Teach English Abroad as a Couple or with a Friend

Teaching English abroad can be one of the most exciting, life-changing adventures you ever take—and it doesn’t have to be a solo one. While many people picture themselves heading off alone, more and more couples and close friends are making the leap together. And why not? Sharing the highs, the challenges, and the spontaneous magic of living in a new country is even better when you’ve got someone by your side.

Whether you're partners in life or just great travel companions, setting out on a TEFL journey together means you always have someone to lean on. There’s emotional support during the tough moments, a shared laugh when things go sideways, and someone to split the rent (and the street food) with. From lesson planning over coffee to weekend getaways on high-speed trains, teaching abroad with someone else opens the door to a richer, more connected kind of experience.

What You Both Need to Get Started

TEFL Certification

Before you pack your bags, both of you need a solid foundation—and that starts with a TEFL certificate. Most employers require a minimum of 120 hours of training from an accredited provider. It’s not enough for just one of you to be qualified; schools and visa authorities expect both candidates to meet the same minimum standard.

If possible, choose a TEFL course that includes a practical teaching component—whether it’s observed teaching practice, classroom simulations, or peer feedback. This not only builds confidence but also helps you hit the ground running when you arrive in your destination.

Degrees and Alternatives

One of the first things to figure out is whether you both hold a university degree. In many popular TEFL destinations—like South Korea, Japan, and the UAE—a degree is a non-negotiable requirement for work visas. But in other countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia, or parts of Latin America, it’s entirely possible to teach without one.

If only one of you has a degree, don’t worry—you still have options. The key is to choose destinations where degree requirements are flexible or not enforced for all positions. Some couples split their time between countries or start in one place while continuing the job search elsewhere. Flexibility is your friend here.

English Proficiency Requirements

Native English speakers usually don’t need to prove their language skills, but if either of you is a non-native speaker, some additional steps may be needed. Employers and immigration authorities may ask for a TOEFL or IELTS score, or evidence of a degree taught in English.

That said, many schools are happy to hire fluent, professional non-native speakers—especially in regions like Latin America or Southeast Asia. If you can demonstrate strong English skills, a TEFL certification, and a positive attitude, you’ll still be a strong candidate.

Visa Eligibility

Every country has its own list of visa requirements, and when you’re applying as a pair, it’s crucial that both of you meet the criteria individually. If one person is ineligible due to age, nationality, qualifications, or background checks, it can block your plans unless you’re heading somewhere flexible.

Make sure to research the visa policies for each country you're considering. Some programs (like Japan’s JET or South Korea’s EPIK) accept couples, but both applicants must be eligible. Others—like many schools in Vietnam or Colombia—hire year-round and are more open to working out flexible solutions.

Planning your move starts with understanding where you both qualify to live and work legally. It’s the one step you can’t afford to skip.

Best Countries for Teaching Abroad as a Pair

Finding the right country is one of the most important decisions you’ll make—and when you’re planning to go as a duo, some destinations make things much easier than others. Look for countries where demand for English teachers is high, visa processes are clear, and it’s common for schools to hire multiple teachers at once.

High-Demand, High-Opportunity Regions

Asia
Asia remains one of the best regions for TEFL pairs. In countries like South Korea and Japan, government-sponsored programs like EPIK and JET often accept applications from couples and friends, and sometimes even offer shared housing. In Vietnam and Thailand, private language schools and international schools hire year-round, and large cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok make it easier to find two jobs in one place.

Latin America
In Costa Rica, Colombia, and Argentina, the demand for English instruction is growing, and visa requirements tend to be more relaxed. These countries are especially appealing if one of you doesn’t have a degree or if you’re looking for a more laid-back lifestyle with a strong community vibe. Just be prepared for slightly lower salaries compared to Asia or the Gulf.

Middle East
For experienced teachers or those with degrees and teaching licenses, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman offer high-paying opportunities. It’s not uncommon for international schools to hire teaching couples. That said, competition is fierce, and most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree and previous classroom experience.

Europe
Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic attract loads of teachers, but demand often outpaces supply. If you’re both EU passport holders, your options widen significantly. For non-EU teachers, programs like Spain’s Auxiliares de Conversación or private language schools might be more accessible—but expect competition and relatively modest pay.

Africa
If you’re craving adventure and cultural immersion, consider countries like Morocco, Egypt, or South Africa. Opportunities range from paid language center jobs to volunteer placements with NGOs or international development programs. It’s a great fit for pairs who value meaning and mission over salary.

What Makes a Country "Pair-Friendly"

When looking for a destination, think beyond the postcard images. Ask yourself:

• Is there a large, active job market for English teachers?
  Bigger markets mean more chances to get hired together—or at least in the same city.

• Are visa requirements flexible or strict?
  If your qualifications differ (e.g., one of you has no degree), you’ll want a country with relaxed entry rules.

• Are most jobs based in cities or rural areas?
  Urban areas offer more job openings, international communities, and housing options for two people. Remote locations may only need one teacher—or none at all.

How to Find Jobs as a Couple or Pair

Once you’ve narrowed down your destination list, the next step is tackling the job search strategically. It’s not impossible to get hired as a team—but it does require a bit more planning, flexibility, and communication.

Search Strategies

Your best chance of success lies in major cities with dense concentrations of schools and language centers. Places like Seoul, Madrid, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bogotá regularly hire dozens (if not hundreds) of TEFL teachers throughout the year.

When applying to TEFL jobs, note you're applying as a couple or pair. Some even have filters or tags for joint applicants. You can also reach out to employers directly—some schools love the idea of hiring a dependable duo.

