8 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Teaching and travelling around the world also means discovering the beauty this world has to share with us. Don’t miss out the opportunity to visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
Spain
BREXIT and TEFL – What You Need to Know
For all the UK passport holders out there who are planning to teach English in Europe, here’s what you’ll need to know before and after Brexit. COVID-19 has disrupted so many travel plans through 2020, and we know a lot of people are now planning to travel again in January 2021 and beyond. Joining a program before 31st December 2020 Britain has left the EU (Brexit) and the transition period is coming to an end. If you’ve planned well and you can bring your TEFL journey date into 2020, then absolutely do! You’ll still be eligible to join the EU TEFL programs at the usual price, with no visa restrictions. As long as you’re in the country and you register as a resident as soon as you arrive, you’ll be protected under the EU Withdrawal Agreement. The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020. If you are resident in Spain, Italy or France at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain a resident. From 1st January 2021 You’ll still be able to join our TEFL programs, all this means is that you’ll be applying for the non EU TEFL + visa programs, the same as our candidates from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other worldwide residents. You can apply for the long stay visa before you travel, from your nearest Embassy in the UK. We’ll issue your visa invitation document, help you prepare other items you’ll need for your appointment and guide you through the process. It can take 8-10 weeks in total to gather documents and submit your application to the Embassy for your visa, so you’ll need to bear this in mind when you’re booking your TEFL program dates. With these non EU visa programs, you’ll also be registered for an extra course of study, such as language lessons, cultural studies, so you’ll be learning a new language throughout your time abroad! As a final note, if you’re from Northern Ireland and have any connections with Ireland, or you’re British and have family members in another EU member state, definitely look into the possibility of applying for a dual citizenship and a second passport! This has proved beneficial in the past for a lot of our trainees. Get in touch with us any time to discuss your options and what will be the best course of action for you – we’re here to help, anytime!
TEFL in Spain – COVID-19 Update
Our TEFL teaching programs in Spain continue to run monthly. COVID-19 has brought in some “new normals” to our programs, so they can still run whilst always adhering to government regulations and guidelines. We’ve published these on our Instagram account – be sure to check them out! During the lockdown phase in Spain, monthly courses were conducted through Zoom with our usual trainers. Sessions remained interactive, with full live tutoring. Graduates all received their TEFL certification in preparation to begin working abroad when the lockdown lifted! In August, we welcomed trainees back into the TEFL centres, for face to face classes. Academies and TEFL schools have slowly reopened for face to face English classes, but with smaller groups of students each time. This, along with a lot of expats returning home, means there’s still a good demand for TEFL teachers in Spain! Most teachers have classes for 20-25 hours per week, which brings in a decent salary each month. If you’re from the EU, freedom of movement still applies to travel and there are no border restrictions. So you can apply for and join the start date of your choice! If you’re from outside of the European Union, you can still travel to Europe with a long-stay student visa (which is incorporated into our programs for you). Apply for your TEFL course in Madrid or Barcelona! If you’re applying for a long stay visa, you’ll need to be mindful that there may be a slightly longer wait time for a visa appointment. This means you’ll need to plan for a date possibly further in the future than usual. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend that you apply for all European programs as soon as you’re ready to! Future dates are filling faster than usual, and spaces remain limited! Check out the Madrid and Barcelona TEFL programs online, and apply here when you’re ready! You can get in touch with us at any time for more information. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media channels also for updates.
Exotic foods around the world: Have you tried any of these?
