fbpx

TEFL Connect

Logo TEFL Connect blanco
Menu

Author name: Rosie Hegarty

TEFL in Mexico
Mexico

TEFL in Mexico

/

If you are looking for a place that is different from your everyday life, Mexico is the place for you! Mexico has everything: historical sites, museums, beaches, countryside, and big cities. Here are some of the benefits of TEFL in Mexico.   Opportunities Mexico is a great place for English teachers. It is very easy to get a job in Mexico due to the rising need for English teachers. Mexico also makes it incredibly easy to work with a tourist or work visa! In Mexico, you do not need a four-year degree to be qualified to teach. All you need is a TEFL certificate! It is also very common for English teachers to work on a tourist visa, and then get a work visa after accepting a position. There is year-round hiring, so planning your stay in Mexico will be a breeze. Mexican schools usually hire in person, so doing TEFL in Mexico will be a good way to get your foot in the door. Location The largest cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. The country is divided into 32 states among which you can move freely. And you need to know that Mexico is not only the Caribbean. Cosmopolitan cities, magical towns, colonial, ecotourism and adventure await you in the country. The opportunity to travel around Mexico, to the US and other islands is a bonus! Mexico offers a wide range of places you can visit, so you will never be bored. For all the foodies out there; Mexico City offers a wide variety of local and international foods that are delicious. Guadalajara offers many museums for all the history buffs. It is the second-largest city in the country and is ranked as the eighth-best city to visit in Mexico and South America. Known as the land of tequila and mariachi, it is rich in history and traditions. A must-see when in Mexico is the ancient Mayan architecture in the jungles of Chiapas. Because of its location to the southeast of the country, Chiapas brings together seven different ecosystems. Get to explore its jungles, forests, rivers, waterfalls… and marvel at the natural beauties of this region.   For the more adventurous Cozumel is a great destination for scuba diving. The island is totally dedicated to the sport and you will get to discover a 45km long reef, beautiful rock formations and caves. The fauna is also very rich and varied. You can dive with barracudas, turtles, morays, eagle’s rays, and much other Caribbean fish. In addition, Cozumel is known for whale shark diving. Travelling outside of Mexico is also very easy and affordable. Mexico is close to the Caribbean Islands and you can always pop over to the US for a weekend. The airport network is wide and has 32 international airports. Keep in mind that low-cost companies are the best option to move within the national territory.   Living in Mexico Mexico is the perfect fit if you are looking for a warmer climate, friendly people, and good food. Is there a better way to enjoy good weather than going to the beach? Well, Mexico’s beaches are among the best in the world! Cancun and Acapulco are the most famous. However, along the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast, you will find many other beautiful beaches, less touristic as Bagdad, Piedra de Tlacoyunque or Caleta Tankah. People are supportive and will always offer you sincerely what they can! The lifestyle is calm, so do not take it seriously if you hear Al ratito – in a while or Ahorita -right now because these phrases can mean right now, in an hour, next week or maybe never. Mexico will allow you to learn about a culture that is thousands of years old. You can see the mix of cultures adapted by Mexicans during festivals such as Día de los Muertos, Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Las Posadas, and Cinco de Mayo. The food in Mexico is another reason to relocate! The gastronomic variety is one of the largest in the world and is prepared with artisanal care. Known throughout the country as Vitamin T: tacos, tamales and toast are part of daily life. You will be able to find world-class seafood on the coasts and pair it with a michelada (a beer bloody Mary). You will never want to return to your local Mexican restaurant after you’ve tasted the real thing! Known throughout the country as Vitamin T, tacos, tamales and toast are part of daily life. You will be able to find world-class seafood on the coasts and pair it with a michelada (a beer bloody Mary). You will never want to return to your local Mexican restaurant after you’ve tasted the real thing! If you love living in Mexico, comment on your favourite thing about the country on our Facebook page and Instagram! If you want to discover more about Mexico, check out our blog about things to know before moving to Mexico!  

