5 TEFL Destinations for Sun Chasers

Depending on where you are, summer might be in full swing. Or, it might be winding down. Worse, you might wonder when it was meant to arrive or have entirely given up on the concept. 

If you’re one of our many students based in the UK, Ireland, or parts of North America, you’ll know all about torrential downpours, grey skies and hastily rearranged plans. Waiting for a perfect summer, in these parts of the world, is a bit like buying a lottery ticket. It might happen, but don’t count on it.

If you have teaching talent, crave Vitamin D, and want to explore sunnier climes, teaching English abroad can tick all of your boxes. You’ll get to teach students from various amazing locations, earn money, and bathe in the sunshine throughout the year.

Sounds good to us! Here are five ideal TEFL destinations where blue skies and warm temperatures can be found year-round:

Spain

It was always certain that  Spain  would be here. A favourite destination for TEFL teachers,  Spain offers fantastic teaching jobs , over 300 days of sunshine per year (in the south), and an enviable lifestyle.

A country where English proficiency levels vary by region , Spain is full of job opportunities across different types of schools and private language businesses. Many teaching programmes are available to help you get your start, like Meddeas and NALCAP , which place TEFL-certified teachers into the state school system.

Sun-chasers should look for Spain's southern regions to get the most out of the weather. While the strongest demand for teachers is in cities like Madrid and Barcelona , regions like Andalusia, Valencia and the southern islands have the bluest skies and warmest climates. One of our students, Lucia, told us :

“The Canary Islands are very special for their sub-tropical climate. Sunshine is not a problem here, and the northern European winter is non-existent.

“It gets very hot in summer; however, there is always a cool breeze that the Mediterranean and mainland Spain lack. Fuerteventura is the Hawaii of Europe, with the longest beach on the continent called Sotavento, where kitesurf and windsurf international championships take place. I would describe it as Europe’s Caribbean, with its white beaches and turquoise waters.”

Interesting fact : 5 of Europe’s sunniest cities are in Spain. Cartagena averages 283 hours of sunlight per month!

United Arab Emirates

If you’re looking for some of the most appealing salaries and facilities in the TEFL world, the United Arab Emirates should already be on your radar. In case you forgot, though, it’s also famously hot. 

Though the UAE doesn’t have the highest levels of English proficiency , the country is slowly improving, largely because TEFL teachers are drawn to the lifestyle and rewards. In major destinations like Dubai , teachers can make an excellent living in state schools, international schools and businesses. 

If you’re craving daily sun, and plenty of it, the UAE is precisely where you want to be. In the summer months, temperatures usually range from 38°C to 42°C, and even in winter, you can expect temperatures in the high 20s. 

Even the most dedicated sun chaser might agree it’s sometimes hard to handle. Metropolitan areas, public buildings and - of course - schools are usually well air-conditioned. Still, if you’re chasing desert heat and constant blue skies, well-qualified and experienced TEFL teachers are needed in the UAE.

Interesting fact: You won’t find a single river in the UAE. You will find Wadis, which are bodies of water formed by the region's short but intense rainy seasons.

Egypt

Not only is Egypt one of the most historically significant countries, it’s also an ideal modern destination for today’s sun-chasing TEFL teachers. There’s year-round sunlight, plenty of demand for English, fascinating cities like Giza and Cairo, and a low cost of living. Egypt also boasts average temperatures of 28-35°C without any long rainy seasons affecting other top TEFL destinations. 

Egypt is rightly proud of its education system, with state schools, international schools and top universities attracting talented teachers. The country’s English proficiency is improving, but Egypt still ranks low on the English Proficiency Index. Much like the neighbouring UAE, there is opportunity there, and while salaries don’t reach Emirati levels, they’re enough to live comfortably.

As for landmarks and culture , you’re spoilt for choice. You’ve got the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, the Dead Sea, the Luxor Temple, and hundreds of other monuments to Ancient Egypt. Nowadays, Egyptian culture is a compelling mix of African and Middle Eastern influences, from the food to the music. It’s boiling, there’s plenty to see and do, and there are  many teaching opportunities. 

Interesting fact: Can’t stand the rain? On average, Egypt sees about one inch of downpour per year.

Mexico

Our second Spanish-speaking TEFL destination, Mexico isn’t just a paradise for beach dwellers; it’s culturally rich and full of job opportunities. Under consistent sunshine, you can enjoy gorgeous white sand beaches, Incan ruins and excellent cities like Guadalajara and Mexico City.

Not all of Mexico is baking hot. The country has a diverse climate and landscape, but if you live and work along the coasts or in the south of Mexico, you can expect consistent sunny weather. If it helps, consider that while the UK, Ireland and Canada are in the depths of winter, it’s usually at least 19°C with 13 hours of sunshine per day in Mexico .

What kind of opportunities are there in Mexico? There’s strong demand for Business English , English for Academic Purposes and other adult-specific learning areas. Mexican state schools also teach English, and although facilities aren’t amazing across the board, it’s an area constantly improving.

The gorgeous climate in Mexico impressed TEFL teacher Harriet . She said:

“Life in Mexico is wonderful. I live in a beautifully colourful and relaxed city, close to the beach and surrounded by cenotes and ancient Mayan ruins. 

“Every day it’s warm and sunny and lovely, and I have met some of the most amazing people in this surprisingly safe and friendly area of Mexico.”

One of the most appealing TEFL destinations on many fronts, sunny Mexico has diverse opportunities, countless options for exploring, growing English proficiency and that all-important year-round sunlight.

Interesting fact : It’s not all about the sun. Nature lovers should know that Mexico has an incredible 200,000 species of wildlife . Look out for Mexican animals like the colourful Quetzal and the adorable Axolotl , known colloquially as the “Mexican water dog”.

Morocco

Morocco isn’t one of the more popular destinations for English teachers. That’s a shame, because if you’re eager to find an incredibly sunny destination with a lower cost of living, plenty of remarkable sights and demand for English, it could be the answer you’re looking for.

Found on Africa’s northern coast, Morocco’s climate is hot and dry. As for English teaching? Demand is growing rapidly, especially with tourism's increasing value and the language's economic benefits. Larger cities like Marrakesh and Fez are tourist hotspots with an increasing need for English. 

While the facilities for English teachers can be a little basic, and the market isn’t as well-established as in other countries on our list, Morocco has opportunities. Private tutoring, in particular, can be an excellent route for teachers, with plenty of learners needing English skills for jobs.

The sun is almost always out, with over 3,100 hours of sunlight yearly. This unbelievable weather allows you to explore Morocco’s famous bazaars, diverse cities, desert landscapes, and jaw-dropping mountain views.

Interesting fact : The climate and views of Morocco are perfect for cinema. While ‘Casablanca’ is the most obvious reference, blockbuster films like ‘Gladiator’, ‘The Mummy’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ were all filmed in Morocco.

Chase the sun!

There’s no doubt that teaching English abroad is a pathway to finding rewarding and meaningful work. There are plenty of fantastic reasons to teach English overseas, including the chance to explore other cultures, meet people from all over the world, fulfil your career potential and test yourself in various environments.

It’s also a chance to be healthier and happier. Teaching might be the answer if you live somewhere grey and rainy, and you’re looking to escape. Who would blame you for wanting to try something different?

Chasing sunlight is a perfectly good reason to teach English abroad. Getting soaked by the rain on your commute will be a distant memory when you’re on a beach somewhere, TEFL certified, and loving life. 

Just remember to wear sunscreen!

Ready to get rid of your umbrella? A new, sunnier life starts with a TEFL certificate . Enrol today, put on your sunglasses, and plan for excitement!