When moving abroad or travelling, it’s normal to encounter things that you’ve never seen, smelled or tasted. Some will be a welcome surprise (empanadas in Argentina, for example) but some not so welcome. Not only you will get to travel around and visit incredible places, but you will also get to learn about their culture through their food. Certain kind of foods may surprise you or even produce repulsion but they are part of the usual diet of other countries and of course, it happens the other way around! In this Blog we will list exotic foods around the world and we assure you that some proposals will freak you out. Escargot in France You’ll have heard of the French and their love of frog’s legs but they also love snails! Even if they are not very appealing, this is a traditional dish that needs to be cleaned thoroughly before eating and is usually cooked in a strong, garlic sauce. Delicious! remove impurities inside. They are quite expensive as they are considered a delicacy. Fried tarantulas from Cambodia Cambodians love grilled and fried food; and fried insects is one their culinary specialties. Tarantulas are a typical snack at any time of the day. They are seasoned with garlic and herbs and served on wooden trays. It may sound scary but they are perfectly safe to eat! Cambodia is the perfect place to move to if you are looking for warm weather, friendly people, and beautify scenery so if you’re not a fan of eating arachnids then you’ll find plenty of things that you’ll fall in love with. Chapulines in Mexico In Oaxaca, Mexico, chapulines are popular both for their flavor and for their nutrients. They’re considered as outstanding specimens of the animal kingdom. Wondering what kind of food we’re talking about? Fancy dining on grasshoppers served in tacos and seasoned with spicy sauce? If you want to learn more about Mexican culture check this blog. Casu marzu from Italy Italy is recognized worldwide for its gastronomic excellence: pizza, pasta, sweets and wines… However, they also have a rather controversial dish: casu marzu, a cheese with live fly larvae inside. Fear not! It’s illegal so you won’t find it in a restaurant or be offered it for lunch. According to the Guinness World Records it’s “the most dangerous cheese in the world”. Dršťková in Czech Republic No matter if it’s winter or summer you will always find soup in any restaurant in the Czech Republic. There are plenty of options but Dršťková is by far the most exotic one. This traditional Czech soup consist of beef tripe braised in a generous amounts of onions and sweet paprika. A thick consistency, light red color, and a slightly spicy flavored dish. Check here more traditional dishes from Czech Republic! Chinchulín in Argentina More entrails! Brains, tongue, hands, intestines… Argentinians are used to cooking all the mentioned above and Chinchulín is an exquisite example! It is the small intestine of the cow, the first thing that is served in meal but the food that takes longer to cook. Argentineans tip: eat Chinchulines very hot and with lemon. ChiliGuaro in Costa Rica Esta foto de Hotel La Dolce Vita es cortesía de TripadvisorEsta foto de Costa Rica Beer Factory es cortesía de TripadvisorNot a food, but a drink! Chiliguaro is a mix of guaro, an alcoholsimilar to brandy, and hot chili sauce. This popular and spicy drink of Costa Rica is perfect to end a good meal or to start a night out!Learn more about traditional food from Costa Rica here! Worms in Thailand High protein content, and full of nutrients! Fried, baked or dried worms are so typical in Thailand that they’re even used to make cookies! If If you’re living in Thailand, you’ll definitely need to try insects! Callos in Spain Callos are a typical dish from Madrid. If you go for some tapas you may have the chance to try them for free with your drink! This dish is made with cow guts that are slowly stewed with paprika, tomato sauce, spices and garlic, so that the meat jelly is detached and mixed with the rest of the ingredients. And now that we have gone around the world with these exotic dishes, how many of them would you try? What has caught your attention? If you are ready to start exploring the world through its food and have any questions about any country or about any of our TEFL courses, we encourage you to give us a call and find out everything you need to know before moving abroad! Follow us on Facebook or visit our blog to learn more about our programmes and other experiences.