top five places to visit in Mexico
Mexico

Top Five places to visit in Mexico

/

If you’re thinking about traveling or moving to Mexico, then you’ll want to find out all of your options of where you can visit while you’re there! From historical sites to beautiful beaches, here’s our top five places to visit in Mexico.   Mexico City While Mexico City was once renowned for its high crime rate, the city has definitely changed and is starting to come back to life. International restaurants are opening and attracting foodies from all over the world. The city also has many museums dedicated to the preservation of the Mexican heritage. Some destinations must-visits are Catedral Metropolitana (the oldest cathedral in Latin America), Museo Soumaya, the house of Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul), and Mercado de la Merced.     Guadalajara  Guadalajara is the birthplace of tequila and mariachi. If that is not enough to make you want to visit, the second largest city in Mexico has so much more to offer! The city has an abundance of museums and cultural must-visits about Mexican heritage. And, if it is tequila you’re after, spend the day touring a distillery and learning how tequila is made.     Isla Cozumel Cozumel is an island off Playa del Carmen that’s a popular tourist location. Cozumel offers amazing scuba destinations. The water is crystal clear and has a huge variety of marine life.  Diving and snorkeling are the main activities that draw tourists, but Cozumel offers so much more. Cozumel has isolated beaches, natural parks and breathtaking scenery.     If you have any recommendation about places to visit in Mexico, comment on our Facebook!   Izamal If you are into taking Instagram-worthy photos, you have to check out the oldest city in Yucatán. Izamal is nick named “Ciudad Amarilla” or the Yellow City because every building is yellow! The city is also magic because of the rich historical traditions. Izamal offers colonial style buildings, TONS of people watching, parks, and plazas. There is no way to be sad while strolling the streets of this brightly colored city. If the yellow walls are not enough, there are ancient Mayan ruins right in the middle.     Mazatlán If you are looking for beaches, but also love beautiful architecture, then the “Pearl of the Pacific” is perfect for you. Mazatlán is increasing in popularity because of its 20km of beach and the historic downtown with neoclassical and French Baroque finishes. There is so much to do in Mazatlán, such as strolling the streets of downtown, fishing for sea bass or corvine, and catching a performance at Teatro Ángela Peralta! The food is also a huge attraction. You can try lengua taco, roasted quail, handmade tortillas, and a seafood breakfast.     If you would like to discover more about Mexico, check our TEFL in Mexico page!  

things to know and do before moving to Mexico
Mexico

Things to know before moving to Mexico

/

Mexico is filled with rich heritage, amazing food, and breathtaking destinations. Whether you are looking to live by the beach or in a big city, Mexico has it all for you! Here are some things to know before moving to Mexico.   Transportation Mexico does not have many rules when it comes to driving or transportation, so it might take you a little while to adjust. The road rules are very flexible in Mexico. Speed limits are not very common, so the speed limit is the flow of traffic. People do not get pulled over for speeding, so just stay safe out there. The buses stop where they please. Ask a friend or local where the buses usually stop to take the bus. Bribes are common among police officers. A Mexican can be expected to pay 100-400 pesos and a foreigner can be expected to pay 600 pesos. Although this might sound expensive, 600 pesos is around 30 US dollars.  Where to live Mexico is a huge country and deciding where to live might be hard, so here are a few things to consider when looking for a home. Two Types of living: There are two main types of living, in a foreign dominated neighborhood or a local Mexican community.  The decision between the two types of neighborhoods is a personal choice and can depend on how comfortable you feel in Mexico. There are many different options to live in Mexico. You can live in the big cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara or in colonial cities like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Puebla. There are also popular beach cities such as Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. If you have any recommendation about places to live in Mexico, comment on our Facbook!   Learning the Language Moving to a new country can be difficult, especially if you don’t know the language. Knowing a few phrases will help with the transition.  Here are some words to know before moving to Mexico. Hello: ¡Hola! Welcome: ¡Bienvenido! Thank you: ¡Gracias! You’re welcome: ¡De nada! Sorry: Lo siento What is your name: ¿Cómo te llamas? Yes: Sí No: no Can you help me: ¿Puede ayudarme? Water: Agua   If you want to discover more about Mexico, check out our blog!

