Teach English in Bali

With golden beaches, lush green rice fields, waterfalls, and friendly locals, this beautiful island is a world famous holiday destination for short-term travellers and long-term backpackers for a good reason. It’s obvious why this diverse tropical paradise is crowned ‘The Best Travel Destination in the World’ on a regular basis. It’s now becoming a hotspot for qualified TESOL teachers with opportunities to work online or in language schools. This beautiful island continues to attract more and more people to teach English in Bali.

Living and working in Bali allows you to explore the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, peaceful and vibrant culture, and spiritual heritage, creating an unforgettable work-life balance. The sense of fulfilment derived from positively impacting lives while being immersed in a tropical paradise makes teaching English in Bali an amazing and rewarding opportunity. One of the other major advantages is it’s proximity to Australia, so you can visit friends and family back in Australia at any time. It’s time to Eat, Pray, Love!

Popular Spots to Live & Work

Tanah Lot Temple

Canggu

Canggu is a thriving and trendy destination along Bali’s southwest coast. It is known for its vibrant surf scene, laid-back atmosphere, and flourishing expat community. Teaching English in Canggu provides opportunities to engage with a diverse range of students, including locals, digital nomads, and travelers. The area offers several language schools, tutoring centers, and international schools. Canggu’s hip cafes, beachfront bars, and trendy coworking spaces create a vibrant and creative environment. Here are a few things to see and do in Canggu:

• Echo Beach: Visit Echo Beach, one of the most popular surf spots in Canggu. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, you can catch some waves or simply relax on the sandy shore. Enjoy stunning sunsets and indulge in delicious seafood at the beachfront restaurants while soaking up the laid-back beach vibes.
• Tanah Lot Temple: Take a trip to Tanah Lot Temple, a famous Balinese sea temple located just a short drive from Canggu. Perched on a rock formation, this iconic temple offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Explore the temple grounds, witness traditional Balinese ceremonies, and capture stunning photos of the temple against the backdrop of the ocean.
• Explore Batu Bolong Street: Wander along Batu Bolong Street, the main hub of Canggu, to discover its trendy shops, hip cafes, and vibrant street art. Browse through unique boutiques, enjoy a refreshing smoothie bowl, or sample delicious local and international cuisine at the numerous eateries. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the vibrant street art that adorns the walls, showcasing the artistic spirit of the area.

Campuhan Ridge, Ubud

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart and a popular destination for those seeking a serene and artistic environment. Teaching English in Ubud offers opportunities to engage with a diverse student population. The town has numerous language schools, international schools, and volunteering opportunities for teaching English. Ubud’s tranquil ambiance is surrounded by lush green rice terraces and traditional Balinese architecture. The town attracts a large number of expatriates and travelers, creating a vibrant and multicultural community. Here are a few things to see and do in Ubud:

• Explore Ubud Monkey Forest: Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, a sacred sanctuary and nature reserve that is home to a large population of playful monkeys. Walk through the lush forest, observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, and explore ancient temples within the sanctuary.
• Visit the Ubud Art Market: Take a stroll through the vibrant Ubud Art Market, also known as Pasar Seni Ubud. Explore the various stalls and shops filled with traditional Balinese handicrafts, artwork, textiles, and souvenirs. Bargain and interact with local vendors to acquire unique items to commemorate your visit.
• Immerse in Balinese Culture at Ubud Palace: Pay a visit to the Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung. This historical royal palace showcases traditional Balinese architecture and serves as a cultural hub. Attend traditional dance performances held in the evenings, such as the mesmerizing Legong Dance or the dramatic Barong Dance.

Beach Clubs in Bali

Kuta

Kuta is located on the southwest coast of Bali and is known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling beaches, and surf culture. Teaching English in Kuta offers opportunities to engage with a diverse student population, including both locals and tourists. The area has various language centers, schools, and tutoring opportunities catering to the demand for English language education. Kuta’s energetic vibe attracts a significant number of expats and visitors, creating a diverse and international community. Teachers in Kuta can enjoy the lively atmosphere, explore the bustling markets, and experience the exciting nightlife. Here are a few things to see and do in Kuta:

• Enjoy Kuta Beach: Kuta is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach and excellent surf breaks. Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, or trying your hand at surfing. You can also witness the stunning sunset views that Kuta Beach offers.
• Explore Waterbom Bali: Waterbom Bali is a popular water park in Kuta that offers thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and various water-based attractions. It’s a perfect place for families and adventure seekers to cool off and have fun in the water.
• Shop and Dine on Jalan Legian: Jalan Legian is a vibrant street in Kuta known for its bustling nightlife, shopping opportunities, and wide array of restaurants. Explore the street’s numerous shops and stalls selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Afterward, indulge in delicious local cuisine or international fare at one of the many restaurants and eateries along Jalan Legian.