Valentine’s day traditions around the world
With one of the worlds’ most widely-celebrated traditions fast approaching, people of all nationalities are beginning to prepare for St. Valentine’s Day on 14th February, the annual celebration of romantic love. Keep reading to discover more about Valentine’s Day Traditions around the world. Even though Valentine’s Day is marked by countries all over the world, its origins continue to be mysterious. We do know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, however there are many different stories about who Valentine was and exactly what he did that made him so memorable all these centuries later. Legend has it that when, Claudius II (Roman Emperor from 268-270 AD) banned marriage for all Roman soldiers, Saint Valentine, a Roman Catholic priest, conducted Christian marriage ceremonies for them in secret. When he was discovered, it is said that Valentine was imprisoned and later killed on 14 February, which explains why this date was significant. Some say that whilst in prison Valentine left a farewell letter for the warden’s daughter, whom he had befriended, signed ‘Your Valentine’. This is reportedly where the tradition of sending Valentine’s cards originates. Whatever the belief, it is clear that the legend of Saint Valentine transcends history as a heroic and romantic figure who acted against injustice in the name of love. It is his legacy – whoever he really was – that we now honour our loved ones on 14th February. Even though Valentine’s Day is universally recognised, many countries have their own unique and distinctive traditions. So, join us for a whistle-stop tour across the globe to find out how love is celebrated in five of our TEFL destinations. Valentine’s day traditions in italy Valentine’s Day – La Festa Degli Innamorati Happy Valentine’s Day! – Buon San Valentino! Traditional Italian Valentine’s Day dishes and celebrations Italy, the birthplace of Valentine’s Day, has many traditions both old and new. In ancient Rome when Juno, the Goddess of women and marriage, was celebrated on 14 February, it was custom for couples to get engaged on this day. Nowadays exchanging gifts is a popular tradition, especially if it includes the famous Baci Perugina chocolate. A more public declaration of love is for couples to attach a padlock, inscribed with their names, on to a bridge, railing or lamp post. This remains a popular tradition despite being banned by authorities for safety reasons and for spoiling the beauty of the bridges. A traditional celebratory meal involves a mixture of cold meats and cheeses, a succulent main dish and of course, pasta. Take a pick from any of Italy’s traditional dishes, add some candles, and you are set for a fabulous evening. Buon Apetito! Our recommendations for Valentine’s Day in Italy Do you want to see how the Italians celebrate? Make your way to Verona where Romeo and Juliet’s love story begins, to experience a festival which offers live music, romantic lights, Italian dinners and much more. Do you want to learn more about Italian culture whilst gaining a new skill? Click here for more information on our TEFL program in Italy. Valentine’s day traditions in France Valentine’s Day – La Saint Valentin (La fete de Saint Valentin) Happy Valentine’s Day! – Joyeuse Saint Valentin! Traditional French Valentine’s Day dishes and celebrations The tradition of letter writing and commercialisation of Valentine’s Day is less evident in a lot of non-English-Speaking countries, but in France people show their love ‘de vive voix’ (in person). A weekend away or a romantic supper ‘a deux’, sharing traditional French classics such as ‘steak au poivre‘ or ‘crème brulee‘, and of plenty of gifted flowers, is how the majority of French couples celebrate. Our recommendations for Valentine’s Day in France If the idea of strolling through pretty villages and eating delicious French cuisine sounds like the perfect date then you must visit the village which offers just that. ‘Le village des amoreux’ (the Village of Lovers), attracts couples from all over the world where they enjoy intimate romantic dinners and spectacular countryside walks on Valentine’s Day. The celebrations here are far from discreet, instead the village prides itself on being the village of love and honouring Saint Valentin, its patron saint. They even have their very own stamp created for those who enjoy the tradition of letter writing. If you like the sound of living in France, take this opportunity to have a look at our TEFL courses, where we help you with everything from finding a job to getting a visa. Valentine’s day traditions in Spain Valentine’s Day – El día de San Valentín St George’s Day – El día de San Jordi Happy Valentine’s Day! – ¡Feliz día de San Valentín! Traditional Spanish Valentine’s Day dishes and celebrations St. Valentine’s Day is not as commercially popular in Spain as it is in the UK or America, yet it’s becoming more popular to organise something like a special dinner or to buy