Getting TEFL-certified confers numerous advantages to teachers new to the ESL job market. Earning a certification is well-advised if you’re serious about breaking into the industry.

Some TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) courses are conducted entirely online or in person in the teacher’s native country.

Other TEFL courses – the ones we’ll be surveying here – take place in the teacher’s destination country, with specialized training tailored to the individual, unique teaching challenges teachers contend with in each nation throughout the world.

(Learn more about the different types of TEFL courses.)

The most popular in-country TEFL course sites are China, South Korea, and Thailand. These are major ESL (English as a second language) employers that together represent a huge percentage of jobs worldwide.

However, if you’re not into one of those countries, read on to discover lesser-known TEFL course destinations off the beaten track.

Alternative TEFL course destination #1: Spain

Spain – owing to its rich history with numerous cultural influences from the Roman Empire in the B.C.s to the Muslim conquerors from the South in the medieval period and beyond – is chock full of world-renowned cultural heritage sites.

It’s also home to a thriving, First World economy supported by its membership in the economic powerhouse European Union. When you get a visa to Spain, you can also access any of the dozens of EU member states at your leisure, such as Italy, France, and Germany.

Demand in Spain for ESL teachers is high. Even better, you don’t need prior teaching experience to find a well-paying job in Spain.

Keep your eyes peeled for RVF International’s upcoming TEFL course offering specifically devoted to ESL in Spain.

To learn more, check out our blog post on the topic, 10 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Teach Abroad Program in Spain.

Alternative TEFL course destination #2: Georgia

Georgia (the country, not the US state) is an excellent TEFL destination, nestled in the Caucus Mountains that straddle the border between Europe and Asia. The nation is fascinating from an anthropological perspective as it resides at the crossroads of the Middle East and Europe.

It doesn’t quite feel like France or Germany, but neither does it feel like any of the Middle Eastern countries to its south and east, such as Iran or Saudi Arabia. Georgia’s entirely its own place with its own unique history.

The people of Georgia are exceedingly kind and friendly – especially towards Westerners. Plus, its stray street dogs are the nicest on the planet (I wrote a whole thing about it you should read).

Because of its generous tax policy and lenient visa restrictions, Georgia is increasingly popular as an ESL destination for American teachers.

Alternative TEFL course destination #3: Peru

Located right around the equator and home to the lush Amazon rainforest in the interior and miles of Pacific coastline on its Western frontier, Peru is a gem of Latin America.

Who could say no to visiting the site of 15th century Inca ruins, Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Aside from its cultural and geographic attractions, Peru is also home to a plethora of ESL jobs and TEFL courses, largely due to its booming tourist sector.

To get a taste of what the ESL life in Peru is like, check out The Broke Backpacker’s account of his journey and teaching experience.

The only major downside to teaching English in Peru – and in most places in Latin America, to be frank – is the relatively low salary. Due to a variety of factors, teachers don’t make nearly as much in this region as they can in similar positions in, for instance, the Middle East or parts of East Asia.

Most teachers in Peru make about $500-700 USD per month.

If you’re into volunteering – a great way to get hands-on experience to add to your resume while helping society’s most vulnerable members learn valuable language skills – Peru is chock full of such opportunities.

Alternative TEFL course destination #4: Costa Rica

Costa Rica, in my estimation, is criminally underrated both as a TEFL course destination and as an expat hotspot in general.

First of all, demand for English teachers in Costa Rica is sky-high. The government has developed the country as a leading tourist attraction in Latin America, and accordingly needs English-language training to equip its people for the job.

It consistently ranks highly in the UN Human Development Index (HDI) and it’s one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth – meaning it has a wide range of exotic plant and animal life you won’t see most other places. A full quarter of Costa Rica’s landmass is protected, which means it’s totally undeveloped and pristine.

The only real drawback, as is the case with Peru, is the pay. Teachers make, on average, $600-$1,000 USD/month. That’s enough to live fairly well in Costa Rica, though, given the lower cost of living compared to the West.

Alternative TEFL course destination #5: Morocco

African countries don’t often make the list when it comes to top TEFL course destinations. But it’s a shame, because it has some hidden treasures – Morocco in the northwest portion of the continent being at the top of the heap.

With its utterly unique vibes, there’s no place with the same feel as Morocco on Earth. It’s not like Africa and not like Europe either.

French-speaking Morocco has invested heavily in English-language education recently. As reported by Morocco World News, the country has flirted with replacing French with English as the official language in its schools.

This would obviously be a huge overhaul in its education system – and the changes are already underway. To meet its goals, the country needs more native English instructors to bridge the gaps.

To learn more, check out this TEFL TESOL course in Marrakesh.

Alternative TEFL course destination #6: Czech Republic

Eastern Europe, like Africa, doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as a TEFL course destination.

Why not learn the tricks of the trade in the homeland of Franz Kafka and unparalleled beer?

Seriously, if you haven’t tasted Czech beer, days old and brewed locally at one of its world-famous breweries, you’re missing out (assuming you’re of legal drinking age in the Czech Republic, which is 18). PBR will never taste the same.

The weather isn’t anything to write home about, but its stunning architecture and first-world infrastructure are worthy of praise.

The Czech Republic hosts numerous TEFL courses all year round.

Contact RVF International to learn more about the ESL industry

When you get serious about journeying abroad to teach English as a second language, contact us. We’ll equip you with the info you need to make the wisest decision possible.

And if you like what we do, let us place you in a well-paying English-teaching position in Spain. We’ll take care of the visa paperwork (a massive load off of your shoulders which you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever applied for a visa abroad), including translations, help place you get your Spanish residency, help you set up a Spanish bank account, and other logistical services.

Ben Bartee is a Bangkok-based American journalist, grant writer, political essayist, researcher, travel blogger, and amateur philosopher. Contact him on Linkedin and check out his portfolio.