The Teaching Abroad Pod

What starts with an old poster on a university wall leads to an unforgettable teaching adventure in South Korea. In this 75th episode of the pod, teacher Kelly shares her experience living in Seoul, working in a Korean hagwon, navigating cultural differences, exploring iconic sights, and making the most of the financial and travel opportunities that come with teaching abroad. She also offers pract...

In this episode of the pod, teacher Kendra shares stories from her life and travels in Thailand, from snorkeling adventures and monkey lunch thieves in Lopburi to camping trips and sunflower fields. She also talks about finding the best Thai food, teaching large classes in a military-style school, and the cultural DOs and DON’Ts visitors should know.

In this episode, host Rowan has a wide-ranging conversation with subject-matter expert Dr. Chris DeLuca about the many risks and benefits of artificial intelligence usage in classrooms. Dr. DeLuca enlightens listeners on responsible use of AI, how to educate learners on the potential dangers, fact-checking strategies, designing AI-proof assignments, and so much more. This one should not be missed!

In this episode host Rowan chats with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the founder and executive director of Globe Aware, a US and Canada based nonprofit that leads and mobilizes volunteers for short-term service projects in over 25 countries. She enlightens listeners on the logistics of working with local organizations, the carbon footprint of volunteering, common misconceptions, the best countries for ne...

In this episode host Rowan chats with ESL teacher Tanetta about her years of language instruction in China. She dishes on the differences between teaching in various types of schools, how to make friends in a new country, must-visit places, hidden gems, and taboo subjects NOT to discuss with your students. This is a must-listen conversation if you're considering employment on the mainland.

In this episode host Rowan chats with long-time English instructor Leia Lee about the challenges and successes of teaching in Korea as a Korean. Tune in to find out about a lesser-known job search site to check out, some secrets to landing corporate gigs, strategies to engage adult learners, a spicy hangover cure, and more!

In this episode of the TAP we're joined by a very special guest—the founder of Oxford Seminars—to reflect on a quarter century of evolution in the TEFL industry. We also share our eagerly-anticipated annual top 10 list of the best teaching markets to consider in the new year for savings, culture, climate, short-term opportunities, volunteering, and more! 

In this episode we discuss exploring ancient ruins in Honduras, picking fresh local fruit, and the unexpected sources of culture shock in Central America. Bernice shares her experiences with volunteering as a way to "dip your toes" into teaching abroad, as well as sharing a wealth of fascinating photos from her first foray overseas.

Listen to English and Science Teacher Jay share his insights on the differences and highlights of teaching in Taiwan vs. Thailand, biking, hiking, and diving around Asia, adjusting expectations while overseas, making English lessons fun with science, and so much more!

In this episode super recruiter Madeline Moon returns to the show with some great tips on how to land a teaching position in South Korea. They also talk about how this TEFL market has evolved since host Rowan taught there way back in 2008-2009, current benefits, savings potential, finding work in Seoul, and so much more!

This week, host Rowan speaks with Oxford Seminars graduate Mitra about her life-changing experiences teaching in Colombia. She shares the joys of greeting young language learners, eating fresh Caribbean food, and making a difference in a community. Mitra and Rowan also tackle common ESL teaching questions such as "do I need to know English grammar?" and "is Colombia a safe place to teach abroad?"

In this episode Rowan meets teacher, traveler, and life coach Maiah Hollander to hear about her varied work history teaching English online, in Taiwan, and in Spain. They discuss the different teaching styles and environments you can experience in these locations and program types, from remote, to language school, to assistant teacher. Maiah also provides insight on tips for saving money, best foo...

In this episode, host Rowan speaks with Oxford Seminars graduate Alissa about living and teaching in Thailand, the "Land of Smiles"! They discuss learning to ride a motorcycle, teaching art to kids, accidentally becoming a pad Thai snob, and much more. Also, check out Alissa's blog highlighting her time in Thailand!

In this episode hosts Joe and Rowan discuss year-over-year changes to the annual list of top TEFL markets to consider internationally. They touch on highest salary countries, places that made the list for cultural reasons or short-term job availability, and more. Give it a listen to find out which teaching destinations made this year's list. Check out the blog post that inspired this episode: http...

In this episode, host Rowan speaks with International Teacher and Sueños Compartidos Founder Thomas Davis about starting a non-profit, doing Christmas while teaching overseas, drinking unlimited "hot water" in Burmese tea shops, and much more.

In this episode, host Rowan speaks with Oxford Seminars graduate Mitra Alizadeh about how, as she put it, "teaching ESL forever changed the trajectory of my life". She tells us how getting TESL certified earned her a very well-paying college teaching job, about the student-teacher bonds she developed as an online tutor, and reminisces about how she scored an admin job that allowed her to live amon...

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a discussion about dog meat between 4:38 and 7:15. In this episode, host Rowan speaks with Oxford Seminars graduate Jason about his strangest, scariest, and most interesting experiences abroad, including getting food poisoning overseas, visiting an abandoned amusement park, and learning how to “bring it” to every lesson. Jason holds a BA in History and an Oxf...

In this episode, Rowan has an extended conversation with Oxford Seminars graduate Simone Kist, who has been living la pura vida and sipping chiliguaros in Costa Rica. They discuss island-hopping travels, their top five sights and spots, and what it's like to teach online in 2024.

In this episode hosted by Rowan and Ashley, we once again have the privilege of speaking with teacher/actor/director extraordinaire Brian Knox McGugan as he recounts his most recent globe-trotting adventures. Other topics of discussion include how "bamboo diplomacy" can be used to secure a teaching job in Thailand after age 59, Brian's thesis on the unseen effects of social media use, and good new...

In this episode, host Rowan looks back on some of our favorite guests and moments from the past three years of The Teaching Abroad Pod. You don't want to miss out on the excitement, with almost 20 of our favorite moments that made this episode possible packed together for your pleasure. Do you have a favorite episode? Tell us in the poll on Spotify!

In this episode, host Rowan chats with Oxford Seminars graduate Emilee about her teaching experiences in Indonesia and Spain. Emilee weighs the pros and cons of each location, and provides some TOP TIPS for future teachers, from carefully selecting your climate to getting to know your host family. Emilee also tells us why not to drink sangria in Spain, and whether volunteer teaching is worth it.

In this 54th episode of The Teaching Abroad Pod, Ashley and Rowan sit down for a wide-ranging interview with Jason Wright, the HR Manager of Peppy Kids Club, one of the largest TEFL employers in Japan. Jason shares insights on the life and times of a Peppy Kids teacher, what they're looking for in a candidate, how to prepare your demo lesson, available jobs, prospects for career growth, and genera...

In this episode experienced teacher Susan Day shares her tips for sightseeing in Seoul, must-try Korean foods, how to stretch your salary, making friends abroad, instructional strategies for Korean students, and so much more. Co-host Rowan also has some news on upcoming public and private school openings in Korea, as well as a big change to the document authentication process for Canadian E2 visa...

In this episode Dale Ezyk is back to tell us all about his latest short-term teaching adventure in Latin America – this time in beautiful Guatemala. Dale expounds on the joy you can give a young learner in their language learning journey, even if only for a few weeks, the relationships you build with your host families and fellow teachers, sights to see, and so much more!

In this episode Ashley and Rowan recall some of their holiday entertainment favorites and chat with globe-trotting teacher Dan-Stefan Onila about advice for settling in for the season while abroad. Stefan also regales us with tales of top hot-spots for travelers in China and Romania, explains how teaching in Southeast Asia is like being in another galaxy, shares food and drink recommendations from...