things to know about moving to Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Things you should know before moving to Costa Rica

/

Moving to Costa Rica seems like a dream come true. Although the beaches are calling your name, you will need to prepare properly before the big move. Let us help you out with the transition. Here are some things to know before moving to Costa Rica.   Transportation One of the best ways to get around in Costa Rica is the bus system.  It is also a great way to view the beautiful country. The buses are inexpensive and modern.  The inter-province train system is also a great way to travel in Costa Rica. It connects with parts of the Greater Metropolitan Area and is expected to expand in the upcoming years to make trips to the Caribbean and the Pacific. Renting a car will also be a good option for short-term visitors to easily navigate throughout the country.     Where to live There are many options on where to live in Costa Rica, with the country being spilt into five sections. You can choose from the Central Valley, Gold Coast, Arenal, Southern Zone, and Central Pacific. Expat communities are popular in towns such as Jacó, Uvita, Atenas, Grecia, and Viejo. An interesting fact about buying real estate in Costa Rica is that locals and foreigners have the same rights. Property ownership is protected by the constitution! You do not need to live in Costa Rica to buy property; a tourist visa is enough to purchase a house.   Healthcare The state-run healthcare is called Caja Costarricense de Seguro Socia, but most people refer to it as Caja. All citizens and legal residents have access to healthcare, but have to pay a low monthly fee. Proof of Caja coverage is also required to purchase property. Tourist will not be turned away from Caja in the case of emergency, but getting adequate health insurance before coming to Costa Rica is encouraged. At TEFL Connect, we are here to support you through the move and will advise you on how to get insurance to cover healthcare in Costa Rica.     If you have any suggestions about things to know before moving to Costa Rica, comment on our Facebook page!   Learning the Language The locals in Costa Rica are known for being very friendly, but it’s difficult to form friendships when you find it hard to communicate. Speaking their native language, Spanish, will help you bridge the gap and make friends. Here is a list of basic phrases to get you started! Hello: ¡Hola! Welcome: ¡Bienvenido! Thank you: ¡Gracias! You’re welcome: ¡De nada! Sorry: Lo siento What is your name: ¿Cómo te llamas? Yes: Sí No: no Can you help me: ¿Puede ayudarme? Water: Agua   If you want to learn more about Costa Rica, then check out of TEFL in Costa Rica page!  

Top five places to visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Top five places to visit in Costa Rica

/

If you are a nature lover and explorer than Costa Rica is the place for you. Venture into the rainforest, climb up volcanos, or relax on the beach in Costa Rica. The country offers beautiful scenery and constant warm weather. Here are our top five places to visit in Costa Rica.   Beaches How about lying back on white sand and listening to the sound of the waves on your average Saturday afternoon? Costa Rica has amazing beaches. Some of the most popular beach destinations are Manuel Antonio Beach, Santa Teresa, and Malpais Beach. A couple beaches that are less frequented are Conchal Beach and Nacascolo Beach. There are also great surfing beaches, such as Tamarindo Beach and Nosara Beach.   Volcanos Galore Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Central America Volcanic Arc. There are 200 volcanic formations with half classified as active! The Arenal Volcano is one of the most famous volcanos in Costa Rica. It has been inactive since 2010, but you can still explore the national park. The park is also home to La Fortuna Waterfall! Another volcano to check out is the Irazú Volcano. Irazú is one of the only volcanos that you can drive all the way to the top. It is still considered active, but the main eruptions occurred in the 1960s.     Mangrove Forest of Sierpe Terraba Exploring the mangrove forest is an experience of a lifetime. A mangrove is a small tree or scrub that grows in brackish waters and plays a huge role in protecting the coastline from erosion.  The Sierpe Terraba mangrove forest is the place to visit to see the mangroves as well as a variety of animals native to Costa Rica. In the forest, you can find crabs, caimans, crocodiles, boas, tree frogs, river turtles, iguanas, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and an immense variety of birds. If you would like to learn about the wildlife, a professional naturalist can guide you through the rainforest and teach you about all the species.   If you have any recommendations on destinations to visit in Costa Rica, comment on our Facebook!   Whale Watching Excursion Costa Rica is an animal lover’s paradise, but seeing giant whales will be the ultimate experience. Humpback whales migrate to Costa Rica from Antarctica between December and April. Killer and pilot whales are also seen inhabiting the waters. The Marino Ballena National Park has whale-watching tours where you can see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. These tours are a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Costa Rica. Since the whales migrate to Costa Rica every year, you are bound to see a couple of these gigantic creatures.     View from above Seeing Costa Rica from the ground is beautiful, but seeing it from the sky is something you cannot miss! There are two ways to view the beautiful landscape from the sky. One way is to take a hot air balloon around the country. From the sky, you will be able to see the volcanos, wildlife, towns, beaches, and valleys. Serendipity and Centaura are two companies that will expertly lift you into the air at sunrise and take you around the beauty landscape. The other way to see the amazing views is a helicopter ride. At HeliJet Aviation, you can pick the route with your favorite aspects of the country such as volcanos, coastal areas, rainforests, or cities.  You can also customize your flight. What better way to explore Costa Rica than from the sky!   If you want to more information about Costa Rica, check out our our blog about things to know before moving to Costa Rica!  