Another smart move is to apply to programs (like EPIK or JET) that accept multiple applicants in the same intake. While placements aren’t always guaranteed in the same school, they often place friends or couples in the same city or region.

Working Together vs Separately

There’s no right answer here—it depends on your goals, qualifications, and flexibility.

Working at the same school can be convenient for schedules, commutes, and social life. Some employers even offer shared accommodation or stipends for couples. However, it may limit your options if one of you is less qualified or if the school only needs one teacher.

Working at different schools opens up more possibilities. In many cases, it’s easier to find two jobs across different institutions in the same area than it is to find two openings at one. Just be sure to coordinate your applications and timelines so you’re not stuck waiting for the other person to land a job.

When applying, don’t be afraid to mention your situation—but don’t demand a two-for-one deal. Frame it as a bonus: you're both independent professionals, but open to working together if it suits the school.

Negotiation Tactics

Once you’re offered a position (or two), it’s time to make sure your contracts and logistics line up.

• Time Off: Try to negotiate overlapping days off, especially weekends and holidays. It’s no fun if one of you is free while the other is stuck working.
• Housing: If accommodation is included, ask whether it’s shared or solo. If it’s not included, request a joint housing allowance instead—it may be more cost-effective to live together off-campus.
• Scheduling: If you're working in different places, coordinate your commute and teaching hours to maximize your downtime together.

Being transparent but flexible with employers shows maturity and makes it easier to get what you both need.

Tips for a Smooth Transition Abroad (As a Team)

Even after you’ve landed jobs and chosen a destination, the real work begins—navigating the move itself. Going abroad with a partner or friend comes with unique advantages, but also a few extra layers of coordination. Here’s how to set yourselves up for a smoother start.

Coordinate Your Planning

Start by getting aligned on the logistics: visa applications, arrival dates, housing plans, and financial setup. Ideally, your contracts should begin around the same time—even if you're working at different schools. This avoids awkward gaps where one of you is adjusting solo while the other is still packing up.

Create a shared checklist that includes:

• Travel documents (passports, visas, TEFL certificates)
• Budget planning (how much you’ll need for the first few months)
• Health insurance (make sure you’re both covered)
• Emergency plans (contact info, embassy details, etc.)

Moving abroad is easier when you’re not duplicating efforts or leaving things to the last minute.

Be Flexible and Realistic

Going overseas together sounds like a dream—and it can be—but don’t expect every piece to fall into place perfectly. It’s rare that both of you will get identical offers in the same school, with matching schedules and salaries. One of you may be offered a job first, or you might get placed in different neighborhoods or types of institutions.

That’s okay. What matters most is having a shared mindset of flexibility. Keep communicating honestly, and don’t let small mismatches derail your plans. If one of you lands a job first, use that momentum to support the other—whether it’s through networking, introductions, or just having a local phone number to help job hunt on the ground.

Avoid the “Bubble Trap”

When you travel as a pair, it’s easy to become each other’s world. You eat together, teach together, go out together—and before you know it, you haven’t made a single new friend.

That kind of comfort can be nice, but it also limits your growth and cultural immersion. Make an effort to branch out: join expat events, connect with local teachers, or take a language class separately. Even spending a few hours apart each week can help you grow as individuals and bring fresh energy back into your shared experience.

Some of your best memories abroad will come from unexpected people and experiences—you just have to give them room to happen.

Pros and Challenges of Teaching Abroad Together

There’s a lot to love about teaching English abroad with someone close to you. But like anything in life, it comes with trade-offs. Knowing what to expect on both sides helps you make the most of your journey.

Shared Benefits

Emotional support: Adjusting to a new country, culture, and job can be overwhelming. Having someone to share that emotional load with makes a huge difference, especially in those first few months when everything feels unfamiliar.

Lower costs: Splitting expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities makes day-to-day living more affordable. That extra financial breathing room can go toward travel, savings, or just enjoying life a bit more.

Built-in adventure buddy: You always have someone to explore with—whether it’s hiking through rice fields, navigating street food stalls, or booking a last-minute weekend getaway. Traveling as a team means sharing the magic of each discovery, big or small.

Common Challenges

Coordinating the job hunt: Finding one TEFL job is tough enough—finding two in the same city, with compatible start dates, adds complexity. It requires more time, flexibility, and patience than going solo.

Social isolation: If you rely too much on each other, you might miss out on meaningful local connections. It’s important to push yourselves to meet new people and become part of the broader community—not just each other’s safety net.

Work-life balance strain: Teaching abroad is emotionally and mentally demanding. If one of you has a tough week at school while the other is thriving, that imbalance can cause friction. Try to support each other without comparison, and debrief openly to manage stress before it builds up.

Teaching abroad together can be one of the most rewarding experiences you ever share—but it works best when you treat it as both a partnership and an individual adventure.

Final Thoughts: Make the Leap Together

Teaching English abroad is already a bold, life-changing move. Doing it with someone close to you—whether it’s a partner, spouse, or best friend—adds a whole new layer of richness to the experience.

Yes, it takes more planning. Yes, you’ll have to make compromises. But the rewards? Shared adventures. Deepened relationships. Personal and professional growth in a completely new environment. You’ll build memories that only the two of you will truly understand.

So if you’ve been dreaming of living abroad but weren’t sure how to do it together—now you know it’s not only possible, it might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Your TEFL journey doesn’t have to be a solo story. Go together. Grow together. And discover the world—side by side.

Explore Next:

• Teach English Abroad
• TEFL Jobs Abroad
• TEFL Certification Courses