Teaching abroad is often suggested as a great way to see the world while earning a living and enjoying a rewarding career. The flexible nature of online English teaching gives you plenty of time to try new things, experiment with different activities and have fresh experiences.
Since the Covid pandemic, an increasing number of people are taking an interest in outdoor leisure pursuits. The feeling of freedom that they can achieve from simply getting outside and breathing in fresh air is hard to beat. It’s no wonder then, that while teaching overseas, many TEFL professionals decide to dedicate some of their free time to participating in outdoor activities.
Many people are new to these experiences, while others are pursuing an interest that they’ve had for some time in a completely different environment.
If you’re heading overseas as an online English teacher and you want to live life to the full, check out this blog post and discover six of the most exciting outdoor activities that you might want to try.
Trekking and hiking
Hiking is one of the best outdoor activities for people of every age and ability. Even if you’ve never particularly enjoyed walking before, you’ll find that once you get out into the fresh air in a whole new country, the thrill of exploring and discovering new locations really takes over.
No matter where you base yourself when teaching abroad, you’ll find plenty of places to visit on foot. From coastlines to country parks, well-known trails to hidden paths, you’ll find open-air treks that enable you to enjoy the scenery while revelling in the fresh air.
Since there is a broad spectrum of hiking trails around the world, each suited to a different ability level, you’ll have no difficulty in finding one that’s ideal for both your fitness level and interests. Whether you’re seeking a challenging trek with spectacular views or would prefer a more relaxing stroll through peaceful forests, you can put your best foot forward.
Camping
If you aren’t an especially sporty person but still want to enjoy a taste of the outdoor lifestyle, camping is the perfect activity to try. Wherever in the world you’re working, you’re sure to find plenty of campsites to suit your taste and needs.
Maybe you’re looking for a luxurious experience with plenty of amenities and facilities to enjoy. Or perhaps you’d rather get away from it all by going wild camping by the sea or in the mountains. Either way, there’s no better time to take advantage of the flexibility this career path can offer and head out into the great outdoors where you can truly soak up the local environment.
Watersports
If you’re heading to a hot country as an online TEFL professional, you’re sure to find a day on or in the water the perfect way to cool off after class. If you’re based close to the coast, you can head to the beach for some scuba diving, snorkelling, or surfing, while if you’re near a lake, you could try your hand at wild swimming.
Kayaking and canoeing are two other popular water sports that you might want to try. You can explore your natural surroundings in a tranquil and peaceful way while also getting some valuable exercise after a hard day of teaching.
Cycling
Cycling certainly isn’t a new pastime. It was invented centuries ago. However, the excitement and pleasure it can bring, not to mention its many health benefits, make it one of the top six outdoor activities to try while you’re teaching overseas.
One of the best things about cycling as a hobby is that it allows you to explore so many different locations. Wherever you’re staying, you can be sure that there’ll be trails and paths to discover.
For more experienced cyclists, going off-road into hills, mountains, woods, or forests is a great way to see some of the finest local scenery, while for those who are less confident on two wheels, simply pedalling around town or along the seafront is a great way to enjoy yourself outdoors.
Parasailing and skydiving
If you’re a thrill seeker looking for an adrenaline rush, you should certainly try parasailing and skydiving while you’re working overseas as a teacher.
Every year, countless people all over the world jump out of aeroplanes and experience the amazing sensation of freefall while admiring breathtaking views. Or why not try parasailing – a less terrifying prospect that is simple to learn and doesn’t involve leaping from a great height? You’ll still enjoy stunning views and an exciting thrill at the same time.
Yoga
Although many people think of yoga as an indoor activity, in fact it’s a far more beautiful and peaceful experience when practised outdoors. The great thing about yoga is that it’s a journey that each individual takes, so whatever your experience level, you can find poses and positions that suit you and help you feel more mindful, relaxed, and healthy.
You can either practice yoga outdoors alone, using online tutorials and videos as your guide, or you can join an outdoor yoga class. In many overseas locations, you’ll find sessions held on beaches, in parks, or by a lake where you can stretch, unwind, and destress after your classes while revelling in the beautiful environment.
Experiencing the great outdoors while teaching overseas
For many TEFL professionals, the great benefit of their chosen career is the chance to travel around the world, doing what they love most – imparting knowledge – while also discovering new countries, meeting new people, and immersing themselves in other cultures.
A great part of that experience involves going into the great outdoors to get up close and personal with your new environment, and outside activities enable you to do that effectively and wonderfully. As an added advantage, you’ll not only be exploring new places, but you’ll be getting fit and healthy, too.
