The Teaching Abroad Pod (Oxford Seminars)

James and Rowan catch up with Oxford Seminars graduate Truitt Urbanic who's back in America after six years of teaching English in South Korea and Vietnam. Truitt touches on the realities of returning home to a place that has stayed the same while he has changed, as well as future plans for making TEFL a long-term career. He also reminisces about some of the best places to visit as a poli-sci buff and rock climber living in Asia, along with the "magic" of Hanoi's tight-knit ex-pat community.

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 Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification, and has taught English in Korea, China, and Taiwan.

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 about settling in to your new home.

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 issues, and more!

In this episode James and Alex have the unique opportunity to speak with recruitment specialist Madeline Moon about applying to teaching jobs in one of the world's most popular English teaching destinations — South Korea! Madeline provides insights on hiring trends and the evolution of the English teaching market in Korea over the past 20 years, and shares some of her favorite stories from over two decades of experience connecting teachers with schools in Korea. James also divulges one of his favorite guilty pleasures — Korean cheese rabokki, mmmm.

Read Madeline's blog post to learn how ESL teaching skills can translate to the American job market: www.teacher-tech.com/teach-korea-whats-next-career

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-person classes for a number of schools, as well as for private clients. If you're curious to hear from someone who's built a successful and thriving career as an international English teacher, then this episode is for you!

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 the time of the Aztecs. To finish it off, Rowan brings the conversation over the Atlantic with details on exciting new TEFL opportunities in Europe.

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, 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 highlights of his own.

Learn more about the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center on its website.

In this episode, James and Alex talk with guest Ethan Church about what it's like to live and teach in the famed historic city of Sevilla, Spain. Ethan explains how his lifelong passion for soccer (or football, as it's known everywhere else) led to an early interest in traveling and exploring other languages and cultures. Ethan also offers some very thoughtful advice for those thinking of getting started teaching English abroad.

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 dealing with culture shock, and shares a funny story about some miscommunication with a student. Pizza anyone?

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, 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, co-host Alex recalls some thrilling English camp teaching adventures from Korea, Taiwan and Poland. Zombies, bee stings, and dancing, oh my. After the break, TESL course instructor Brent checks in with some insights on where you can get paid to drink wine while teaching English.

In this episode James shares some highlights from his trip to Cambodia before getting expert advice on teaching and traveling in this exotic, off-the-beaten-track TEFL destination from David at Conversations with Foreigners in Phnom Penh.

We here at The Teaching Abroad Pod are very excited about our upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics Special Episode - be sure not to miss this one! This gold medal episode includes host James Davis sharing some fond memories about attending the 2018 Pyeongchang Games in South Korea, as well as a feature interview with the first ever snowboarding gold medalist, Olympic Champion Ross Rebagliati! Full episode drops next Wednesday, January 26th.

In this episode Alex talks about his experience with Thai kindness and generosity while camping in a national park and Rowan tells tales of traveling and partying in Thailand — and yes, Thai buckets are involved! After the break we chat with actor and teacher Brian Knox McGugan about moving to Bangkok to follow his dream of living abroad. Brian also shares some golden stories from behind the silver screen, including getting to work alongside Steven Seagal and Jennifer Lopez.

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 to teacher recruiter, and shares some important tips on how to achieve success in your next job search and land an amazing teaching position.

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 destination, why it's a good choice for members of the LGBTQ community, and more!

In this episode, James and Alex announce some exciting news on the reopening of borders to English teachers in Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam. We then sit down with Pim Arends, Assistant Director at CEDEI Foundation, Ecuador. Pim reflects on how seeing a postcard of the beautiful city of Cuenca inspired him to take a chance and make the truly life-changing decision to move from Europe to South America. Pim also describes his background in arts education, and some of the rewards and challenges of transitioning between in-person and online English classes during the pandemic. Ecuadorian cuisine is also discussed, leaving our hosts hungry for more!

Check out our recent blog for more details on easing border restrictions in Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam here: https://www.oxfordseminars.com/blog/teaching-positions-asia-soar-borders-open-popular-tefl-markets/

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 want to take a look at Luke's recent blog (mentioned in the pod) all about renting in South Korea and Japan.

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 applicants, so be sure to listen right to the end if this applies to you!

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, sights to see (including some incredible 16mm film he shot in beautiful Guilin), tips and tricks for teaching Chinese students, and more!

See the full 16mm film Michael shot in Yangshuo County on YouTube.

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: https://www.oxfordseminars.com/blog/top-10-tefl-opportunities-2025/

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.

In this episode James and Alex get to hear three perspectives on what it's like to live and work in one of South America's top teaching and travel destinations - Chile! Lorna, Sarah and Devon from The Language Co. share stories about what first drew them to Chile, and some of the very special reasons they've stayed. And for those adult drink aficionados, be sure to listen all the way to the end for some pretty unique and surprising Chilean beverage recommendations.

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 amongst the modern infrastructure and historical treasures of Beijing.

In this episode James and Rowan share some final Squid Game impressions and provide an exciting update on the November 1st removal of quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers to Thailand. After the break Oxford Seminars grad Hailey Kellum highlights some memorable moments from her long-awaited trip to Jeju Island.

In this episode Alex talks about a nail-biting South American air travel adventure story involving clandestine border crossings. In an interview with Oxford Seminars Course Instructor Robin Garnham, we learn about adjusting to life and food in Mexico and Chile. Crickets anyone?

