The Teaching Abroad Pod

In this 50th episode of The Teaching Abroad Pod , Rowan and Ashley sit down with Glen Galindo and Hector Arias from Minga House Foundation to show you how to achieve your dream job in Colombia. They discuss the pros and cons of applying from abroad, how to find the best benefits, and whether Colombia is still a "risky" place to teach.

In this episode, Ashley and Rowan discuss some of the best countries to consider for teaching abroad in 2024 in terms of savings potential, benefits, breadth of positions available, short-term opportunities, and start date timing. They also share some (potentially odd?) ideas of things to bring with you when moving to a new country for an overseas job, and where you can find valuable information a...

In this episode Ashley and Rowan speak with ESL Teacher Kirsten about many of the joys, and some challenges, she's experienced during her almost 7 years of teaching in Japan. She reflects on instructing students ranging in age from 0-19, why she chose Japan as her teaching destination, the island of sandwich-stealing bunnies, red flags to avoid in your job search, strategies for resolving employer...

In this episode co-hosts Ashley and Rowan reminisce about some of the joys and oddities of teaching in Japan and Korea, before chatting with super experienced TESL Instructor Bryan Fox, who has been training teachers with Oxford Seminars since 2006. Having taught in 8 countries on 5 continents, Bryan's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to living in far flung reaches such as Australia, Iraq, Japa...

In this episode new co-host Ashley gives some insight on how to get pumped up to teach kids early in the morning. After the break, we sit down with English teacher Christian Epp to learn about his four-plus years of teaching in Taiwan. He enlightens listeners on strategies for making new friends abroad, top spots for hiking, food to check out, why he ultimately decided on Taiwan as a teaching dest...

This episode is all about teaching in Spain! We begin with some details about the new Digital Nomad Visa for Spain, a great option for those well-paid online teachers jet setting around the world, and end with information about how a work-study project can be a good foot in the door for Europe. The highlight, however, is a wide-ranging interview with Christopher Wynne, the founder of Educados Inte...

In this episode Joe and Rowan speak with guest Victor about the benefits of getting TEFL certified before teaching abroad, including how to keep students' attention both in-class and online. He also shares some insights on how to land a job in Mexico, recommended things to see, do, and eat there from a local's perspective, and the symbolism of the emblem on the national flag, which dates back to t...

In this episode, Janice and Rowan discuss some of the differences you may encounter while teaching ESL domestically, as compared to abroad, and highlight exciting new short-term openings in Colonial Antigua. The star of the show, however, is Costa Rica recruiting specialist Lintonia Davis, who tells us all about food and travel recommendations, as well as both online and hybrid in-country teaching...

In this episode Rowan highlights some new, exciting hybrid teaching opportunities in Guanacaste and Limon, Costa Rica, as well as the high salaries on offer in China currently. The star of this show, however, is English Teacher Michael Onischuk, who just returned from over four years of living and working in China. He tells us all about his experience during the pandemic, favorite foods to try, si...

In this episode Rowan recollects his Christmas with family on the Costa Rican coast, and after the break speaks with returning guest Patricia Persaud about how she found, and works at, a university on the sea in Mexico’s Oaxaca state network. Learn all about job search tips, seaside towns, bioluminescence, and more!

In this special holiday episode Rowan and co-host Alex reminisce about  celebrating the season abroad, and share some strategies for enjoying  Thanksgiving and Christmas far from family. After the break, three-peat  guest Hailey gives some insight on how to have good Christmas holiday in  South Korea, and shares some exciting new spots to check out on the  Seoul Café circuit. Be sure to check out...

In this episode, Rowan recounts some highlights from his recent trip to  Panama, including reviews of the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo and his  visit to the famed eponymous canal. After the break traveler, teacher,  writer, online teaching business owner, and drone pilot Mia Townsend  shares travel tips and stories of her adventures in Costa Rica, Japan,  and Thailand. She also gives some advice...

In this episode, Rowan recaps some of the wildlife and nature highlights from his first few months in Costa Rica before Lucas and Rowan get to chat with three-time guest Brian Knox McGugan about his new job teaching post-secondary students. Brian elaborates on how he was able to secure a university teaching position and work permit from within Thailand, and shares some teaching and travel highligh...

In Rowan's return to the host chair he chats with Lucas about what it's been like settling into the pure life of Costa Rica. They talk about favorite foods, sights to see, things to do, and more!

In this episode, Alex and Lucas speak to Oxford Seminars grad Kim, a digital nomad living the good life in Europe. They discuss her many adventures, cheap beer, seafood, as well as tips on how to make the most out of your ESL certification while you travel the EU. Join us for a discussion of life in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and more!

In this episode, Alex and Luke sit down to discuss Luke's time in Japan,  diving into what it's really like to live and work in the Land of the Rising Sun. Employment options, housing options, food, country versus city - everything you always wanted to know about Japan but were afraid to ask. If you're even considering teaching in Japan, you should  definitely check this one out!   You might also...

In this episode Luke and Alex get to experience the energy and enthusiasm of teacher and traveler extraordinaire Christian Molette. Christian has previously taught at private, public and international schools in the U.S., as well as in Shenzhen, China, and his latest adventure has taken him to Berlin, Germany. Christian hit the ground running in Berlin and is now busy teaching both online and in-p...

In this episode, Alex and Luke sit down with Graciela Vallejo from the New Learning Academy in Costa Rica. Graciela provides detailed insight into what it's like to live and teach in Costa Rica, and some of the unique reasons Costa Rica remains one of the region's top teaching and travel destinations. If it's not already on your bucket list, you will surely want to add Costa Rica after listening t...

In this episode Rowan tells a tale of woe as to why he should have used a recruiter instead of taking the first position he found on a job board. After the break, we get the inside scoop on submitting a successful application from a top Korean recruiter. And sadly, our inaugural host James bids a fond farewell to his loyal listeners.

In this episode James and Alex chat with Oxford Seminars graduate Anna Lang about how she has adjusted to the language, food, and culture of life in Japan, some recommendations for things to see and do, as well as what it's like being the 4th grade homeroom teacher at an international school. Anna offers some great insights into understanding the cultural norms of a Japanese school, as well as dea...

All the beer-loving hosts were in attendance for this opportunity to talk to Trevor Lehoux and Becky Lu of Skeleton Park Brewery to learn about how teaching in Taiwan led to the founding of a craft brewery, and what exciting brews are in the pipeline. We also discussed what it's like living and teaching in Formosa, and the types of jobs you might encounter.

In this episode, Alex and Rowan speak with Becca and Ashley from The Leadership Center in rural Honduras. Our guests describe some of the unique experiences they've had living and working on campus with their students, and tell us more about the center's mission to help empower Honduran women through providing access to English education and further professional development opportunities.

Looking back over the first year of the pod, James, Alex, and Rowan reminisce about some of their favorite interviews with special guests including a café expert in Korea, a world traveling teacher/TESOL course instructor, two top recruiters, and an Olympic champion! We're so grateful to the many excellent guests who joined us over the last 12 months. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week.

In this episode Rowan reminisces about his time as a volunteer teacher in Cuba. After the break James and Rowan talk to multi-country volunteer Dale Ezyk about the many rewards and adventures available to volunteer English instructors around the world.

In this episode, Rowan and Alex discuss current and upcoming overseas teaching opportunities with recruitment specialist Phil Negus from ESLstarter . Phil describes how an early career shift took him to Thailand to try his hand at teaching English, and points out some of the differences between teaching in Thailand, Korea and Taiwan. Phil also explains how he subsequently transitioned from teacher...