As the air cools and the leaves start to turn, there’s something magical about autumn — a sense of change, of endings and new beginnings. While many people see this season as a time to settle in, for future English teachers and volunteers, autumn is the perfect time to start planning a new adventure abroad.
If you’ve been daydreaming about exploring the world, teaching in a new culture, or finding a meaningful way to travel, autumn offers the ideal window to make it happen.
Many schools and teaching programs abroad start hiring in the autumn months for positions beginning in the spring or the following academic year.
By getting your application in early, you’ll have first choice of placements, better contract options, and more time to prepare your documents.
For example:
Thailand and Vietnam schools often hire for January and May terms.
Spain, Japan, and South Korea post openings months in advance.
Volunteer programs in Thailand also recruit heavily in the run-up to the new year.
💡 Applying now means you’ll be settled abroad while everyone else is still making resolutions.
Autumn gives you the perfect window to complete your TEFL Plus certification — the most common qualification required for teaching English abroad. Completing your training now allows you to:
Graduate before the hiring season peaks.
Add a fresh credential to your résumé.
Start the year with real momentum.
And if you’re already certified, autumn is ideal for refreshing your skills, updating your CV, or attending online teaching workshops.
Every January, the travel and education sectors see a surge of new applicants — all trying to start fresh in the new year.
By planning in autumn, you:
Avoid crowded job markets.
Get faster responses from recruiters.
Have time to handle visas and paperwork without pressure.
That’s right — less stress, more strategy.
Autumn naturally inspires reflection and goal-setting. It’s that cozy season when we take stock of what’s working, what’s not, and what dreams are still waiting. Maybe you’ve always wanted to:
Travel long-term instead of just for holidays.
Experience living in another culture.
Make a difference through teaching or volunteering.
Use the season to turn those thoughts into action. Make lists, set timelines, and research programs that match your interests.
Flight prices tend to dip in the autumn months. Booking early also helps with:
Better accommodation choices abroad.
Securing your work visa in time.
Budgeting for your move without the last-minute panic.
Imagine ringing in the new year knowing you’re heading to Thailand, Costa Rica, or South Korea in just a few months.
Instead of starting resolutions from scratch, you’ll already be living yours.
There’s something poetic about preparing for a new life while the seasons shift around you. Autumn reminds us that change is natural, beautiful, and necessary. Just as trees shed their leaves, teaching abroad invites you to let go of the familiar and grow into something new.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign — this is it. Autumn gives you time, opportunity, and clarity to prepare for one of the most rewarding adventures of your life.