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, James and Rowan conduct a wide-ranging interview with Oxford Seminars course graduate Abigail Entrican, who is now hiring business English teachers in Colombia. Learn all about stunning cities and beaches to visit, popular foods to try, the ins and outs of teaching business English, and so much more!

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 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 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 foods and drinks, things to see in Taiwan and Spain, and more!

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 general application tips. He also gives some great advice on the foods to try and can't miss sights to see gleaned from his decades on the ground in the land of the rising sun.

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 her Café Crawls on Instagram.

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 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 across the continents, provides teaching tips, and so much more!

In this episode James and Alex have another wonderful opportunity to talk to return guest and Oxford Seminars blog writer Brian Knox McGugan. Brian shares some more thoughtful insights on what it's like to make your way working as a freelance teacher and educator in Bangkok, and explains why he's enjoying the flexibility and variety of opportunities this new career path has afforded him since moving to Thailand just over one year ago.

In this episode James and Alex speak with returning guest Patricia Persaud about escaping the winter blues and her new home base – Mexico! Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen is a sunseeker’s paradise and, as we find out from Patricia, also a pretty great place to teach English. Patricia talks about what it's been like relocating from Korea to Mexico, what it’s like living and teaching in one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, and some of the many differences between teaching in Asia versus Latin America. Alex also fondly recalls having to bribe his way out of the Cancun airport, and James puts a new twist on our final question (which show mascot Ziggy barkingly approves).

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 11th episode of the podcast, sub-hosts Rowan and Alex from the Oxford Seminars Job Placement Service discuss current teaching opportunities — as well as some of the potential COVID hurdles — in 10 of the world's top TEFL destinations: South Korea, Thailand, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, China, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam. Tune in to find out more about the current state of affairs in some of the world's most sought-after English teaching job markets!

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 from how she started her own  online teaching business and became a drone pilot. You can find her  story, blog, travel resources, and more at miaonthemap.com.

In this Winter Olympics Special episode, James and Rowan discuss all things winter sports, and James tells us about his experience watching events and hobnobbing with athletes at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. We are super stoked to also be joined for a full feature interview with the first ever Olympic Gold Medalist in Men's Snowboarding - Canadian Champion Ross Rebagliati! Ross regales us with tales of riding on the world tour, as well as winning (and losing?) his gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games.

James reminisces with co-host Rowan about falling in love in Korea, while an interview with guests Becky and Mike uncovers how they found love in China. They also discuss some uncommon but amazing Korean and Chinese dishes, and incredible off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.

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, members of the Oxford Seminars Job Placement Service get together to share some stories about teaching and traveling overseas, and discuss their top picks for teaching destinations to consider in 2022.

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 to this episode!

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 news for the LGBTQ+ community abroad!

James and Alex reminisce about trips to Beijing and Hong Kong before chatting to Janice Tremblay about her time teaching at an international school in Jiangmen, China (and her love of BTS).

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 opportunities around the country. Have you always wanted to teach near the beach? Then working in the land of pura vida might be the spot for you!

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, James and Alex talk to actor-turned-teacher Joanna Panayi about transitioning from the stage to the digital classroom and how to use the dramatic arts to help enliven your classes. Joanna also discusses her connection to Cyprus, her plans to relocate there, furthering her teaching career, and the joys of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Finally, Joanna explains to our hosts the many ways to enjoy a Cypriot staple - halloumi cheese. It turns out there are a lot more ways to eat halloumi than just fried and battered, or flaming!

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 International, who shares some excellent insight on why this short-term program is a great way to gain teaching skills and grow as an educator while enjoying the authentic Spanish lifestyle.

In this thrilling episode, James and Rowan share recommendations for some of their favorite Korean movies and TV shows before speaking with English Teacher Patricia Persaud about the highlights of living and traveling in Jeollanam-do, and beyond.

In this episode James and Rowan share some fun facts about Costa Rica and interview Oxford Seminars grad and San Jose-based Recruiting Specialist Lintonia Davis. In the Job Placement Service update Rowan shares some insights on available teaching jobs in Costa Rica and the fallout from China's new online tutoring regulations.

In this episode James and Rowan discuss their favorite (and not-so-favorite) pizzas from around the world, and attempt to spark the great Pineapple on Pizza debate. After the break we learn about the best pastas in Italy, and how to succeed at living and working in Milan from Portrait and Fashion Photographer/English Teacher Mychelle Vincent.

In this episode, our resident Japan teaching expert and Job Placement Advisor Lucas LaPlante discusses falling in love with martial arts and Japanese culture, a passion which led him to spend over 10 years in the land of the rising sun (and this year's Olympics). And speaking of the summer games, James and Alex discuss some of the exciting new Olympic events this summer, and how winning a few gold medals can help to boost even the gloomiest of pandemic blues.

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 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, 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 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, Japan, and Poland. He also shares his insight on the benefits of taking a TESOL certification course live via Zoom, as compared to in-person training in a classroom, along with job interview tips, contract review advice, and more!

James and Rowan discuss their favorite places to visit in Korea. After the break, teacher and vlogger Hailey Kellum shares some insights from her days teaching and traveling in Beijing, Seoul and Europe, including tips on boating and burrowing meerkats!

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 James and special co-host Joe have a wide-ranging discussion with return guest and itinerant globetrotter Brent (from Episode 2). James, Joe and Brent discuss everything from fishing Canada's Fraser River to feeding rescue elephants in Cambodia. Other topics include: living versus traveling abroad, the cultural nuances of teaching overseas, top dream travel destinations, important traveling tips and - yes - a soup that's been simmering for over 50 years!