TEFL in Cambodia
Cambodia

TEFL in Cambodia

/

Once you have your TEFL certificate in Cambodia, you’re sure to love teaching English there. It offers big cities, stunning countryside, beaches, and everything in-between.  Cambodia is a hub for expats to travel and learn about a new culture. Here are some of the benefits of TEFL in Cambodia.   Teaching Opportunities Cambodia is one of the fastest growing markets for English teachers in Asia! Even with its small size, Cambodia has a huge need for English teachers. A degree and experience are not required to teach in Cambodia, but a TEFL certificate is a requirement. None-native speakers of English are also sought after. Teachers can find jobs year round due to the recent economic growth and the younger population’s interest in education. Most jobs are in private language schools teaching adults, but there are also jobs teaching kids in international schools. So finding work in Cambodia will be straightforward.   Travel Working in Cambodia offers English teachers the best of both world: experiencing the culture and traveling. With the low cost of living, you will be able to explore the country and further.  English teachers can comfortably live, teach, and travel with their salaries. Cambodia also offers many different towns to visit. You will be able to travel to stunning beaches such as Coral Beach, Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Pos, or Koh Tonsay. You can also visit the temples of Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear, and Prasat Preah Vihear. Cambodia is also a great hub between Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand! Traveling throughout Asia is just a short flight away. Schedules also allow you to have flexible hours and give you the time to explore.   If you have any reccommendations about traveling around Cambodia, comment on our Facebook!   Cambodia Cambodia has everything you could want during your TEFL course. It is the premier destination for the free spirited and adventure-seekers. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are great places to work, while also being a hub for expat communities.  The gorgeous temples such as Angkor Wat provide a look into the rich culture. There are also many state holidays where you can discover customs and traditions such as the Buddha Purnima, which celebrated the birth of Buddha. If the big cities and festivals are not enough, there are several stunning beaches.  Nature lovers will also love this country because there are endless parks with ancient temples to explore.   So what are you waiting for, sign up for a TEFL course and teach English in Cambodia!  

