The Best Countries for Single Women to Teach English Abroad
Many women around the world are eager to start a new career in teaching English as a foreign language. Whether it's straight after graduating from college, in their mid-20s or 30s or later on in life, women from all backgrounds are intrigued by the thought of living and working in a different country abroad. However, many of them feel reluctant and ask "Is it safe for single women to teach English abroad?"
Table of Contents
Safe Countries for Female Teachers
Teaching English in Asia as a Single Woman
Teaching English in the Middle East as a Single Woman
Teaching English in Europe as a Single Woman
Teaching English in Latin America as a Single Woman
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You are not Alone
You might be surprised to hear that around 60% of all English teachers abroad are women. In fact, there are usually between 500 and 5,000 foreign teachers, men and women, living in many major cities across Asia, Europe and Latin America. This creates tight-knit expat communities across the world with like-minded individuals experiencing the same situation as you. So while you might embark on your adventure as a single woman, you are not alone in your new country.
Safe Countries for Female Teachers
Naturally, no place on this earth is 100% completely safe and common sense and being aware of your surroundings is advised wherever you are. However, if you look at crime rate statistics you will see that in popular teaching destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Abu Dhabi violent crime is far less likely than in cities like Philadelphia, New York or Dallas.
Teaching English in Asia as a Single Woman
Asia offers some of the safest countries in the world to live and work. Places such as Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have the lowest crime rates in the region and are popular countries for male and female EFL teachers alike. Teachers in these regions also receive high salaries and benefit packages and are able to save up to $1,000 or more per month.
Southeast Asia also offers great opportunities for female teachers, especially countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Here, salaries might be slightly lower but a laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals and a vibrant culture make up for that.
Teaching English in the Middle East as a Single Woman
While it is true that certain countries in the Middle East might not be suitable for some female teachers due to cultural differences in regards to the role of women in society, the United Arab Emirates are amongst the top 20 countries with the lowest crime rates in the world. And as more than 80% of the population in Dubai are expatriates from all corners of the world, this makes the UAE a safe, multicultural hub with unlimited opportunities for qualified English teachers.
Teaching English in Europe as a Single Woman
Currently, Finland has the lowest crime rate in the world, making it a great place to live. However, there are many other exciting locations in Europe that offer amazing opportunities for female English teachers and are safe at the same time. Portugal and Spain are two great examples of safe European countries that also have a high demand for qualified teachers year-round.
Teaching English in Latin America as a Single Woman
Latin America is often portrayed as a dangerous region that is full of violent gangs and drug wars. However, while there certainly are places in the region that are probably best avoided, especially for solo female teachers and travelers, there are also plenty of safe cities with large expat communities. Countries that are popular with single women teachers include Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica and Peru.
Useful Tips Before You Go
Feel free to get in touch with the embassy in the country you are interested in teaching in and ask questions about safety issues and quality of life. Alternatively, bloggers can also provide useful insight into what it's really like living in a certain country. Even though you might hear horrible news about a place on TV, it doesn't necessarily mean you should avoid it altogether. Finally, read up on as much information as possible on the destination of your choice. For example our country guides offer a range of information on culture, lifestyle, language and much more to help you decide if it's a fit for you or not.
Are you ready to begin your teaching adventure?
As you can see, you can teach virtually anywhere in the world as a single female and stay safe, make friends and have a good time abroad. A TEFL or TESOL certificate is the first step that will open doors to unlimited opportunities in all corners of the globe.
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