a gift to demonstrate your love for your partner around 14 February. In the Spanish region of Catalonia, it’s more typical to celebrate love on el día de Sant Jordi (St George’s Day – 23 April). St George (the patron saint of Catalonia) allegedly saved a royal princess from a dragon by chopping its head off. It is said that a rose appeared from beneath the head which George then gifted to the princess. On this day both roses and books are given as a demonstration of love. Our recommendations for Valentine’s Day in Spain If you are planning on being in Spain this Valentine’s Day why not visit Madrid? This vibrant city has a wide range of activities to offer. From taking a romantic stroll in the expansive and beautiful Retiro Park, to enjoying some patatas bravas and a beer in one of its traditional and buzzing tapas bars, you’ll definitely find something to suit your taste. For a dash of passion, how about going to see some flamenco? This dramatic and seductive traditional dance guarantees an authentic
Halloween Celebrations around the world
One of the most celebrated holidays in the world is just around the corner. Each country has its own Halloween customs and traditions and we’re going to take a trip around the globe to give you information on what to find in all of our TEFL destinations. Find below different Halloween Celebrations around the world: The idea of Halloween has merged religious, cultural and social traditions from past generations and is unique to each country. Halloween has always been celebrated around the world, even before the typical Americanised, costume-wearing traditions started. The idea is that life and death are inevitably linked and a way for the living to maintain strong ties with their deceased loved ones. Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated on 31 October. It originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would light fires to ward off ghosts. The Celts celebrated their New Year on 1 November and the day marked the end of the summer and the beginning of winter, which was linked to death (they were way ahead of Game of Thrones ominously talking about how “Winter is Coming”!) They believed that the night before their New Year, the lines between the realms of the living and the dead became blurred and so they celebrated Samhain. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated 1 November as a time to honor all saints, with the 31st becoming All Hallows Eve and later Halloween. The day after, 2 November, was then given and celebrated as All Souls’ Day, a day to remember lost relatives and to pay respect to the dead. In most countries people will take flowers to the cemetery and get together with family to remember their lost loved-ones. Halloween celebrations in ITALY Italian Halloween Vocabulary All Saints’ Day – Tutti i Santi All Souls’ Day – Typical Italian Food and celebrations for Halloween Italians usually cook a cake called Ossi dei morti, or Bones of the Death and families join together to have lunch. The more traditional families set the table and then go to the church to pray. The doors to the houses would have been left open so that deceased souls can enter while the family are at church. Our best Halloween plan in Italy for Halloween Are you planning to spend Halloween in Italy? Rome, the Italian capital, has an abundance of catacombs, dark legends and museums dedicated to macabre themes, such as the Museo delle anime del Purgatorio. If you would like to teach English in Italy check the link for more information about the TEFL program. Halloween in SPAIN Spanish Halloween Vocabulary All Saints’ Day – el Día de Todos los Santos Typical Spanish Food and celebrations for Halloween Since it’s a national holiday throughout the country, this day is usually spent with family. Traditionally, Spanish people bring flowers to their deceased and they eat typical pastries, such as Huesos de Santo (saint’s bones) or Buñuelos de Viento (wind fritters). Our best Halloween plan in Spain for Halloween The classical US Halloween party has been increasingly accepted in many Spanish provinces, becoming a widely celebrated party. Madrid host lots of themed parties and people also dress up. Many bars are decorated with Halloween ornaments and even attraction parks as El Parque de Atracciones gets ready for the occasion with scary characters and scary attractions. Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Madrid, Spain. Check the TEFL program here! Halloween in CZECH REPUBLIC Czech Halloween Vocabulary All Souls’ Day – Dusicky Our best Halloween plan in Czech Republic for Halloween Did you know that Prague is one of the few cities in the world with a statue dedicated to a ghost? The capital of the Czech Republic is considered one of the main European capitals of esotericism and is also said to be haunted. So if you are spending a year in Prague you can’t miss their Halloween celebrations. When in Prague, you can visit the biggest graveyard in Prague, Olsany Cemetery and of course you can join any of the parties that the city hosts. Halloween celebrations in the bars and clubs are cool and have as much mysterious charm as the city itself. Check this link to learn more about TEFL program in Prague. Halloween in FRANCE If you are in France and for those who want to experience a scary Halloween you need to visit any of the main cemeteries that have been in Paris since the early nineteenth century, like best the Père-Lachaise cemetery or Montparnasse. Our best Halloween plan in France for Halloween There are also organized visits to tombs and mausoleums that are true works of art. If you want to really enjoy Halloween in Paris, our pick of the plans is Paris chill Racing, a bike ride through Paris in fancy dress (the best costume wins a prize). However, there is also a more traditional celebration called Toussaint (All Saints) and is performed between 1 and 2 November. Locals decorate graves with flowers and put lanterns to light them. Check our France TEFL program and do not miss the opportunity to visit this enchanted country. Halloween in THAILAND As Thailand is mostly Buddhist, Halloween is not a local tradition but the country has its own culture of ghosts, spirits and supernatural legends. Typical celebrations for Halloween Phi Ta Khon or festival of ghosts would be the equivalent to a Thai Halloween. This celebration held during 22 and 23 June is all about superstition, beliefs and processions with people dressed as ghosts. However, Thailand is known for having some of the best nightlife in the world and so you’ll find Halloween parties on the 31 October. In Bangkok you’ll experience amazing costumes, great DJs, and prizes. Here you will find all you need to know about teach English and live an adventure in Thailand. Halloween in COSTA RICA Typical celebrations for Halloween In Costa Rica, 31 October is called Dia de la Mascarada, Day of the Masquerade and parades
4 reasons to spend your year abroad in Barcelona
If you’re planning on teaching English in Europe, sunny Spain offers some of the best options with exceptional courses in both Madrid and Barcelona. Here we give you four reasons why spending a year abroad in Barcelona should be at the top of your list when it comes to choosing a destination to teach English. Barcelona is an incredible city located in northeast of Spain on the Mediterranean coast, boasts beautiful world-famous beaches, show-stopping theatres, must-visit museums and a fantastic nightlife. Best Mediterranean climate When moving to Barcelona you will find clear skies, a short and mild winter, and a long, hot summer. This wonderful climate is perfect to enjoy the city beaches right in the center of town or hop on the 20-minute train ride and enjoy the quiet, picturesque coast. Less than an hour from Barcelona, you get to small beach towns, like Begur or wander through the streets of famous Sitges. During the winter months they’re empty and peaceful and in the summer months they are full of terrazas where you can people watch while enjoying a refreshing sangria. Apart from that there are many tapas bars, cafes, roof terraces and pools to get that Vitamin D whole year round! A true foodie’s paradise The city is full of great restaurants, markets and traditional and modern bars. Make sure to plan a visit to The Boqueria Market and get some vegetables, meat, fish and thousands of other traditional products. Barcelona is home to 21 Michelin-starred restaurants and the Catalan cuisine is a mix of heritage, innovation, tradition and creativity. Get ready to discover Catalan cuisine for yourself! Bonus tip, be sure to try out paella at the 7Portes restaurant. Over fifty Nobel laureates, artists like Picasso, Miró, Alberti and Dalí, actors and many more have visited this restaurant throughout its history. Additionally, each place is engraved with every famous guests’ names. Landmarks and historical monuments Barcelona is jam-packed full of architecture from the Gothic and art nouveau periods, as well as modern architecture; many of them famous landmarks and tourist attractions. With the Barcelona Pass you can get free or reduced admission to many attractions like La Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, La Pedrera or Park Güell between others. All these places will make your stay in Barcelona really unforgettable, whimsical and 100% Instagram-worthy. Transport throughout the city is fantastic Buses, subways, trains, cable cars, bikes… Every type of public transport is available in Barcelona. The trains have lines to almost every city in Spain and the airport is located 15 kilometers southwest from the center and 3 kilometers from the Port of Barcelona. The airport has cheap flight options, and there is a great bus service so you won’t have to spend a lot of money to explore the delights of northeast Spain. Start planning your year abroad in Barcelona now! Click here to check out our TEFL prices and dates. And share with us your thoughts about the city on Facebook!