things to know before moving to Cambodia
Cambodia

Things to know before moving to Cambodia

/

Cambodia is the perfect place to move to if you are looking for warm weather, friendly people, and beautify scenery. Moving to a new country can bring surprises, but we have your back! Here are a few things to know before moving to Cambodia. Learn the language Moving to a new country can be scary, especially if you don’t know the language. Here’s a list to help you get started speaking the local language in Cambodia: Khmer.   Hello: Sou sedy Goodbye: Li hi Thank you: Ah Kun Sorry: Sohm tou Yes: Baht (for men) Cha (for women) No: Oht tey Sorry: Sohm tou How are you: Soksaby Where to live Since you are moving to Cambodia, you will need a place to live. Here are some tid bits that will help with the move. Location: There are several options to choose from when moving to Cambodia. Many expats have flocked to Phnom Penh. It is a bustling city filled with great job opportunities. Other cities that are on the rise are Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.  These two cities are smaller than Phnom Penh, but still provide a great environment to live.  If you are looking for a small town feel, then Kampot and Battambang are perfect towns.  The prices are much cheaper and the pace is slower.   Apartments: Cambodia makes it very easy to find a new home with all the estate agents offering a wide range of housing options. Our TEFL partners have housing support before, during and after your course so you don’t need to worry about not finding somewhere to stay!   Health Insurance GET GOOD HEALTH INSURANCE. Cambodia’s health care system is seriously lacking, so it is important that you invest in solid health care. Private hospitals and clinics will be able to treat many illnesses, but it will come at a price. In case of an emergency, there is really nothing to help. Going to Bangkok is one way to obtain help, but it will drain your bank. So before you go, make sure to get health insurance.  At TEFL Connect, we will help advise you on how to get health care before heading to Cambodia!   Everyone is on Facebook in Cambodia and it’s definitely the social media to pay attention to if you’re thinking of moving there. Many businesses opt for a Facebook page rather than a website and use messenger to promote events. So make sure to have Facebook ready if you want to stay in the know.   If you have any more suggestions about what to know before moving to Cambodia, comment on our Facebook! To find out more about Cambodia, check out blog about the top places to visit in Cambodia!  

top five places to visit in Cambodia
Cambodia

Top five places to visit in Cambodia

/

Cambodia is home to stunning temples, relaxing beaches, and lively cities. If you are looking for adventure then pack your bags for Cambodia. There is so much to see, but here are our top five places to visit in Cambodia!   Angkor Wat Angkor Wat is one thing you must see in Cambodia because it is the world’s largest religious monument. This monument is amazing any time of the day, but watching the sunrise is particularly special. If you decide to go in the morning, make sure to go extra early because TONS of other tourist will be also be watching the sunrise. You can also view other temples while in the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park. The park is home to hundreds of ancient temples and religious structures, and you’ll need to get tickets to go in.   Koh Rong Samloem Koh Ron Samloem is the perfect place for a beach bum. The white sandy beaches and the crystal clear waters are just the beginning of the beauty of this tropical island. It is a quieter island that is just starting to rise in popularity. You will be able to soak up the sun without having a million neighbors. The island is also revered for its sunsets, and it’s known as Sunset Beach.  There is no better place for some R & R, cocktails, and sunsets than Koh Ron Samloem.   Kratie You have to visit Kratie if you love marine life. Kratie is a small town located on the banks of the Mekong River. The town is based around a market place filled with French colonial building. This town is not a huge tourist attraction, so it won’t be overcrowded!       If you have any other recommendations on places to visit in Cambodia, comment on our Facebook!   Preah Vihear Temple Preach Vihear Temple is a great destination for adventure without all the tourists. The temples are a series of structures built during the 9th and 12th centuries by several different kings. The site has a complicated past because it sits on the Cambodian-Thai border.  The countries have fought over the ownership of the temples for centuries, but in 2015 it was all put to rest and tourists love exploring them. So if you are willing to go off the beaten track, these temples will not disappoint.   Elephant Valley Project What is better than exploring a jungle with a bunch of rescued elephants? The Elephant Valley Project is a sanctuary in the northeast province of Mondulkiri that is a permanent or temporary home to overworked or neglected elephants.  At the sanctuary, visitors get an up-close look of the giant mammals. You can watch the elephants play in the mud, wash themselves in the river, interact with one another. The sanctuary also teaches visitors about the negative effects of elephant tourism.   If you are dreaming about starting a new life teaching and living in Cambodia, check out our TEFL in Cambodia page!

