You’ve made the decision to teach English as a foreign language and have landed on South Africa as a top destination – and you’re not the only one! Thanks to its incredible wildlife and natural offerings, pleasant year-round climate, and low cost of living, South Africa is an attractive destination for many expats seeking a beautiful, affordable place to live. Keep reading to learn more about the top reasons why you want to start your TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) career in South Africa.
Living and Teaching in South Africa
Located at the southern end of the African continent, South Africa is home to over 60 million people, including many foreigners who teach English as a foreign language. With multiple options to work either in a language academy or online, teaching English is an excellent way to get to know a new country and get paid while doing it.
Most language academies and online English platforms require a 120-hour TEFL certificate in order to ensure their staff are fully equipped to teach students in an efficient and engaging way. Start your TEFL career in South Africa by obtaining certification with the TEFL Org, and in no time, you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the top reasons to start your teaching career in this beautiful country.
So, why should you choose South Africa as a launching pad for your TEFL career? Let’s dive in.
Reason #1: Access to Nature
Whether you are interested in stunning vistas, beautiful hikes, or immersing yourself in an incredible variety of wildlife, South Africa offers stunning access to nature across the country. Living in such close proximity to these wonders allows you to save money while checking out such incredible natural life in your backyard.
One of the first things people think of when they hear South Africa is the safaris, and the country does not disappoint in its offerings to view unique and powerful wildlife up close.
Kruger National Park is one of the most popular options when thinking about South African wildlife, and for good reason: The national park is home to over 100 different mammals and was the first park in the country to host the African Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros). For those looking for a less crowded experience, the Babanango Game Reserve (south of Kruger, closer to Durban) also offers a safari experience with the Big Five.
Maybe you want to experience a beautiful drive that includes vistas of the third-largest canyon in the entire world? Look no further than the Panorama Route, a 100-mile road. Drivers can stop at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and see stunning views of the massive river canyon.
Living in South Africa gives you close access to incredible nature viewing of endless varieties. You can go whale watching in Hermanus, which is a common day trip from Cape Town, where many TEFL teachers live. Perhaps you’d like to go stargazing at Kalahari, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Another option on the east coast of the country is to watch the sardine migration (called the “sardine run”) in June-July, where you can witness whales, sharks, dolphins, and predatory birds attempting to hunt the fish swimming north.
While most foreigners choose to live in larger cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, you’ll be able to find a wealth of opportunities to experience beautiful nature in your free time all around the country.
Reason #2: Weather
The pleasant weather is another one of the top reasons TEFL teachers start their careers in South Africa.
Cape Town, located on the southwest coast of the South Atlantic Ocean, enjoys a Mediterranean climate year-round. This is characterized by warm, sunny summer days and mild winter weather.
Johannesburg, on the east side of the country, boasts sunny days throughout the year. Afternoon storms are common in the summer; winter brings milder temperatures with slightly cooler evenings.
The mild weather makes outdoor activities (hikes abound in South Africa) and enjoying the beautiful nature much easier for residents.
Reason #3: Cost of Living
Compared to Europe, South Africa has a lower cost of living, making the country an attractive option for foreigners looking to teach English.
In Cape Town, one of the most popular cities for expats and the legislative capital of the country, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around £750, with an additional estimated £100 for utilities. In general, the cost-of-living prices are over 50% lower in South Africa compared to the United Kingdom.
Reason #4: Slow Pace of Life
Finally, foreigners living in South Africa cite a slower pace of life compared to their home countries as a perk of living in the country. Many find this ideal so that they have time to enjoy the climate and nature opportunities in their own backyard, along with spending quality time with their community.
How can I get started teaching English as a foreign language in South Africa?
There are two routes you can take to start your TEFL career in South Africa: teach in language academies or teach English online as a digital nomad.
English is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa; as such, there may not be much demand for foreign English teachers. That said, language academies do exist in the country and generally teach both children and adults; organizations like The TEFL Org can assist teachers in finding academies that cater to English language learners.
Teachers living in South Africa can also teach English online. English teachers can find employment through various online platforms. Some platforms, like VIPKid, provide lesson outlines and curriculum. These platforms will generally take care of scheduling your classes. Other platforms, like iTalki, allow you to set your own hours, but they still provide the scheduling and payment system.
You can also give lessons as a freelance English teacher, where you are responsible for securing your own client base. You will also be responsible for scheduling classes and organizing payments on your own.
Your Next Steps to Start Your TEFL Career in South Africa
Multiple options exist for you to start your TEFL career teaching in South Africa. And if you want help, TEFL certification programs offered by schools like The TEFL Org are strong sources of support.
It’s worth noting that some English teachers may hesitate to live and work in South Africa due to the high crime rate. That said, the country does have many safe communities where both local and foreign residents enjoy a high quality of life; doing thorough research before making the move is key to a successful start to your career in South Africa.
And if you decide to take the route of starting your TEFL career in South Africa online, the country’s digital nomad visa allows foreigners to live in the country for one year, and the visa is renewable for three more years after that. The visa application includes multiple requirements, so be sure to do your research and get started on your application as soon as possible, and you’ll be enjoying those perks in no time.