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....

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 to teacher recruiter, and shares some important tips on how to achieve success in your next job...

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...

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.

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 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...

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...

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 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 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, 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 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...

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!

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 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 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...

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.

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 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, 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 current 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 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.