things to know before moving to Vietnam
Vietnam

Things to know before moving to Vietnam

/

Many people move to Vietnam because of the low cost of living, great food, and friendly people. Moving to a new city can be stressful and it’s nice to know the important things before the big move. Here are some of the things to know before moving to Vietnam!   Bargaining The prices are almost never set in stone in Vietnam.  Even before tourists arrived in Vietnam the locals would also bargain between themselves and it’s common for vendors to overcharge or inflate prices when they think they can get more money.  One way to avoid the banter is by stating your price and politely walk away if they do not agree. Usually they will call you back and lower the price.  Good luck bargaining!     Learn the language It is important to know a few phrases before you move to a new country. Here are a few phrases in Vietnamese! Hello: Xin chao! (sin chow!) Goodbye: Tam biet Thank you: Xin cam on (singahm un) Your welcome: Khong co gi (khom go zee) Yes: Van (vung) No: Khong (knome) Can you help me: Ban giup toi duoc khon (ban soop thoy duc khom) Excuse me/sorry: Xinloi (seen oy) My name is: Tori la (thoy la)   If you have any suggestions about things to know before moving to Vietnam, comment on our Facebook page!   Living in Vietnam Many expats have flocked to Vietnam in the recent years due to the increase in jobs, safe environment, and low cost of living.  There are also many different places to call home in Vietnam.  For the people who need the noise of the city, several communities would be perfect. The cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are great places to live and teach. Facebook groups are the most helpful when looking for a place to live. Some reliable groups are Living in Ho Chi Minh City and Expats and Locals in Ho Chi Minh City. The TEFL schools also help new teachers find living accommodations in their city of choice, so there is no need to worry.     Transportation The best and most efficient way to get around Vietnam is a motorbike. Embrace this method of transport because it’s the part of the culture in Vietnam. If you are not staying in Vietnam for an extended time, renting a motorbike is an affordable option. If you look around, you can find monthly rentals for as low as $25.  There are not many rules of the road other than use common sense and always wear a helmet. If you take the leap and get on a motorbike, watch out for the buses as they have right of way!   If you are dreaming of moving to Vietnam, then check out our blog about the top five places to visit in Vietnam.   

TEFL in Vietnam
Vietnam

TEFL in Vietnam

/

Once you decide to take a TEFL course, the next step is to decide where you want to set up your new life abroad. Why not Vietnam? It has something for city lovers, adventurers, or small-town dwellers. Here are some benefits of TEFL in Vietnam!   Great TEFL destination for everyone Big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are perfect for whoever loves the fast pace of a city.  The two cities are also located at opposite ends of the country, so you can decide on which climate you prefer. Smaller towns are also in need of TEFL certified teachers, so big cities are not the only option. There are beaches for those who want a sunny getaway.       Teaching Opportunities in Vietnam With a TEFL certification and degree, you can find work all year round in Vietnam. Most of the jobs are in language schools, but you can also find work in public schools. There is something for everyone because you can teach any age group from children to adults. The demand for English teachers is on the rise, so landing a job will be no problem. Bigger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have so many teaching opportunities, but smaller towns also offer many teaching positions with living accommodations usually include. The pay will also allow you to teach, live, and travel during your stay in Vietnam.   Tell us why you chose Vietnam to complete your TEFL course on our Facebook page!    Travel around Vietnam Vietnam is huge and there is so much to see! From the northern city of Hanoi, where you can enjoy a taste of Vietnamese culture in the old quarter, or visit the Ba Vi national park. In the south, you can visit Ho Chi Minh City.  You can enjoy the Ben Hanh Market for all the food you could possibly imagine or learn about the history of Vietnam at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re looking for more of an adventure then there are hundreds of islands and beaches to visit. Vietnam is also conveniently located in in the heart of Asia so you will be able to travel to Laos, China, Thailand, and Cambodia for low prices!   Why Vietnam? Vietnam is filled with busy cities, stunning beaches, rolling countryside, and rich culture. The country has something to offer every person who visits. Vietnam offers wide variety of places to lives from big cities to small beach towns. The food is another reason to choose Vietnam. It’s super cheap and absolutely delicious. Once there you will get used to eating all your meals on the side of a busy road surrounded by TONS of other people.   If you are dreaming of a new life in an amazing country and want to learn more, check out our blog about the top five places to visit in Vietnam!  

Scroll to Top