Many travellers teach English abroad long term, its a smart, tried and tested way to see the world without burning through your savings. In fact, it’s one of the few options where you can live overseas, earn a wage and travel all at once. If you’ve ever dreamed of long-term travel but wondered how to afford it, this might be the answer.
In this post, we’ll look at how teaching English can support a slower, more meaningful way of travelling. We’ll also show you how to make the most of your time abroad, both financially and culturally. If you’re not familiar with what slow travel means, have a look at this post on the basics of slow travel.
Why Teaching English Abroad is Ideal for Long-Term Travel
The appeal of teaching English abroad is that it lets you live in a new country while earning money. But more than that, it allows you to:
Settle into a place for months or years This gives you the chance to experience real life in a different culture. You’re not just passing through, snapping photos. You start to notice the daily rhythm of your neighbourhood, get to know local shopkeepers and perhaps even become a regular at a café or gym. It’s a way of travelling that lets you understand a place on a deeper level.
Travel to nearby countries during holidays or weekends Teaching jobs often come with regular breaks and long weekends, so you’re in a perfect position to travel regionally. For example, teaching in Spain could mean weekend getaways to France or Morocco. Working in Thailand? You’re just a budget flight away from Vietnam or Malaysia. Your base becomes a springboard for wider travel.
Save up for future travel or move on to the next teaching job Since the cost of living is often lower in teaching destinations, it’s possible to save a portion of your earnings. With the right job, you could cover your expenses and still set money aside to fund more travel, pay off debt or support future goals. Many teachers line up their next role while still abroad, creating a smooth transition from one country to another.
It’s different from a round-the-world backpacking trip. You’re not constantly on the move, which means you get to slow down, experience daily life in a new place and travel in a more relaxed, thoughtful way.
Where to Start
If you’re just starting out, here are a couple of posts to help you:
You’ll find practical steps on getting a TEFL certificate, what to expect from employers and how to apply for jobs.
Choosing the Right Country for a Slower Lifestyle
Not all teaching jobs are created equal. Some countries pay more, some have a lower cost of livingand some are better suited to a slower pace of life.
Here are a few good options:
-
Thailand or Vietnam: Low cost of living, great food and a relaxed way of life
-
Spain or Portugal: Good work-life balance and easy travel around Europe
-
South Korea or Taiwan: Higher salaries and efficient transport for weekend trips
If you choose carefully, you’ll have enough time and money to enjoy life not just get by.
Make the Most of School Holidays and Long Weekends
One of the best parts of teaching is the built-in breaks. Most jobs include paid holidays, national holidays and school terms that give you time to travel.
Some ideas:
-
Use summer breaks for longer trips (Japan, Bali, Europe)
-
Plan long weekends in nearby cities or islands
-
Join local trips or weekend tours
Teaching gives you a base. Travel becomes easier because you don’t have to plan from scratch every time.
How to Live Like a Local While Travelling Slowly
Living like a local while teaching abroad means going beyond the tourist experience and settling into the daily rhythm of your host country. One of the best ways to do this is by learning a bit of the local language. You don’t need to be fluent, but picking up key phrases helps you navigate everyday tasks, connect with locals and show respect for the culture. Apps like Duolingo or joining local conversation classes can make a big difference.
Instead of shopping in large supermarkets or chains, try visiting local markets for fresh produce, household items and street snacks. You’ll get better prices, support small businesses and become familiar with your neighbourhood. Over time, you’ll start recognising faces and even get tips on the best deals from stall owners.
Using public transport rather than taxis or ride share apps is another simple way to integrate into local life. Learn how the buses, trains or metro systems work not only will it save money, but you’ll see more of the city and feel more connected to how locals get around.
Making friends with local colleagues, neighbours or other expats is important too. Attend language exchanges, join sports clubs or volunteer for local events. These are good ways to meet people and get to know your new home.
Finally, avoid rushing through big-name attractions. Take your time discovering smaller towns, local parks, quiet temples or family-run cafes. The joy of slow travel is that you can experience a place fully, not just see the surface.
What Daily Life Looks Like While Teaching and Travelling Abroad
One of the most rewarding parts of this lifestyle is settling into a daily rhythm that’s both familiar and new. While every country is different, many teachers find a routine that includes:
-
Morning routines: Grabbing coffee from a street vendor or café near your flat, commuting by bike or trainand preparing lessons for the day ahead.
-
Workdays: Most teaching schedules run from mid-morning to early evening, often with breaks in between. Some schools offer split shifts, while others have block schedules. After school, you may have a tutoring session or just time to relax.
-
Meals: Lunch might be something quick and local noodle soup, a tapas plate or a lunchbox from a nearby shop. Dinner is a chance to try new foods or cook at home with ingredients from a local market.
-
Weekends: Teachers abroad often spend weekends discovering nearby towns, beaches or hiking trails. Others use the time to rest, catch up with friends or attend language classes.
-
Community: You’ll likely connect with other expats, local teachers and neighbours. Joining a gym, attending language exchanges or even volunteering are all ways to feel more at home.
-
Create your own community use apps like
Life abroad isn’t only about sightseeing. It’s about establishing a sustainable routine that allows you to truly meld into daily life, all while gradually exploring and understanding a different culture over the long term.
Budgeting Tips: How to Manage Your Money While Living Abroad
Day-to-day budgeting is one of the most important parts of making this lifestyle sustainable. Here are some typical monthly expenses you might expect and ways to keep costs under control:
Ways to save without cutting corners:
Renting a room in a shared flat or accepting accommodation provided by your school can cut your biggest cost significantly. It also helps you meet people quickly and makes the move less stressful.
Eating local food instead of always going to expat cafés or imported supermarkets can reduce your weekly spend and introduce you to local flavours. Street food is often excellent, especially in Asia and much cheaper than cooking Western-style meals every night.
Shopping at local markets for fresh produce and staples will usually save you money and give you a better sense of daily life. Try to avoid imported goods if you’re watching your budget.
CoBuying and cooking your own food is a super way to save. Look online for easy to make recepies if cooking is not your thing.
Public transport is often excellent value, especially in cities like Bangkok, Lisbon or Seoul. If you live close to your school, you might be able to walk or cycle, saving both time and money.
Look for teaching jobs that include housing, a housing allowance or help finding accommodation. Some schools also pay for your visa, flights or health insurance, all of which can add up quickly.
To stay on track, consider using a budgeting apps to keep an eye on your spending. Setting aside a monthly amount for travel can help you avoid overspending during the holidays.
Many teachers are able to live comfortably and still save a decent amount each month enough to fund future trips, pay off debt or build a cushion for the future.
Teaching Online as a Way to Stay Flexible
Some teachers use online platforms to keep travelling while still working. If you already have experience, it’s possible to move to a new country and take your job with you.
Good options include:
-
Cambly
-
Preply
-
Freelance teaching through your own website or local Facebook groups
It gives you the flexibility to travel on your terms while still earning.
A Realistic Travel Lifestyle
Those who teach English abroad long term certainly find it rewarding and though it may not always be glamourous, it gives you the time and stability to travel in a way that’s thoughtful, affordable and long-lasting.
You don’t have to race from country to country. You can build a life, explore properly and still have adventures.
If you’ve ever wondered how to travel more slowly without going broke, teaching might be your way in.