Movies that give you wanderlust
Movies have the power to transport us to a different world, without even moving from the couch. If you’re looking for the next destination, or stuck in a rut and hoping to get out, get some popcorn, settle in and get inspired for your next adventure! Here are the movies that give you wanderlust: Movies to inspire travel through Europe Thinking on travelling to Europe? These movies will give you a great insight into various European cities: Midnight in Paris, set in the French capital, provides you with a view of the most emblematic areas in Paris. Woody Allen’s film begins in Monet’s Garden, home of impressionist painter Claude Monet and through venue des Camoens and its view of the Eiffel Tower to the double-decker Pont Bir Hakeim, among others. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, Volver, is a portrait of Madrid told through the lives of three different women. This movie will take you into authentic Spanish neighborhoods and to different regions of Spain. The Great Beauty, set in Rome and premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, offers a magical tour of the city, courtesy of its director Paolo Sorrentino. Some of the locations that stand out in the movie include Via Veneto, monument Lungo Tevere, 5-hectare public park Parco Degli Acquedotti and Villa del Priorato, a fortified monastery. Movies that inspire travel through South America If a more relaxed vibe is your thing and you feel like exploring South America, you would be amazed by 180º South, directed by Chris Malloy who is a former professional surfer. This film narrates the journey of adventurer Jeff Johnson as he travels from California to Patagonia. Both a road trip movie and an insight into the history of the region, you’ll get a glimpse at places like Easter Island, some parts of Mexico and Chile. Another great option is About Us, a 2016 Costa Rican movie selected as one of the Best Foreign Language Films at the 89th Academy Awards. Director Hernán Jiménez portrays the story of a young couple that decides to travel to Santa Teresa de Cóbano, a stunning beach in Costa Rica. Movies that inspire travel through Asia To complete the list and give you a taste of Asia, here are some great movies to give you wanderlust: Indochine, directed by Régis Wargnier, is a movie that inspired thousands to pack their bags, get a ticket and travel to Vietnam. This romantic movie was shot mainly in Imperial City, Hue, Ha Long and Ninh Binh in Vietnam. If you are more into thrillers Wish You Were Here, should jump to the top of your to-watch list. Kieran Darcy-Smith recreates a travel film that follows four friends on holiday to Cambodia’s coastal area of Sihanoukville. Although the movie plot was written with the thriller-lovers in mind, the beach shots are amazing! Did any of the movies above inspire you? Do you feel like planning a trip to Europe, South America or Asia? We can help with choosing your perfect destinations! Check out our TEFL Courses abroad to get more detailed info about these locations and many more! Did we miss any of the movies that inspired you to travel? Follow us on Facebook to comment on the ones that we should add to this list!
3 benefits of moving to a new country
We’ve all been there; on the edge of making a decision that will change your life forever. Deciding whether or not to move to live in a new country is definitely one of these decisions but we firmly believe that it will end up being one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. In this blog we give you 3 reasons why moving to a new country is the right choice. Read on to find out more… Boosting your confidence levels The process of moving to a new country is a test in itself! The very fact that you are considering moving to take guts and it’s a great challenge and opportunity for self-development and growth. You will gain experience in tackling different situations and issues to do with adapting to changes, the culture and also maybe the language. You’ll learn to think on your feet and become more self-reliant and trust your own decisions. All this means that you’ll become more confident and realize that you’re capable of far more than you think! Learning a new language Another advantage of moving to a new country is that it can lead to you learning a new language. Whether you want to learn a language just for fun or want to improve your language skills for better career opportunities, nothing forces you to improve like having to survive living in a new country. Having to ask for the time, renting an apartment, getting used to the transport systems and new food vocabulary; all these are things that will get you out your comfort zone and help you learn the language by doing, not just by learning! Plus, you’re more likely to retain the knowledge more than just learning in a local classroom. Learning a new language also enhances your ability to make decisions, multitask and it even helps sharpen your mind! This will also give you a big advantage if you’re job hunting in the future. Gives you a new perspective You will meet people from somewhere different, with a different outlook on life and you’ll begin to see and understand different ways of thinking about things. If you move to a large city, you’ll meet people from all over the world, whereas if you move somewhere more compact, you’ll get an authentically local experience. Whichever destination you choose, you’ll be forced out of your comfort zone. Often times it can help discover the things that really matter to you and therefore become a much more balanced person. Each country individually will help you improve in a different way depending on their culture and way of seeing things. Find out which TEFL destination suits you best!
