Embarking on a journey to teach English abroad not only opens classroom doors but also tantalizes taste buds with diverse culinary adventures. Why do we travel? For landscapes, adrenaline, or simply to savor authentic flavors? Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a gateway to culture. For nomads and remote workers seeking their next adventure, teaching English abroad offers an enticing opportunity. Ready to combine teaching with a love for global cuisine? Here’s your guide to five destinations which will enrich both your classroom and culinary experiences.

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Teach English, Taste the World: Your Guide To The 5 Best Teaching Abroad Spots

Why do you go travelling? Is it to discover stunning new natural landscapes, indulge your inner adrenaline-junkie with an all-new experience, or to kick back and soak in some much-needed sun? Or is it the opportunity to sample what a real pizza, köfta or chicken tikka masala should taste like? Aside from tasting delicious, food allows travelers to really immerse themselves in another nation’s culture. And the same goes for nomads and remote workers looking for their next overseas adventure. If you’ve ever thought about teaching abroad, here are some of the best foodie destinations to add to your bucket list!

What Do You Need To Teach English Abroad?

Teaching English abroad is one of the most flexible and lucrative career paths for those looking to travel the world and earn some money in the process. Most people, when embarking on their overseas teaching careers, do so with a digital nomad visa that allows them to live and work in their host nation for a prolonged period.

The requirements for these visas vary from country to country, as do the criteria for job postings. Some countries may require applicants to be native speakers of English, while others may ask for a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, almost all job postings will require applicants to have a TEFL certificate that demonstrates they have the necessary qualifications and experience to teach a class.

Italy

Where else could we start in a list of the best culinary destinations in the world for TEFL teachers than Italy? From Osso Buco to Spaghetti alle Vongole, Italy is renowned for being the home of some of the freshest and finest delicacies, with the lure of its culinary delights rivaling its ancient history and stunning natural beauty. Both the north and south of Italy have very distinct styles of cuisine, however. In the north, they deliver big and hearty flavors with its use of butter and rice in dishes such as risotto being a staple. Whereas in the south, the region has become renowned for its use of tomatoes, spices, olive oil, and seafood.

Whether it’s the food, architecture, wine, or history, Italy is one of the most popular countries for nomads looking to teach English. With a nomad visa available, teachers are able to teach remotely or seek employment at primary, secondary, college, or university level or at language schools. Big cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples are naturally the most dense for domestic opportunities, but there are solid opportunities across the country.

Japan

Japan has the honor of calling itself not only one of the best countries for teaching English abroad but also one of the culinary hubs in the entire world. Ramen can be found on every street corner, miso and sushi are abundant, and delicacies such as okonomiyaki and wagashi are the sorts of dishes that will really help you get a truly authentic Japanese experience. Food in Japan varies from region to region depending on the ecological and geographical environments.

In order to teach English in Japan, nomads will need at least 120 hours worth of TEFL accreditation from a reputable course provider such as The TEFL Academy. The process of obtaining the Instructor visa or Humanities Specialist/ International Services visa required to teach in the country can also be quite a rigorous process to go through. However, few people who actually get a taste of the country would say the effort wasn’t worth the payoff for what remains one of the most magical culinary experiences in the world.

Photo by Louie Martinez

Turkey

Turkey is a land where cultures, continents, and cuisines all collide, and remains one of the most vibrant and memorable destinations for individuals looking to teach English. From Istanbul to Ankara, TEFL in Turkey is a growing business with demographics ranging from kindergarten students to affluent businesspeople looking to improve their English skills. One of the most affordable destinations in Eurasia, there are ample opportunities to save money and make a real difference to the students in the process.

When it comes to Turkish cuisine, most people’s thoughts go straight to kebabs, which is certainly still a staple for all those in the region. However, there’s more to the country with its Mediterranean climate and blends of cultural exchanges that have left an imprint on Turkish dining. The likes of Börülce, Mantı, Lahmacun, and Corba are all must-tries for those thinking of taking on the country but who aren’t fans of Seekh kebabs.

Photo by Anna

Thailand

Thai cuisine has become one of the most popular imports in the Western world, but there’s absolutely no beating the authenticity of sampling Som Tam or Tom Kha Kai from where it originated. Thailand is the land of markets and street food, and there’s nothing quite like the vibrancy of walking through the streets of Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai savoring the dizzying aromas that are conjured up by the local vendors.

Fortunately, these vendors have also helped make Thailand one of the most in-demand countries for TEFL teachers. Teaching English in Thailand typically comes with a high enough salary to carve out a comfortable living and leave plenty of room for savoring the local delicacies, with nomads with a work visa earning anywhere between $1,000 to $1,500 per month.

Photo by Frida Aguilar Estrada

Spain

Are you a fan of Gambas al ajillo, Gazpacho, and, of course, Paella? Spain might be the destination for you! Spain is not only a vibrant and expressive country in terms of culture but also in cuisines, with the types of delicacies on offer varying widely depending on your location. The north of the country is known for its rustic simplicity, while the south – like Marbella – is home to some of the delectable Mediterranean dishes built off fresh vegetable gardens and locally-caught fish. In fact, Spain’s Mediterranean cuisine has been listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

There are a wealth of programs such as the North American Language and Culture Assistants program (sponsored by the Spanish government) that have been established to entice native English speakers into the country, with the typical TEFL salary in Spain ranging from $770 – $2,200 depending on an applicant’s level of experience and the type of institution the employer is.