There’s a shift happening. More and more students are stepping back from the traditional conveyor belt of school → university → job, and asking: is there another way to grow, explore, and learn about the world — and myself — before diving into all that?
Enter the gap year: once a niche detour, now a rite of passage for the curious and adventurous. But instead of blowing your savings on backpacking alone, many are finding smarter ways to make that time count — through meaningful work, cultural immersion, and even income.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) sits right at the heart of that. It’s more than just a job — it’s a chance to live abroad, connect with people across cultures, and build skills that stay with you long after you return home. Whether you want to stretch your comfort zone, earn some travel money, or test the waters of a future career, TEFL gives your gap year a sense of purpose that wandering aimlessly can’t match.
Why Consider TEFL on Your Gap Year?
For many people, a gap year is about freedom — but it’s even better when that freedom has direction. TEFL gives your travel a mission. You're not just passing through countries; you're becoming part of communities, helping students gain a skill that can transform their lives, and learning about yourself in the process.
You’ll develop independence fast — navigating new cities, adapting to different cultures, and managing a classroom full of learners. There’s a confidence that comes from standing in front of a group, helping them achieve something, and realizing you’ve got what it takes.
And unlike many other gap year ideas, TEFL isn’t just a placeholder. These are real jobs. You’ll be hired by real schools or programs, and you’ll be expected to show up, do the work, and make a difference. It’s not always easy — but that’s part of what makes it such a valuable experience.
Getting TEFL Certified: Your First Step
If you’re serious about teaching English abroad — even just for a year — getting TEFL certified is essential. This isn’t just a box to tick for employers; it’s your training ground. A good TEFL course teaches you how to manage a classroom, explain tricky grammar, design lessons, and keep students engaged — even when they don’t speak the same language as you.
The industry standard is a 120-hour course. That’s what most reputable schools and programs look for, and it gives you a solid foundation. You can take the course fully online, in-person, or through a blended format — it all depends on your learning style, timeline, and budget.
Some courses offer optional modules if you want to dig deeper. Planning to work with kids? A young learners specialization is worth it. Heading somewhere with a demand for business English or exam prep? You can build those skills, too.
Think of your TEFL certification as your passport to the classroom — without it, most schools won’t take a chance on you. But once you’ve got it, doors open all over the world.
Where in the World Can You Go?
Your TEFL gap year isn’t limited to one corner of the globe — the world is wide open. But the best destinations for you will depend on your age, qualifications, and what kind of experience you're after.
If you're under 20 or don’t yet have a university degree, volunteering roles or teaching assistant programs are often the way to go. Latin America and parts of Asia like Cambodia or Thailand offer meaningful placements where you can assist in schools, gain experience, and immerse yourself in local culture. In Europe, some programs allow you to work as a classroom assistant — great for first-timers and language lovers alike.
If you’ve already got a degree, a whole new set of countries becomes available. Asia is a hotspot: think South Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. These countries offer paid teaching jobs, solid benefits, and a chance to live somewhere totally different from home. The Middle East, too, has high-paying jobs — especially in the Gulf — though they often prefer experienced teachers. In Europe, degree holders can access more formal teaching roles in countries like Spain, Italy, or the Czech Republic.
Each region has its quirks:
- Asia: Great pay, vibrant culture, but stricter visa requirements.
- Europe: Easier to adjust culturally, but can be competitive and lower-paying (unless you're an EU citizen).
- Latin America: Flexible requirements, warm people, but fewer formal benefits.
- Middle East: High salaries, modern cities, but more conservative environments.
Choose a destination that matches your personality, goals, and comfort level — there’s no one-size-fits-all.
How to Apply for TEFL Jobs Abroad
There are two main ways to land a TEFL job on your gap year: applying in advance or finding work once you arrive. Both can work well, depending on your risk tolerance and the region.
Apply before you go: This is the safer route, especially if you're heading to countries that require a job offer for visa purposes (like South Korea or China). You can apply from home using online job boards, TEFL recruiter services, or directly through school websites. Many programs hire in advance and offer full support with paperwork and relocation.
Apply on the ground: This approach is more common in Latin America and parts of Europe. Once you arrive, you can visit schools in person with your CV, introduce yourself, and apply face-to-face. It’s more spontaneous — but it also lets you choose your city, meet employers directly, and sometimes even negotiate better pay or hours.
Where to look:
- TEFL job boards (like Teast)
- Facebook groups and expat forums
- Language schools' websites
- Local walk-ins (especially in regions with high demand)
What to prepare:
- A clear, well-formatted CV tailored to teaching (highlight soft skills, volunteering, and any childcare experience)
- A short, enthusiastic cover letter that explains why you want to teach
- Your TEFL certificate (digital and printed)
- A professional-looking photo (especially in Asia)
- Be ready for interviews — often on Zoom or Skype — with questions about lesson planning, classroom management, and your motivation for teaching.
TEFL Gap Year Benefits That Go Beyond Travel
Earn While You Explore
One of the biggest perks of teaching English on your gap year? You don’t just spend money — you make it. Paid TEFL jobs let you cover your living expenses, save for university, or fund further travel.
