As I continue to write about the ESL industry, I am amazed at how fast and how much the Internet has grown in the brief few years I have been a teacher. In particular, I am shocked, mostly in a good way, at how popular and successful blogs and websites dedicated to English as a Second Language have become. Gone are the days where prospective teachers were forced to rely on one or two websites or forums for “inside” information into the living and working conditions of foreign countries. Now there are literally hundreds of websites where new and experienced ESL teachers alike can voice their opinions, share experiences and learn vital knowledge that is at most times inaccessible elsewhere except on the Internet.


Although the following list is by no means comprehensive or in any particular order, it does include some of the websites and blogs that the team at ESL Daily enjoy reading on a regular basis. The only criterion that was used in the choosing of these sites was simply “quality over quantity.” If you don’t believe us, check them out for yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. Also, please feel free to add any sites or blogs you feel passionate about make a difference to the greater ESL Web. If we get a long enough list we will amend the one following this article at a later date: Enjoy reading!

1)   Ajarn (Thailand) This is one of my favorite ESL sites. Although the ads on the front page are a little distracting, this really is your one-stop-shopping for your information needs on ESL in Thailand. The articles are well written and informative and it’s worth reading through their forums too.

2)   Middle Kingdom Life.com (China) If you want to get the inside scoop on teaching and living in China (a feat not easily accomplished) then definitely spend some time here. Again, the articles are well written and very informative – I would venture to say eye opening.

3)    Brian in Jeollanam-do(Korea) Websites don’t have the monopoly on good stories. There is a community of bloggers certainly worth checking out, and one of the best, in my opinion, is Brian in Jeollanam-do. Humorous, informative and news worthy articles about the goings-on in the ESL world in the Hermit Kingdom.

4)    ELT News (Japan) There do not seem to be as many blogs and websites for Japan as I have generally found for Korea, Thailand of even Taiwan, that don’t strictly advertise jobs (Please correct me by all means if you know of some). Regardless, I find this site a good ESL news source.

5)   Becoming a Better EFL Teacher Prof. Larry M. Lynch gives some great practical advice everyday to help you become the best EFL teacher.

6)  ESL HQ a well organized website format with many teaching resources, jobs, articles, forums, teaching tips and more. 

By Spencer McCall