If you and your partner have decided to take on the world of TEFL, this could be the start of many great adventures for you both. After all, exploring the world together and sharing experiences are the ultimate couple goals. There are many advantages to going on a new TEFL couple adventure!

• Moving abroad for the first time is much easier if you go with someone you know and trust. It eliminates a lot of the nerves and initial loneliness! This is especially true if you plan to move far away from home.
• Teaching English is an exciting job, and teaching abroad will leave you with some epic stories – if there are two of you, then there is double the fun and stories to share!
• Moving abroad to teach English is a fantastic opportunity. Who better to share it with than your partner? This way, no one misses out, and you can have the adventure of a lifetime together!

What are some essential things to consider when teaching abroad as a couple?

Location

If you apply to teach via a programme or internship, you can request that you be placed in the same school or city. However, this is not guaranteed 100%, so it’s important to factor this in when you apply.

If you apply for a TEFL job independently, consider whether you would like to work together in the same place. Sometimes spending all day at work together and then going home together can be overwhelming for your relationship. It might be better to apply for separate schools in the same area. This is why you can enjoy your own experiences and make your friends. It would be best if you focused on bigger cities with more job opportunities for the best chance of doing this. It is unlikely that a small town will be able to accommodate both of your job needs.

Living arrangements and legal issues

Ensure you thoroughly research where you are going and local laws for couples. There are countries in the Middle East where unmarried countries are not permitted to live together and some countries where public displays of affection are also frowned upon or even illegal. This might be a big deal breaker for you, so check this before you decide! If you are a married couple, then this makes things slightly more manageable. Additionally, if you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, you want to ensure you won’t be discriminated against or even arrested, so it’s a good idea to research LGBTQ+-friendly countries.

Job offers

Some countries will offer a combined deal for couples, including jobs, accommodation and allowance. If you are interested in this, the potential package can be advantageous for both of you. Ensure that you consider the living costs of the place you are moving to and whether you will both have enough to live comfortably. If you have a family, these jobs will make it easier to bring your family, including for visas. 

Socialising 

When a couple moves abroad, it can be straightforward to stick together and not reach out to make other friends. Try to avoid this by throwing yourselves into the social scene. Often people perceive that a couple doesn’t want to socialise with others, so make sure you are open and let others know that you want to make an effort!

It’s always better for each person to make friends and socialise in a bigger group. Don’t feel that you always have to do everything together. If one person has a particular interest or hobby, they might want to join a club – they don’t necessarily have to enter it with their partner! If each person makes friends, you can have a giant social circle that you can bring together!

Choosing the right place for you as a couple is essential. Researching all the points above is an excellent place to start and see if the country is a good fit for you. Take the time to read about other people’s experiences by searching for blogs.

Italy 

When you think of romance, you think of Italy! So why not head there with your partner? You can live la dolce vita together and be the envy of everyone back home! There are many exciting cities where you can apply for jobs: Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples, to name a few! Italy’s transport system makes it easy to explore so on the weekends, you can have a lot of adventures together! 

To head to Italy, you will most likely apply independently for jobs as they don’t tend to offer packages for couples, so it is better to check out bigger cities with more positions available. With two salaries, you can live comfortably in an Italian town but be sure to factor in additional living costs to this!

Thailand

Thailand is a country with many different placements and programmes for TEFL teachers. This makes it easier for couples or friends to apply together. They can often be placed in the same school or area upon request. It’s essential to check with the company or provider about the likelihood of this happening so you can be prepared. 

Thailand’s fast-growing TEFL market is a trendy destination for newly-qualified and experienced teachers. You are exploring Thailand while teaching could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your partner. Cities with towering skyscrapers and amazing beaches and islands are waiting to be explored!

Thailand actively promotes itself as LGBTQ+ friendly in its tourism campaigns, and its people are well-known for being welcoming and full of smiles. It is frequently listed as one of the most LGBTQ+-close destinations to live in and travel to. However, same-sex marriage is currently not legal in Thailand, but there are hopes that this will change shortly. 

South Korea 

South Korea is another country where packages can be offered for TEFL couples. If you decide to take an internship or apply for a programme, you can request to be placed together or in the same city. You will most likely be given your apartment each if you are unmarried.

One of the benefits of teaching English in South Korea is the attractive salaries that the country offers. It has some of the best wages in the world for English teachers, although teachers must be native English speakers to obtain a visa and live in South Korea. A degree is also preferred.

South Korea is an exciting country with a blend of modern comforts and tradition. Cities like Seoul and Busan are fast-paced and have the latest tech and products. However, you are never too far away from the traditional with beautiful temples throughout the country.

Spain 

There are a lot of opportunities for TEFL teachers in Spain, with many cities offering jobs in local language schools. Some of these include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, or the Canary Islands if you’re interested in island life! 

Spain offers a cheaper cost of living, and on two TEFL salaries, a couple can live comfortably in many of the beautiful cities that Spain has to offer. Life is often more relaxed, and you can usually rely on good weather all year round, depending on your chosen city.

Not to mention that Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world, so if you’re looking for somewhere more open-minded, it’s a great choice. Many Spanish cities have welcoming communities with LGBTQ+ events and establishments. Did you know that Spain was one of the first countries in the world to legalise same-sex marriage?

Japan

For more attractive package offers as a couple or family, Japan can be a lucrative option with higher salaries. Apartments are often included in the job offer. One thing to consider is that they often give couples an apartment they would typically offer to single people. The apartments are smaller than you might be used to, so this is something to be aware of when applying as a couple. If you apply for a language school, you will be given this apartment to share!

Suppose you both have degrees and experience teaching. In that case, you might want to try applying for a job at a university where the salaries will be higher, and the accommodation is more extensive, as they tend to cater more for couples who have more experience between them. University jobs also typically offer bonuses such as more paid holiday time.

Although we often think of Tokyo when thinking about Japan, there are many other cities where you can teach and live a calmer lifestyle, such as Kyoto or Osaka. Japan is a beautiful country, with lots to see and do in your free time and holidays!

In Conclusion

If you’ve decided exciting about new TEFL careers together, then options are available for you. Make sure you consider more aspects, as moving abroad to teach English together can differ from driving solo. You also want to ensure it’s the correct country for you and your partner.

If you are heading to places such as East Asia or the Middle East, then there may be more attractive job offers aimed at couples and families, so consider if these work better for you as a TEFL couple. Once you’ve chosen a location, make sure you are both TEFL qualified and start planning your applications and your dream life abroad together!