5 TEFL destinations for adventurers and thrill-seekers

If staying in one place for too long makes you itchy for adventure, TEFL could be your ticket to a more exciting life. Teaching English abroad is an incredible opportunity. It unlocks the chance to explore some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations, and you get paid while you do it!

Your free time is your own. One weekend, you could be scaling mountains. You could be bungee-jumping in a jungle. On a weeknight evening, you could take in the sights and sounds of a local market or an ancient temple. Whatever you’re into, TEFL will take you there.

Here are five top TEFL destinations for outdoor lovers, thrill-seekers, and adventurous spirits.

1. Costa Rica

How does the rainforest, volcanoes, incredible wildlife, and opportunities for surfing and rafting sound? Costa Rica has it all.

The country's stunning national parks are home to over 10,000 species of plants and an incredible variety of wildlife, including sloths, toucans, and monkeys. Explore the jungle through adventurous hikes or ziplining through the canopy for a high-speed view of the treetops.

Prefer your adventures on water? Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is a surfer’s dream . Beaches like Witch’s Rock and Playa Grande draw surfers worldwide. Or, if white-water rafting is more your thing, head to the jungles. Rivers across the country offer everything from gentle rides (Class I) to high-adrenaline rapids (Class V).

What do you need to teach in Costa Rica?

• TEFL certificate ( 120 hours )
• A degree is useful, but not always required
• Experience is also useful, but not mandatory 

Read our guide on teaching English in Costa Rica to find out more!

2. Zambia

Zambia might not be the first country you think of as a TEFL destination. That’s a shame, because it’s a destination that offers unforgettable experiences, both in and out of the classroom.

Let's start with one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World , shall we? Victoria Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring sights anywhere on the planet. It spans over 1,700 meters in width, with heights of up to 108 metres. For the true thrill-seekers in our audience, don’t worry - bungee jumping enthusiasts are very well catered for at Victoria Falls.

Once that’s done, you can canoe past crocodiles, hippos and elephants on the Zambezi River , or go wildlife spotting in world-famous safaris like South Luangwa National Park or Lower Zambezi National Park . 

If you love nature, have dreamt of meeting rare and exotic animals close up, and want to see genuine wonders of the world, this southern African nation deserves your attention.

What do you need to teach in Zambia?

• As always, a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is a must
• A degree is required for most paid roles (you don’t need a degree to volunteer)
• Experience is preferred

3. Japan

Japan is one of the most popular TEFL destinations on the planet, and it’s easy to see why. It's a great place to build your teaching career with competitive salaries, excellent public transport, and a strong demand for English teachers. It’s also a country packed with adventure waiting beyond the cities.

Do you like extreme sports? Then you must head to Hokkaido to ski and snowboard in the mountains . If you prefer a slightly slower adventure, the famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail offers a thrill for mind, body, and spirit through historic forests.

Once you’ve tested your limits, it’s time to relax. Try visiting an  Onsen,  a traditional hot spring bath usually found at the bottom of Japan’s volcanoes.

And don’t forget the food. Exploring Japan’s culinary scene is an adventure in itself. Try Osaka’s street food favourites like kushikatsu (fried skewers), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and takoyaki , which are crispy balls of batter filled with diced octopus.

What do you need to teach in Japan?

• A degree is required for most jobs
• Having a TEFL certificate of 120 hours is essential

Our guide to teaching English in Japan will fill you in on everything you need to know, from salaries to the JET programme .

4. Thailand

Thailand is known as “The Land of Smiles”, and for good reason. Not only are the locals famously friendly, but it’s also a place to enjoy all kinds of thrilling experiences.

For TEFL teachers who love getting their hands chalky and know a sloper from a crimp, rock climbing on Railay Beach is for you. If all that doesn’t sound scary enough, try diving off Shark Island. Koh Tao offers diving trips where you can spot sea turtles, colourful tropical fish, and even reef sharks!

Cliff climbing and shark diving are on one end of the scale. You don’t have to be into all that to have an adventure. For example, you can simply hop around Thailand’s many islands and explore the world-famous beaches. You can go on jungle trails inland in Chiang Mai. The adventures don’t stop.

What do you need to teach in Thailand?

• A degree
• 120-hour TEFL certification
• Experience is preferred

Read our guide to teaching English in Thailand . 

5. Peru

Peru is a vastly underrated TEFL destination, and it’s a wonder why more English teachers aren’t working in this fascinating country. Machu Picchu is the most obvious draw, with its incredible ruins and the famous Inca Trail leading up to it. You can walk there with alpacas, which sounds brilliant and fun!

You're wrong if you think Peru is a one-trick pony (or alpaca?), though. You can access the Amazon Rainforest from Peru , with gateways like the stunning Puerto Maldonado . There, you can see even more unforgettable animals and experience the Amazon. If you’re more into extreme sports, try sandboarding and dune buggy riding in Huacachina . Or, check out the ancient ruins and Incan history dotted around the country.

We can’t miss the Andes . Trekking this mountain range features both glaciers and rainforest, and while it’s not for the faint of heart, adventurous TEFL teachers ought to have this on their bucket list.

What do you need to teach in Peru?

• TEFL certificate
• Most employers prefer a degree

Adventure awaits with TEFL!

Adventure means something different to every TEFL teacher. For some, it’s skydiving, bungee jumping, or white-water rafting. For others, it’s exploring new cultures, tasting unfamiliar food, or simply finding the courage to step into a classroom in a foreign country.

With TEFL, you can create your journey. You can teach online and explore the world at your own pace, or settle into a new city and make it your home. The possibilities are wide open. 

Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker who sees themselves hurtling down a mountain on skis or you fancy taking in incredible views from a mountaintop, TEFL can be your ticket to unforgettable experiences. It all starts with a TEFL course .

Interested in trying out TEFL study but unsure which route to take? Our TEFL course quiz could be exactly what you need!