For those who have invested in upskilling themselves through Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification, their dream of being able to travel the world while earning an income has become a reality. Thanks to the rise of remote work, TEFL teachers now have access to a wider range of career opportunities that allow them to travel for long periods and enjoy what’s referred to as the “digital nomad lifestyle,” or one that allows a professional to work flexibly even if they’re not based in their home country.
However, some destinations suit travelling TEFL professionals better than others. It’s important for anyone who wants to try this arrangement out to remember that the cost of living, internet reliability, and visa regulations of some countries can make it challenging to sustain a stable and comfortable lifestyle while working abroad.
Fortunately, there are several destinations in the world that offer the perfect environment to support both work and travel for TEFL professionals. If you have a TEFL certification and want to explore the world while building a meaningful career, here are some of the best countries where you can teach, travel, and thrive as a digital nomad:
1) Spain
Spain is a top choice for TEFL professionals due to its well-established job market and steady demand for English teachers. Many schools, academies, and private students seek native English speakers, particularly in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Spain hosts programs like the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP), which is a government-sponsored initiative that provides an accessible pathway for those looking to teach in public schools. Freelance teaching is also quite common, with many TEFL professionals earning a good income through private lessons.
For digital nomads, Spain can offer a strong infrastructure with reliable internet, affordable co-living spaces, and a flourishing expat community. It also offers a favourable climate, a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, and an abundance of networking opportunities for remote workers.
If you plan to work as a freelancer, look into Spain’s autónomo (self-employment) visa early. This way, you can work legally while enjoying the flexibility of teaching online or offering private lessons.
2) Portugal
Portugal has grown into a hotspot for TEFL teachers and remote workers. The country’s affordable living costs, high quality of life, and growing emphasis on English education make it an attractive destination for educators. Lisbon and Porto offer the most opportunities for English teachers, with numerous language schools catering to both young learners and professionals. Business English is particularly in demand, as many Portuguese professionals seek to improve their language skills for work. Online teaching is also a viable option for travellers and digital nomads, as Portugal’s solid internet infrastructure supports remote work.
Unlike some European countries, Portugal provides a clear legal pathway for digital nomads and freelance TEFL teachers through the D7 visa. This is a residency visa designed for individuals with passive or freelance income, which allows non-EU citizens to reside in the country for one year, so long as they have proof of sustainable income. It would be a more stable option if you want to stay long-term.
3) Georgia
Georgia stands out as one of the most accessible destinations for TEFL teachers and digital nomads due to its one-year visa-free policy for many nationalities. This allows English teachers to live and work in the country without the immediate hassle of obtaining a work visa.
The Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) program also offers a structured pathway for those looking to teach in the public school system, and it also includes a salary, housing, and other benefits. Meanwhile, private tutoring and online teaching serve as additional income streams for digital nomads based in Georgia.
What’s more, Tbilisi—the country’s capital—has a growing demand for English instruction, with positions available in both public schools and private academies. As such, you have a good chance of securing a remote work teaching position, whether through a formal program or private tutoring.
4) Mexico
Mexico is an excellent destination for TEFL teachers due to its high demand for English instruction. Many private language schools, universities, and businesses seek English teachers, particularly in major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, which means there are plenty of opportunities to secure stable teaching positions with competitive salaries. There’s also a strong market for private tutoring, which allows TEFL professionals to supplement their income through one-on-one or small group lessons.
The country’s Temporary Resident Visa is a legal pathway for those who plan to stay for more than six months and can demonstrate a stable income. Many digital nomads and TEFL teachers also take advantage of Mexico’s six-month tourist visa, which allows them to live and work remotely before deciding on a longer-term option.
Furthermore, Mexico is a place where travellers and digital nomads can expect reliable internet, an abundance of coworking spaces, and a welcoming community. Here, you may be able to establish yourself professionally while enjoying a dynamic lifestyle.
5) Colombia
Colombia has emerged as a top TEFL destination in Latin America, thanks to its government-backed initiatives to improve English proficiency. The Colombian government’s English Teaching Fellowship Program (ETF), for instance, provides structured teaching placements with benefits such as stipend assistance with legal paperwork.
Apart from this, Colombia also has a growing demand for language teachers. In cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, numerous language schools, universities, and corporate training programs seek native English speakers who can provide high-quality instruction to students of all ages and professional backgrounds. What’s more, Colombia offers a low cost of living, a wealth of modern coworking spaces, and a rapidly expanding tech scene, making it an attractive option for TEFL professionals looking to build a fulfilling digital nomad career.
As stated above, finding the right TEFL destination as a digital nomad means choosing a place that aligns with both your career goals and lifestyle preferences. To do this, you must consider the legal requirements, cost of living, and professional opportunities that will shape your experience. With the right preparations, you may be able to live out a fulfilling and sustainable life teaching English while exploring the world on your own terms.