A big draw to teaching English abroad is the adventure of traveling the world while financially sustaining yourself. It is definitely one of our favorite parts of teaching ESL/EFL, and to inspire future trips and get our fill when we can’t take time off, we watch the following movies and shows!
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Chef and travel guru, Anthony Bourdain explores culture and cuisine of some lesser-traveled countries and cities. Before his passing in 2018, Bourdain filmed twelve seasons of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown with hour-long episodes. Known for his sarcasm, vulgar language and outspoken opinions on everything from human living conditions to celebrity chefs, Bourdain really tries to understand and respect the communities that welcome him. He taught us how to be more than just tourists; he ate foods and in places that many of us wouldn’t even consider, and he did it with sensitivity to the culture.
Somebody Feed Phil
Philip Rosenthal, creator of the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," takes us on his international foodie adventures. He explores the culture of countries like Argentina, Mexico, Italy and Ireland as he gets to know the local cuisine by meeting locals and visiting the most popular restaurants. Two seasons of hour-long episodes are currently available to stream on Netflix. This show uses humor and hunger to inspire our deep wanderlust.
The Kindness Diaries
This Netflix docu-series follows the adventures of Leon Logothetis as he partakes in a social experiment in which he travels solely relying on the kindness of strangers. In Season 1, Leon rides his motorcycle through Europe and Asia, while he drives his VW bug from Alaska to Argentina in Season 2, with an episode of his time in Costa Rica! As Leon travels, he is not allowed to pay for anything with his own money nor ask others for money. He has to depend on the people he meets to give him gas for his car, food or a place to stay. In return, he often gives something back to those who help him. Not only will your faith in humanity be restored as you watch this show, you will want to get out and experience other cultures!
Eat Pray Love
Actress Julia Roberts plays Liz Gilbert, author of the best-selling memoir of which the film is based. Gilbert, who finds herself questioning what she wants from life after a divorce and another break up, decides to leave it all behind and embark on a self-discovery adventure that takes her from Italy to India and Bali. This movie shows both the beauty of travel and experiencing other cultures and the challenges of being outside of your comfort zone.
Motorcycle Diaries
Based on the true story of Argentinean medical student turned revolutionist Ernesto "Che" Guevara, played by Gael García Bernal, Motorcycle Diaries tells the story of Guevara’s roadtrip through South America in the 1950s with his friend Alberto Granado. It was this trip that inspired Guevara’s activism as he witnessed the injustice suffered by the working class. This movie will make you laugh, cry and desperately want to tour South America!
Expedition Happiness
This 90-minute Netflix documentary was shot by young German couple, Felix Starck and Selima Taibi, as they embark on a roadtrip in a refurbished school bus with intentions of going from Alaska to Argentina. Not only will you be motivated to travel and trade the traditional way of life for a life of happiness, you will see unbelievable footage of nature and scenic drives. They also tackle some of the real challenges of life on the road, like the anxiety of crossing borders between countries.
Feeling inspired? Ready to start your adventure of traveling and living abroad? Get TEFL-certified with us at International TEFL Academy Costa Rica!
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