Top Cities for Immersive Cultural Travel — and How Teaching English Can Help You Go Deeper

Immersive cultural travel is incredibly valuable. To really get to know a place and its people, consider teaching English abroad.

In the last thirty years, travel has evolved. It’s no longer some sort of quest for non-stop-party nightlife, and it turned into something a lot more meaningful and profound. 

Moving away from the “boozy” holiday stereotypes of previous generations, today’s travellers – as well as holiday makers – prefer culinary experiences coupled with wine tasting sessions and hidden gems over crowded clubs. 

This choice is often driven by a general trend toward lower alcohol consumption and the desire to make more careful decisions on how to spend time and money. 

There’s no doubt that social media content creators have inspired many to pursue relaxation, culture and self-discovery. But how can all this be achieved on your yearly two-week statutory holiday? Simply, it can’t, and that’s how short stays and surface-level experiences are replaced by long-term stays abroad. 

Many don’t want to compromise and choose to experience long-term cultural immersion through English teaching. 

Working as a teacher puts you in regular contact with local people, routines, and expectations. These are things you rarely access as a tourist.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is in demand worldwide, and a recognized qualification gives you the skills — and the credibility — to live and work abroad legally. With proper training from providers like The TEFL Org, you can move from passing through a city to actually being part of it.

Also read: How To Practice Mindful Travel And Enjoy Every Moment Of Your Trip

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of those cities that looks impressive from the outside but becomes far more interesting once you discover the lesser-known areas. Here, you need to go beyond the Old Town to connect with local life. 

Czech social culture often revolves around pubs. There, people take their beer seriously and conversations tend to be unhurried and genuine.

Getting around is easy thanks to an excellent public transport system, and most teachers commute without much hassle. While Czechs can seem reserved at first, friendships tend to be sincere once formed. 

Learning a few basic Czech phrases — even just prosím (please) and děkuji (thank you) — goes a long way. Many language schools actively encourage integration and even offer Czech lessons to their teachers.

There is a steady demand for English teachers in Prague, particularly in private language schools. Many roles involve teaching adults, including Business English or exam preparation. Because the market is competitive, proper training is important if you want reliable work.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is energetic, social, and surprisingly relaxed for a capital city. It’s also a very welcoming city. It doesn’t take long to feel part of it if you’re living and working there. 

Teaching English offers a close look at Spanish classroom culture, which tends to be informal, expressive, and relationship-focused.

In Madrid, like in most parts of Spain, long lunch breaks are common. One way of making the most of your day is to visit museums like the Prado or to simply enjoy the city at a slower pace, or even taking a nap – or a siesta, as the locals say. 

Once you’re settled, Madrid is easy to navigate on foot or by metro, and neighbourhood life quickly becomes familiar. 

The demand for English teachers comes from students and professionals who want better opportunities internationally. While a degree is useful, most schools really care about a recognised TEFL qualification. 

Employers want to know you can manage a classroom and plan lessons effectively. However, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. Start your search on The TEFL Org website to see what courses are available.

Ahmadi, Kuwait

In Ahmadi, teaching English offers a career that is as lucrative as it is stable. Because Ahmadi was purpose-built for the energy sector, its atmosphere is distinct from the bustling capital. It features British-influenced architecture, tree-lined streets, and a surprisingly green, suburban feel. 

Here, you would likely work with motivated professionals from the Kuwait Oil Company or international engineering firms, specializing in Business English or English for Specific Purposes (ESP). 

These roles are highly valued, with tax-free monthly salaries typically ranging from $2,600 to $4,000, complemented by benefits like medical coverage, transportation, and often fully furnished housing.

As an expat in Ahmadi, you would find yourself in a tight-knit community where modern amenities, like the sprawling Al Kout Mall and high-end fitness centers, are easily accessible. 

While Kuwait is probably more conservative than what you might be used to, social life revolves around an exceptional dining scene, desert camping trips, and weekend stays at the nearby coastal resorts of Fahaheel. 

The summer heat can be intense, but it is managed by universal air conditioning, and most leisure activities take place during the cooler evenings.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is fast-paced and incredibly interesting. It’s a place where traditional Cantonese culture and global business culture exist side by side. English plays a major role in education and professional life, which means there are plenty of teaching opportunities for qualified instructors.

When teaching in Hong Kong, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of opportunities, from international schools to private tutoring. 

Salaries are generally high, often with benefits like housing allowances. Beyond work, the city offers everything from street markets and hiking trails to world-class restaurants.

Living here develops more than teaching skills. Many teachers leave with strong organisational, communication, and intercultural skills that transfer well into other careers.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is loud, colourful, chaotic, and welcoming all at once. Teaching English here allows you to experience the city in a way short-term visitors usually don’t. Bangkok is also a popular base for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia, with inexpensive flights making weekend trips to beaches or mountains very manageable.

To work legally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and the correct visa. Salaries are modest by Western standards, but the low cost of living means most teachers live comfortably. Daily life includes affordable food, efficient transport, and easy access to domestic travel.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is vast and full of history. The city feels like a living museum, with ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and modern neighbourhoods all existing side by side. Learning some Spanish makes everyday life much easier, and using trusted transport apps helps you move around confidently while you get to know the city.

Mexico is particularly accessible for new teachers. While a degree is preferred by some schools, it isn’t always required for a work visa. 

A TEFL certificate, however, is essential. Living costs vary widely, so you can choose anything from shared housing to more upscale options depending on your budget.

Final Thoughts On Immersive Cultural Travel

Teaching English abroad is one of the most practical ways to move beyond being a visitor and start living like a local. Whether you’re drawn to Prague’s pub culture, Madrid’s plazas, Hong Kong’s skyline, or Mexico City’s history, TEFL gives you a reason — and a structure — to stay longer and engage more deeply. 

Starting with a solid qualification, such as one from The TEFL Org, helps ensure you’re prepared not just to travel, but to actually build a life abroad.