be for students or people in their twenties and thirties? While many of our students and graduates are in that age range, TEFL can be done at any stage of life, even when you retire. Sok, we bring you the best places to TEFL when retire

So, if you think you’re too old to teach English abroad, we’re here to tell you that you couldn’t be more wrong!

The Advantages of TEFL When You Retire

You may have an advantage over those know-it-all teenagers who want to teach English abroad! Your professional experience (whether related to teaching or not) is valuable. Even if you are new to teaching, you have various skills and experiences that you can use in the classroom. If you are a retired teacher, you have an added advantage. 

Regarding teaching experience, you will already be equipped with the skills required to handle a classroom environment, and you can still connect with people of all ages who want to learn English.

Consider your work experience: can you use it to specialise in the TEFL industry? For example, business English is a famous specialist, and finding your niche can help you stand out and earn a higher wage. You will be a much more appealing hire if you have direct experience in the same industry as prospective students.

Here are The Best Places to TEFL –

So, what if you wanted to pack your bags and try an entirely new way of life, a completely different culture, and a chance to make extra money in your golden years in retirement? There are numerous options. Consider this: according to a British Council study, there are 1.5 billion English learners worldwide.

TEFL allows you to travel to different parts of the world. Where, on the other hand, should you go if you want to try something new in your retirement?

1. Thailand

Thailand is a thriving market for TEFL teachers, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s a lovely country with a good standard of living and a high demand for EFL teachers. There are numerous opportunities for Thai students to broaden their language skills at language schools, universities, and international schools. The pay is more than adequate for the Thai standard of living, especially if you have prior experience. It’s more difficult for newer teachers. Still, experienced teachers will appreciate the more relaxed teaching culture, and Thai schools value teachers who can teach another subject simultaneously – math, science, whatever!

If you’re a little older, Asia is only sometimes the easiest part of the world to teach in. For example, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia have upper age limits for TEFL teachers corresponding to the local retirement age. Thailand, on the other hand, does not, so that’s one less barrier to overcome. Bangkok is the main draw for tourists, and TEFL teachers alike, but Khon Kaen, Nakhon Sawan, Pathumthani, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani are also worth a look. A perfect place to TEFL when you retire. 

Check out our Thailand travel guide!

Thai temple covered in white and gold

2. Spain

There is a reason why Spain is a popular TEFL destination.

Spain’s rich history, diverse cultures, magnificent landscapes, beautiful weather, and several amazing cities, ranging from Barcelona in Catalonia to Madrid, Valencia, San Sebastian, and Salamanca. Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular tourist destination, and its islands are frequently populated by ex-pats who have settled in Spain. With no upper age limit for teaching English as a foreign language, high teacher demand, and perfect pay, Spain is an excellent destination for retirees looking to share their teaching experience or embark on a new adventure.

View our Spain travel guide.

3. Dominican Republic

You might have yet to consider teaching English as a foreign language in the Caribbean. However, with sprawling cities like Santo Domingo, San Juan de la Maguana, and Santiago, as well as a populace eager for language skills, the Dominican Republic is an excellent retirement destination. Because of the Dominican Republic’s financial situation, many of the TEFL jobs you find may be voluntary. So, while it’s ideal for younger prospective teachers looking to gain experience, a veteran presence would benefit any Dominican language school. Motorcycles and scooters are the most common mode of transportation, so if you want to try something completely new, grab a helmet and start teaching English in the Dominican Republic! You’ll be rewarded with an exuberant, passionate culture and breathtaking views for miles.

4. Mexico

Look no further than Mexico for colour, vitality, boundless history, and the best Pacific beaches. As the world’s largest Spanish-speaking country, it’s an excellent place for EFL teachers to brush up on their Spanish. It is, however, a growing market for English teachers, particularly those who do not want to be bored. If you want a busy retirement full of music, dancing, and delicious food, Mexico is the place to be. It’s also effortless to get started there. TEFL jobs and opportunities are available in various programs, including Cultural Relations and Ahpla. An ideal location for those who have just begun to TEFL when you retire.

