Have you ever dreamed of teaching abroad but felt unsure about committing to a full year? You’re not alone. Whether you’re between degrees, on a career break, or just testing the waters of international teaching, short term teaching abroad is a fantastic way to explore the world, gain teaching experience, and make a meaningful impact — all without signing a long-term contract.
At Teaching Nomad, we understand that not everyone can pack up and move for a year or more. That’s why we’ve helped hundreds of teachers find short term teaching opportunities abroad that fit their lifestyle and goals. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What Is Considered Short Term Teaching Abroad?
Short term teaching abroad typically refers to placements that last 1 to 6 months. These can take many forms, such as:
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Summer camps (usually 2-8 weeks)
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Winter or holiday programs
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Semester-long teaching roles
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Volunteer teaching trips
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Substitute or maternity leave positions
These programs are perfect for students, new grads, certified teachers on break, or anyone curious about living overseas.
Why Choose a Short Term Teaching Assignment?
Short term placements offer all the adventure of teaching abroad — with more flexibility. Here’s why people love them:
1. Test the Waters
Want to know if teaching abroad is for you? A short stint lets you experience the lifestyle without making a huge leap.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d like living in Asia long-term, so I started with a 6-week summer program in Thailand. I loved it so much, I came back the next year for a full contract!” — Lindsey C., Teaching Nomad placement
2. Fits Into a Busy Life
Got a gap between jobs? Looking for something meaningful during your summer break? A short-term teaching role makes the most of your time.
3. Build Your Resume
Teaching abroad, even for a few weeks, adds valuable international experience to your resume and shows adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills.
4. Travel with Purpose
See the world, but do it with impact. Teaching lets you engage deeply with local communities in ways that tourism simply can’t match.
Popular Destinations for Short Term Teaching Abroad
Here are a few countries that frequently offer short-term roles:
🇨🇳 China
Private schools and camps often look for native English speakers for summer and winter sessions.
🇹🇭 Thailand
Great for first-time teachers looking to volunteer or work in short-term language programs.
🇰🇷 South Korea
While most contracts are year-long, short-term options do exist in summer or through replacement roles.
🇪🇸 Spain
Language immersion camps in Spain run spring through summer and are a hit with college students and new grads.
🇦🇪 UAE
Short-term substitute or maternity-leave teaching roles are occasionally available in international schools.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
Short-term programs vary, but in general:
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A bachelor’s degree is preferred
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A TEFL certification is highly recommended (and often required)
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Native or fluent English proficiency
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Some programs accept current college students!
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re not TEFL-certified yet, Teaching Nomad offers fully accredited online TEFL courses — and you can get certified in as little as 4 weeks!
How to Find the Right Program
At Teaching Nomad, we make the process simple:
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Apply online – tell us your preferences and availability
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Get matched with short-term teaching roles that suit your background
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Interview & get hired – we help prep you every step of the way
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Start your adventure!
Whether you want to teach for 4 weeks or 4 months, we’ve got you covered. Plus, our placement services are 100% free for teachers.
Things to Consider Before You Go
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Visas: Short-term teaching visas can vary widely by country. We’ll help guide you through the process.
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Housing: Some programs offer housing, while others provide a stipend.
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Culture shock: Yes, it’s real — but it’s also part of the growth!
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Travel insurance: Always a smart idea when going abroad, especially for short stays.
Ready to Teach Abroad Short Term?
Teaching abroad doesn’t have to be a year-long commitment. With a short-term placement, you can immerse yourself in a new culture, grow personally and professionally, and maybe even spark a lifelong passion for teaching overseas.
“Teaching abroad for just two months gave me more perspective than years of travel ever did. I connected with amazing people, gained confidence, and saw a side of the world I’d never experienced before.” — Jason M., short-term teacher in Spain
Whether you’re dipping your toes in or diving head-first, Teaching Nomad is here to help you make it happen — every step of the way.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Short Term Teaching Job!
Apply now with Teaching Nomad or chat with our team to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
