Teaching English for Free Stays: How I Traveled the World Without Paying Rent
Teaching English abroad in exchange for free housing isn’t just a budget hack—it’s an adventure, a cultural exchange, and a fantastic way to truly immerse yourself in a foreign country. I’ve done it in Japan, China, and Brazil, and each experience was uniquely rewarding. If you’re looking for a way to travel long-term without breaking the bank, this might just be your golden ticket.
Why Teaching English for Free Stays Is a Game-Changer
Let’s be real—accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling. But what if you could swap those hefty hotel bills for a comfortable home in a new country? In exchange for a few hours of conversational English practice per day, you can land free lodging, home-cooked meals, and even new friendships.
I first stumbled upon this opportunity in Japan, where I spent a month living in a small countryside town, helping a family with their English skills. That one experience led me to seek out similar stays in China and Brazil, and I never looked back.
Where to Find These Opportunities
If you’re wondering where to sign up, here are some of the best platforms to find English-teaching-for-accommodation gigs:
Workaway – One of the most popular platforms, offering placements worldwide.
HelpX – Similar to Workaway, with a strong presence in Asia and South America.
Worldpackers – A traveler-friendly platform with reviews and verified hosts.
Couchsurfing Hangouts – Sometimes hosts are looking for English speakers to help their kids or guests.
Japan: Teaching English in a Traditional Ryokan
My first gig was in a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) near Kyoto. In exchange for morning English lessons with the staff, I got to stay in a tatami-matted room, eat homemade meals, and soak in an onsen every evening. Teaching was informal—mostly conversational English during meal prep or tea time. My biggest challenge? Learning to eat natto (fermented soybeans) with a smile.
Budget Breakdown:
Accommodation: Free (in exchange for 3 hours of English practice per day)
Food: Mostly free, with occasional personal expenses ($3-$5 for ramen)
Total Weekly Spend: Less than $30
China: Helping Kids Learn English Through Play
Next, I found myself in China, living with a wonderful family in Shanghai. My role was to help their 8-year-old daughter improve her English through play-based learning. This meant reading books, playing board games, and (sometimes) struggling through Disney singalongs.
What I loved most was the immersion. I was part of the family, joining them for hotpot nights and weekend trips to nearby water towns. In return, they provided me with a private room, daily meals, and even covered my subway pass.
Budget Breakdown:
Accommodation: Free (for 2 hours of tutoring per day)
Food: Free (homemade dumplings, anyone?)
Total Weekly Spend: $20 (mostly coffee and snacks)
Brazil: Living in a Beachfront Hostel
Finally, my adventure took me to Brazil, where I stayed in a lively hostel near Rio de Janeiro. The deal? I helped with English lessons for the staff and taught backpackers some useful phrases. In return, I had a bed in a shared dorm, free breakfast, and the best beach sunsets of my life.
Brazilian culture is warm and vibrant, and teaching English here felt more like hanging out with friends than formal tutoring. I also got to learn some Portuguese in the process—bonus points for language exchange!
Budget Breakdown:
Accommodation: Free (in exchange for informal lessons)
Food: Mostly free, but I splurged on street food (~$10/week)
Total Weekly Spend: $25
Tips for Success
If you’re ready to dive into this lifestyle, here are my best tips:
Have a TEFL or TESOL Certificate (Optional but Helpful) – While many hosts just want conversational practice, having a certification can open up more opportunities.
Be Flexible & Open-Minded – Every placement is different. Some might require structured lessons, while others just want to chat.
Engage with the Culture – You’re not just there to teach; you’re there to learn, too. Take the time to explore, eat local foods, and try new experiences.
Be Clear About Expectations – Before agreeing to a placement, clarify the hours, responsibilities, and perks.
Have a Backup Plan – Not every experience will be perfect. Have a small budget set aside in case you need to find alternative accommodation.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! Teaching English for free stays has allowed me to experience new cultures, make lifelong friends, and stretch my travel budget further than I ever imagined. Whether you want to sip tea in a Japanese ryokan, explore bustling Shanghai, or soak up the sun in Brazil, this is a budget-friendly way to see the world.
So, what’s stopping you? Grab your backpack, brush up on your English teaching skills, and start your next adventure!
Have you ever taught English in exchange for accommodation? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you’re curious about getting started, check out Workaway or HelpX and start planning your own budget-friendly teaching adventure!