Check out our Mexico travel guide!

Birds eye view of city in Mexico

5. From home

You could also stay put. Online TEFL teaching is a massive industry, and new TEFL teachers who are adaptable, can work flexible hours, and have professional experience are worth their weight in gold. You only need TEFL certification, consistent internet access, and a lot of energy!

After completing a TEFL course, you’ll discover many excellent companies to work for. Even if you don’t have a relevant degree, online TEFL companies will interview applicants with reliable WiFi, availability, and work experience. It does not have to be limited to ex-teachers. You can use your experience giving presentations, mentoring or training colleagues, or even caring for children in an interview. That means being retired will provide you with an advantage in TEFL.

Numerous employers are looking for new teachers, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. If you are okay with us saying so, our guide to teaching English online is a great resource, and several companies are listed that are constantly hiring. You can work at your own pace; whether you want to do a few hours a week or something more akin to a 9-to-5, the choice is entirely yours. A perfect place to TEFL when you retire.

Check out our blog about teaching English online. 

The opportunities to TEFL in retirement are endless.

Volunteering locally is also an excellent idea. If you live in an area assisting in integrating new members of an English-speaking community, TEFL is a perfect way to help. You can see new members of your community learning the native language and forging their paths in real-time. You could even start your TEFL business, working for yourself and setting your hours.

Working as a freelancer can be difficult at first, but once you’ve built a client base and have everything you need to get started, you’ll be surprised at how simple it can be. There is no right or wrong way to live your life in retirement. When you reach the age of retirement, you are not handed a textbook and told what to do. There is a world of opportunity out there, particularly in the field of TEFL. 

There are countless amazing cities to teach English in if you want the noise, colour, and passion of a metropolis. TEFL teachers are also needed in the Andes foothills and on Spanish islands if you want to live in a more remote location.

So there were the best destinations to TEFL when you retire. TEFL is also a great way to add excitement and income to your life if you want to gain a qualification and earn extra income in retirement. The world is your oyster with TEFL, whether you want to pack your belongings and relocate or teach English from the comfort of your home. It is entirely up to you.

Also Read –

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    • In general, you don’t need a degree to teach English abroad or online. Our certification stands alone and you can get employment without pairing it with a degree. However, some TEFL employers do prefer their teachers to have a degree. More importantly, for some countries, it’s a visa requirement. This means you can’t obtain a work permit without a bachelor’s degree or higher. Some of these countries include China, Japan, UAE and Vietnam. 

    Our advice is if you have your sights set on a certain country, look into the visa requirements first before putting time and effort into finding a job there. This will save you time and disappointment. If it’s a school preferability, and not a visa requirement, there’s sometimes some leeway. 

    You do not need any prior teaching degrees or experience to teach abroad. Once you have your TEFL certificate, you can secure work as a TEFL teacher. A BA in Education would enhance your CV, but it’s not a necessity. Completing a TEFL course that includes teaching practice, like our Hybrid TEFL Courses, will also help your CV.

    If you want to experience different cultures and see the world, teaching English abroad is for you. Not only will you get to explore new places, you’ll also meet new people and get the chance to make a difference to the lives of language learners. A TEFL certification lasts a lifetime. So, you can dip in and out of teaching abroad whenever you feel like it. 

    It is not necessary to speak any other languages. You’ll be able to find a job and work comfortably without knowing the language spoken in your chosen country. Of course, it is always an advantage, even if it’s just the basics. We recommend learning a few phrases before you move abroad like hi, thank you, goodbye and sorry.

    We recommend one of our Hybrid TEFL Courses if you would like to teach English in Europe. These hybrid courses give you the best of both worlds. You’ll get the training and certification you need, as well as teaching practice through the 10 Hour Virtual TEFL Course. 

    The accredited courses are the quickest way to get TEFL certified, and are accepted by schools and institutes worldwide. Choose from a 120, 180 or 240 hour accredited TEFL course depending on the level of training you require. 



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