TEFL / TESOL Blog

Teach English in these 5 Most Underrated Yet Rewarding TEFL Locations

When you think of teaching English abroad, your mind probably jumps to countries like Thailand, Spain, or South Korea. These countries are popular as TEFL destinations. But you know what? Lately, many TEFL teachers are looking beyond the usual choices. There is a growing interest in lesser-known countries that need English teachers.

Why More TEFL Teachers Are Attracted to the Unconventional Destinations

This is because the famous spots have too many teachers competing for jobs. Studies show that job listings in unusual countries went up by 28% in 2024.

This means there is a big change happening in where TEFL teachers want to teach. First, popular countries have too many teachers fighting for the same jobs. Schools in South Korea or Thailand might get hundreds of people applying for just one job!

Second, the living costs in famous teaching spots keep going up. Cities that used to be cheap for foreign teachers are now expensive.

Third, many smaller countries are working hard to teach English to their people. They are adding English into national curriculums or investing in tourism and international business, making English proficiency a national priority.

Moreover, educators who pursued a PG Diploma in TEFL found out that these hidden gems come with:

• Comparatively cheaper living costs.
• A real taste of different cultures.
• High demand for English teachers with less competition.
• Warm and welcoming local communities.

In short, these destinations might not have the hype but they offer substance, stability, and a sense of purpose that is hard to find elsewhere.

5 Underrated Places to Thrive as a TEFL Teacher

Here are the six places you can consider teaching English and not get disappointed:

1. Rwanda

A fun fact about this country: Rwanda is one of the safest and cleanest places in all of Africa.

Reasons why it is a great place for TEFL teachers:

• English became the primary language of instruction in schools after 2008, gradually replacing French in the education system.
• The government is looking for English teachers to help make their schools better.
• Schools want TEFL teachers, especially in small towns and villages.

Why it is unconventional:

• Even though there is high demand for English teachers, not many TEFL aspirants opt for this as their go-to destination.
• Many people looking for TEFL jobs do not think about Africa, but in Rwanda, you can help people and have a stable job.

2. Mongolia

Did you know? In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's main city, there are more and more international schools opening up.

Reasons why it is a great place for TEFL teachers:

• Mongolia's money and businesses are growing fast, and they are putting a lot into schools.
• More and more people need to learn English for work, travel, and school.
• As a TEFL teacher, you could work in public schools, private language schools, or colleges.

Why it is unconventional:

• If you like big open spaces and learning about people who move their homes with the seasons, Mongolia is amazing.

3. Georgia

If you love traveling, culture, and food, Georgia is for you. The food and wine are famous around the world and very tasty! Also, from Georgia, you can easily visit nearby countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Reasons why it is a great place for TEFL teachers:

• The country is one of the few places in Europe where English teachers are in high demand and you do not need to be from the EU (European Union).
• Programs like 'Teach and Learn with Georgia' welcome people who speak English well.
• Things do not cost much, and the people are very friendly.

Why it is unconventional:

• Even though it is in Europe, people often think about France or Spain instead.
• Not many TEFL teachers know that with an Indian passport, you can stay for up to 365 days without a visa.

4. Albania

The coastline is beautiful and not crowded with tourists yet.

Reasons why it is a great place for TEFL teachers:

• English is becoming more popular than Italian and Greek as a second language in schools.
• The government wants people to learn English to get better jobs and help with tourism.
• Many language schools and helping organizations need English teachers, especially in Tirana and beach towns.

Why it is unconventional:

• Albania is still building up its TEFL job system, so jobs might not be easy to find online.
• But it is one of the cheapest and most real places to teach in all of Europe.

5. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan might not be the first country you think of, but it is definitely on the rise as a TEFL destination.

Reasons why it is a great place for TEFL teachers:

• The demand for English teachers is steadily increasing in Kazakhstan, particularly in Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent.
• Many schools will help you get your visa, work papers, and even a place to live, making your move much easier.
• You can earn good money teaching English here if you have the right training.

Why it is unconventional:

• Not many TEFL teachers think about Kazakhstan yet, so you won't have to compete for jobs here.
• The country has a special mix of Eastern and Western ways of life, giving you a teaching experience you do not find anywhere else.
   

Bottom Line

As English teachers who have completed the International Post Graduate Diploma in TEFL teaching in an unpopular country can be very rewarding. And sure it is! These countries let you make a real difference, connect with new cultures, and have amazing adventures. So, if you are tired of competing for the same jobs as everyone else, try these new places. The world is bigger than you think and it needs teachers like you to help shape its future!