If you’re dreaming of teaching English abroad, Spain, Italy, and Portugal each offer unique experiences, vibrant cultures, and strong demand for English teachers.
(Photo: Steveriot via Flickr/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 )
Teaching English abroad is one of the most rewarding and immersive ways to experience life in a new country – and sun-soaked Southern Europe remains a firm favourite among TEFL teachers. Below, we highlight what makes each country uniquely appealing for TEFL teachers – and give you our top-rated course pick for each destination.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN SPAIN
Spain is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for aspiring English teachers. With its lively cities, Mediterranean climate and friendly communities, Spain makes for an exciting place to start your teaching journey.
Why Spain?
High demand for TEFL teachers:
Thanks to a strong national focus on improving English proficiency, there are plenty of opportunities across the country – particularly in major cities and tourist hotspots. Whether you’re after a buzzing metropolis or a beachside town, you’ll find schools actively hiring.
Rich cultural heritage:
Spain offers a rich blend of history, art and regional traditions that make everyday life an adventure. Outside the classroom, you’ll have the chance to enjoy siestas, street fiestas and one of Europe’s most mouth-watering food scenes.
Flexible school systems:
Whether you’re looking for part-time work or a full-time contract, Spain’s wide range of institutions makes it possible to find a teaching setup that suits your lifestyle. Many roles even allow for long weekends or extended travel breaks.
Top Pick for Spain: The TEFL Institute
Choose The TEFL Institute’s comprehensive courses for excellent job support and internationally recognised certification.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN ITALY
Italy offers stunning scenery, incredible cuisine, and a tradition of welcoming educators from abroad. Whether you want to live in historic Rome, stylish Milan, or a charming Tuscan town, there are abundant teaching opportunities.
Why Italy
Vibrant cities and laid-back countryside options:
From the energy of Rome and Milan to the slower pace of coastal villages and hilltop towns, Italy has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving culture or calm, you can find a location that fits your predilections.
Small class sizes and diverse student age groups:
Many teaching roles offer the chance to work closely with students in more intimate settings, allowing for meaningful connections and tailored lessons. There’s also flexibility in choosing the age group that best suits your strengths.
Ideal for language lovers:
Living in Italy is almost akin to stepping into a Renaissance painting. Cobblestone streets, espresso-fuelled mornings and weekend trips to ancient ruins help make it a dream setting for those inspired by culture and creativity.
Top Pick for Italy: TEFL.ie
TEFL.ie is a leader in providing courses tailored to the Italian market, with ongoing support and job placement guidance.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN PORTUGAL
Portugal’s relaxed coastal vibe, historic cities like Lisbon and Porto, and growing demand for English make it a hidden gem for TEFL teachers.
Why Portugal?
Beautiful landscapes:
From stunning beaches to picturesque villages, Portugal offers an enticing mix of natural beauty and charm. It’s an attractive backdrop for teachers who may be used to working in less scenic environs.
Welcoming communities and a rising demand for English:
As Portugal’s global ties expand, so does the appetite for English fluency – especially in hospitality, tech and corporate environments. Locals are friendly and eager to learn, making the teaching experience especially rewarding.
Affordable cost of living:
Your money stretches further in Portugal, with lower rent, food and transport costs than many neighbouring countries. That means a better quality of life, with scope for café trips, surf lessons and weekend getaways.
Top Pick for Portugal: Premier TEFL
Premier TEFL is a go-to choice for Portugal, offering flexible online and specialised programs, plus great internship options.
Getting Started
Each provider above offers recognised certifications accepted by employers throughout Europe.
All courses are 100% online and include job support, making it easy to start from anywhere.
Be sure to review entry requirements and hiring trends for your chosen country.