Salaries vary by country, but many TEFL teachers make enough to live comfortably and still save or explore:
- Vietnam / Thailand / Cambodia: $1,200–$2,000/month — low cost of living makes your money go far.
- South Korea: $1,800–$2,500/month — often includes free housing and bonuses.
- Spain (language assistant): €700–€1,000/month — enough to live modestly and travel on weekends.
- Chile / Colombia: $800–$1,200/month — solid lifestyle for budget-conscious travelers.
Even if you start with a volunteer placement, many teachers transition into paid roles once they gain confidence and experience. And if you’re not ready to stop after a year? TEFL can easily become your passport to long-term travel and income around the world.
Learn a New Language by Living It
There’s no better way to learn a language than to live it. TEFL gives you the rare chance to immerse yourself in a culture where you’re surrounded by the language every day — from navigating public transport to grabbing street food to chatting with locals.
Even if the classroom is all English, your everyday life is full of opportunities to practice. Whether you're picking up Spanish in Colombia, Korean in Seoul, or a little Thai at the market, you’ll be surprised how quickly the basics sink in. It’s real-world learning that no textbook can match.
And beyond the fun of ordering your favorite dish like a local, language skills pay off later — for travel, university applications, future work abroad, or even international careers in NGOs, diplomacy, or global business.
Gain Real Work and Life Experience
Teaching English during your gap year isn’t just a fun adventure — it’s a crash course in leadership, communication, organization, and adaptability.
You’ll learn how to manage a classroom, plan lessons, solve problems on the fly, and connect with people from completely different backgrounds. These are the kinds of soft skills employers and universities love — and not everyone your age will have them.
Whether you’re writing a personal statement or applying for a competitive internship, being able to say “I taught English in a rural town in Thailand” or “I planned daily lessons for kids in Peru” immediately sets you apart.
Volunteer and Make a Positive Impact
If your gap year goals include giving back, TEFL offers a powerful way to do it — but it’s essential to do it right.
Volunteering as an English teacher can be incredibly meaningful when done through ethical, community-based organizations. Teaching at under-resourced schools, refugee centers, or grassroots NGOs helps bridge the language gap and open doors for learners. But avoid “voluntourism” programs that treat teaching like a holiday add-on. These often lack proper oversight and can do more harm than good.
Make sure you’re trained (a TEFL course is key), and choose programs that are long enough to actually help — usually at least a month or more. Look for nonprofits or reputable charities that put the needs of the community first.
Done well, TEFL volunteering can be one of the most rewarding parts of your year.
Build a Launchpad for Future Teaching or Travel
What starts as a gap year often becomes something bigger.
Many TEFL teachers fall in love with the lifestyle — the freedom, the cultural exchange, the sense of purpose. Some go on to teach at summer camps in Europe, switch to online English teaching, or return abroad during uni breaks.
And after university? They already have a TEFL cert, experience, and a network. They’re ready to step straight into better-paying roles in Asia, Europe, or even the Middle East.
Even if you don’t stick with teaching, the international mindset and experience will stay with you — and open doors wherever you go.
Common Questions About TEFL Gap Years
Do I need to speak another language?
No — TEFL is usually taught in English only, even for beginners. But learning the local language while you live there is a great bonus!
Can I do TEFL if I haven’t finished school or uni yet?
Yes! Many volunteer programs and assistant roles accept 18+ candidates with no degree. Some countries offer paid roles without a degree too — especially in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Is it safe to travel and teach alone?
Generally yes, especially if you go through reputable programs or schools. Always do your research, trust your instincts, and connect with local expat or teacher communities when you arrive.
How long should I commit to a program?
Some placements are as short as 4–8 weeks, but most jobs run for 6–12 months. If you’re volunteering, aim for at least a month so you can make a real impact.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your TEFL Gap Year
A TEFL gap year can change your life — but like anything worthwhile, a little planning and the right mindset make a big difference.
Start early.
Give yourself time to get TEFL certified, gather documents, research destinations, and apply for jobs or programs. Some visa processes take weeks or even months, so don’t leave it all to the last minute.
Stay flexible.
Not everything will go according to plan — and that’s okay. Your ideal country might not work out, your first teaching job might be a challenge, or you might fall in love with a destination you hadn’t considered. Adaptability is part of the adventure.
Be professional.
Even if it’s a “gap” year, teaching is still a job. Show up on time, care about your students, ask questions, and keep learning. You’ll earn respect from your colleagues and make a bigger impact.
Keep a journal.
Write down what you experience — the good days, the strange encounters, the tough lessons. It helps you reflect, stay grounded, and maybe even shape your future plans. Years from now, you’ll be glad you captured those memories.
Conclusion
A gap year doesn’t have to be a pause — it can be a launchpad.
By teaching English abroad, you’re not just filling time before university or work. You’re stepping into new cultures, building real-world skills, and making a difference in people’s lives — all while discovering what kind of life you want to lead.
For many, TEFL isn’t just a year abroad — it’s the beginning of a global journey. Whether you stick with teaching or take the experience into a new path, what you learn along the way will stay with you.
So get certified, pack your curiosity, and dive into a gap year that counts.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.