Top 5 carnivals in the world
Are you spending some time abroad traveling or teaching English and are curious about the season of carnivals? TEFL Connect has tons of info to help you out! Carnivals have a western Christian and Greek orthodox origin and throughout the history they’ve migrated to different parts of the world, evolving and taking on more and more local traits and traditions. The main festivities usually take place during February or early March. It involves street parties, parades, competitions and other entertainments. A lot of locals wear costumes and masks turning the week of carnival in a festival of colours. No wonder, that we at TEFL Connect highly recommend you to visit your local carnival if you’re teaching English abroad. Here we present our top 5 not to miss, and the best thing is that you can easily get to at least one of them from all of our TEFL Course Destinations: Venice Carnival Italy This Italian Carnival lasts for 10 days and is one of the oldest in the world. It’s said that it started after a victory of the Republic of Venice against the patriarch of Achillea in 1162. They went out on the streets to dance and celebrate the victory, thus starting the tradition. Masks are very important in this celebration, and can you think of any other city more famous for its masks, than Venice? They are made of various different materials, like cloths, leather, porcelain or even pieces made using the original glass technique. Venice is also one of the most romantic destinations. During the carnival they have the Grand Venice Balls which makes it a chosen destination for couples wanting to enjoy this beautiful celebration. If you’re in Rome, Venice is just a 3.5h train ride or an hour flight away from Venice. It’s even quicker to get there from Florence. But even if you’re not in Italy, there are dozens of flights that can bring you there in about two hours from all around Europe. Rio de Janeiro Brazil It’s considered the biggest carnival in the world with around 2 million people on the street every day. Many of the samba schools from around the country participate in the event. They put together choreography and parade on the streets, often getting the crowd to participate with them. Music and dance are very important for this celebration. Rio de Janeiro definitely has the most colorful, flashiest costumes and the best dance moves. Something to visit at least once in a lifetime for sure! Just remember that you might need to get tickets to some of the events. It’s quite a trip to Rio from anywhere in the world, but if you’re doing a TEFL Course in Costa Rica or Argentina you’ll get there in no time! You can also use carnival as a final point if you’re planning a bigger trip. Notting Hill Carnival England It’s the biggest one in Europe that welcomes more than 2 million people in a festivity to celebrate the Caribbean culture. This tradition started in 1966 and continues every year after it. The London School of Samba and the Paraiso School of Samba are the ones responsible for bringing this party to the streets of Notting Hill. This carnival is a mixture of music and more than 40 points where people can stop to hear good music and try some Caribbean dishes! This is also the only carnival on our list that takes place in August instead of February/March. On the bright side, this means you can fit two carnivals in your year abroad teaching English in Europe. Our Madrid course has especially good flight connections with low-cost airlines, like Ryanair! Mardi Gras New Orleans, USA New Orleans hosts the biggest carnival in the US. During this event the streets are filled with music and the parades are dedicated to mythological characters such as Edimião, Orfeu, Bacchus and King Zulu. There’s nothing like a mystical atmosphere of New Orleans French quarters and you can experience it in its best and brightest. Although a lot of the events are happening after it gets dark and city fills with lights, this is also a family event so it’s common to see families enjoying a nice picnic around the Mississippi River. This festivity gathers around 250.000 people on the streets and is something truly worth a trip. Get your tickets in advance to make the most of it. Carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain This carnival is the second biggest one in the world after the one in Rio de Janeiro and it’s right in Europe on the Island of eternal spring, doesn’t it sound amazing? Every year the Canary Islands get ready for its biggest celebration of the year. They even broke a world record in 1987 with the biggest open-air concert with more than 250.000 people, so you can easily become part of history the next time they decide to do something as grand. Every year different people present themselves for the title of Carnival Queen. This is a very colorful spectacle with the most unusual costumes! There is also a competition where adults and children compete against their peers to see who is the most eloquent. These usually happen before the carnival starts, but you’ll see the winners during the parades. After the Queen’s coronation, the party starts with various activities and everyone can participate! If you’re teaching English in Spain after one of our courses there, add this to your bucket list. Ryanair and Iberia Express (popular low-cost airlines) will have plane tickets for about 30-40 euro if you buy in advance and you don’t need to pay for entrance tickets once the main carnival starts. Do you know any other countries with great carnivals that are on your travel list? Follow us on Facebook and let us know of your favorites! Also, be sure to check all of our TEFL destinations to choose the one that you’ll enjoy the most!