Kuta Beach

Seminyak

Seminyak is a popular destination located just north of Kuta, known for its upscale resorts, trendy restaurants and cafes, and fashionable boutiques. Teaching English in Seminyak provides opportunities to engage with a diverse student population, including local Balinese residents and international residents. The area offers teaching positions in language schools, international schools, and private tutoring. Seminyak’s upscale and sophisticated atmosphere attracts a mix of expatriates and digital nomads, creating a vibrant and international community. Teaching English in Seminyak allows educators to experience a blend of urban sophistication and coastal beauty.

• Relax at Seminyak Beach: Seminyak Beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline known for its calm waves and stunning sunsets. Spend a day lounging on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the shore. You can also indulge in beachfront dining and enjoy the vibrant beach club scene.
• Explore Seminyak’s Shopping Scene: Seminyak is renowned for its upscale boutiques, designer stores, and local fashion labels. Take a stroll along Jalan Kayu Aya (also known as Eat Street) and Jalan Raya Seminyak to discover a wide range of fashion, homeware, accessories, and artwork. Don’t forget to visit the Seminyak Village, a popular shopping complex offering an array of local and international brands.
• Experience Seminyak’s Dining and Nightlife: Seminyak is known for its vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Enjoy a diverse culinary journey by exploring the countless restaurants, cafes, and beach clubs offering a range of international and local cuisine. After dinner, embrace the lively nightlife by visiting trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and clubs that provide entertainment and music into the late hours.

Traditional Balinese Food

Food

Balinese food is known for its rich and intense flavours, blending spices, fresh herbs, and a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. The cuisine often features aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, shallots, and garlic. Balinese dishes commonly incorporate fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats such as pork, chicken, and duck.

• Babi Guling: A famous Balinese roasted suckling pig dish, typically marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs before being slow-roasted to perfection.
• Nasi Goreng: Fried rice cooked with various ingredients such as vegetables, shrimp, chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices.
• Ayam Betutu: A traditional Balinese dish consisting of chicken marinated with a rich spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and then slow-cooked.
• Sate Lilit: Skewers of minced meat, usually fish or chicken, mixed with spices, coconut, and other ingredients, then grilled to perfection.
• Lawar: A mixed vegetable and meat dish, often made with minced pork or chicken, mixed with grated coconut, spices, and herbs.
• Bebek Betutu: Slow-cooked and highly seasoned duck, typically stuffed with traditional spices and wrapped in banana leaves.

Friendly Balinese Locals

Culture

Balinese people are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. They embrace a strong sense of community and value social connections. Balinese culture emphasizes respect for others and the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within their society. Whether interacting with locals or visitors, Balinese people often extend a genuine welcome and are eager to share their traditions, customs, and stories, making visitors feel embraced and valued. They smile from the heart.

• Hindu-Balinese Religion: Balinese culture is deeply rooted in Hinduism, and the practice of religion plays a central role in daily life. Balinese people adhere to a unique form of Hinduism known as Agama Hindu Dharma, which incorporates local customs, rituals, and beliefs. Temples, offerings, and colourful religious ceremonies are an integral part of Balinese culture, with various festivals celebrated throughout the year.
• Traditional Arts and Performances: Balinese culture is renowned for its rich and vibrant artistic traditions. The island is known for its intricate woodcarvings, exquisite paintings, traditional dance performances, and mesmerizing Gamelan music. Balinese artists and artisans play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing their cultural heritage through their crafts and performances.
• Community and Social Structure: Balinese society is strongly community-oriented, with a focus on mutual cooperation and support. Villages are the backbone of Balinese society, where customs, traditions, and communal activities are practiced and preserved. Social structure is based on the concept of “Banjar,” which refers to a neighbourhood or community organization that helps maintain harmony and order.
• Tri Hita Karana: Balinese culture embraces the principle of Tri Hita Karana, which translates to “Three Causes of Well-being.” It emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships between humans, nature, and the divine. Balinese people strive to balance these three elements to achieve peace and prosperity in their lives.

Qualifications

You will need an internationally recognised TESOL Certificate and a bachelor’s degree to teach English at language schools in Bali. However, a degree is not required to teach English online.

Visa

To work as an English teacher in Bali, you will need to have a valid work visa. A digital nomad visa is now available for those that want to work online while staying in the country long-term. Most schools will help you obtain the correct visa and guide you through the process with visa assistance. Some students will originally enter on a 1-2 month holiday visa. The process of obtaining a work visa can vary depending on your country of origin, but generally, you will need to provide proof of your qualifications, a valid passport, and a criminal background check. It is important to check the specific requirements for each country and your language school for up-to-date advice.

Explore Bali

It’s time to combine work, play, and relaxation!

Whether teaching in class or online as a digital nomad, Bali’s vibrant cultural heritage and scenic beauty create an inspiring environment for anyone who wants to teach English in Bali. By immersing yourself in the local community and contributing to the education of Balinese students, teachers can make a meaningful and positive impact while experiencing the unique Balinese way of life. Teach ESL in Bali and develop cross-cultural communication skills, broaden your horizons, and create lasting connections and memories. Get started today!