Coffee Abroad Turned Into 11 Years of Friendship
When I decided to teach English abroad, I was excited about the travel, the new cultures, and the adventure, but one thing I didn’t anticipate was how many lifelong friendships I’d make along the way. Leaving your comfort zone to live and work in a completely new country creates a unique bond with the people you meet, and these connections often become some of the most meaningful relationships in your life.
Here’s how teaching abroad can lead you to friendships you’ll cherish forever:
1. The Bonds You Build During TEFL Training
If you decide to take your TEFL certification abroad, you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by a group of like-minded people who are starting their journeys at the exact same time as you. TEFL courses are typically four weeks long, and when you’re spending all day, every day together learning, growing, and practicing your teaching skills, you quickly form strong connections.
As a TEFL trainer, I loved watching new to-be teachers meeting their classmates on the first day of their TEFL course. They were always nervous but excited, trying to figure out lesson plans and how to manage a classroom while learning new games for the classroom. By the end of the month, they were never just classmates—they were friends who had laughed, struggled, and celebrated together. These bonds often last long after the course ends.
2. Arriving with a Community on a Teach Abroad Program
Joining a Teach Abroad program with Teacher’s Friend is another fantastic way to meet people. My programs bring groups of teachers into the country at the same time, meaning you’re arriving with a built-in community of others who are just as eager to settle in and make connections. You’ll explore your new home together, tackle the challenges of a new culture, and celebrate the milestones of starting your teaching journey. This is exactly how I started my TEFL journey, 12 years ago.
One of the best parts? Everyone is in the same boat. Unlike back home, where making new friends as an adult can feel awkward and takes a long time, it’s completely normal for foreigners abroad to exchange numbers and make plans within days of meeting.
3. Friendships at Work
When you start teaching, whether at a language center or a school, you’ll find that your colleagues can become some of your closest friends. Many schools hire teachers from all over the world, so you’ll meet people from a variety of backgrounds, each with their own unique perspective on teaching and life.
I’ve found that the bonds created among teachers abroad are unmatched. Everyone remembers what it’s like to be the “newbie,” and they’re often more than happy to invite you out for dinner, a weekend trip, or even just a casual chat after work.
4. Diving into Expat Communities
Expat communities in places like Asia are vibrant and welcoming. These communities are made up of people living in a country that isn’t their own, and they often host large-scale events, villa parties, and meetups where it’s easy to connect with others.
There are also smaller, more niche groups—think salsa dancing, art classes, sports clubs, or walking groups—where you can meet people who share your interests. I’ve made friends while doing acro yoga, swing dancing, and also during a casual hike.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp make it even easier to find these groups and meet new people. In fact, one of my closest friends responded to a Facebook post I made asking if anyone wanted to grab coffee. We hit it off immediately, and 11 years later, we’re still meeting up—most recently in the UK while we were both visiting home.
5. Connections That Last a Lifetime
Teaching abroad introduces you to people who share your passion for adventure and willingness to step out of their comfort zones. These aren’t just surface-level friendships; they’re deep connections formed through shared experiences and challenges.
Some of my best friends now are people I met while traveling. We’ve laughed together in crowded classrooms, explored local festivals, and supported each other through the ups and downs of living abroad. Just recently, I visited a friend I met in Vietnam who now lives in Germany. We swapped noodles and motorbike rides for mulled wine and Christmas markets, but the connection was just as strong as ever.
6. A Global Network
The friendships you make abroad don’t just stay in one place—they become a global network of people you can visit, lean on, and learn from. These connections turn the world into a much smaller, friendlier place. Back in November, a friend from New Zealand came to visit me in Bali. We hadn’t seen each other for six years but we talk regularly and it was like I’d never left!
Ready to Build Lifelong Friendships?
Teaching abroad isn’t just about the job—it’s about the people you meet along the way. The friendships you form will shape your experience and make your adventure even more rewarding. So, if you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, explore the world, and make connections that last a lifetime, teaching abroad might just be the perfect path for you.
Who knows? Your next best friend could be waiting for you in your TEFL course, your new school, or even a coffee shop in your dream destination. 🌍
Do you want to teach abroad? Book a call now :)
