Teach in Coventry

Coventry is one of those ‘under-the-radar’ type cities for international visitors. Not a lot of people outside of Britain know much about it. But it’s a vibrant, bustling city, conveniently located in the middle of England, with stunning historic attractions, quirky restaurants, and a great quality of life. If you’re interested in living and teaching in Coventry, read on, or speak to your local Teach In team, to discover the very many benefits of living in this extremely liveable city.

In 2014 Coventry was voted one of the 50 best student cities to live in, one of just four UK cities to make the list. Its young, multicultural student population makes it great for a night out, as well as the kind of city where you’ll unearth an old school but charming and cheap-as-chips pub, find a lost gem at a second hand book shop, and where people are keen to get out and meet others. There are quirky restaurants, bars and cafes, idyllic parks and gardens, and the charming Warwickshire countryside on your doorstep, ripe for exploration.

Sports lovers will enjoy all the options available, both for playing and spectating. There’s all your regular team sports – a great way to make a lot of local friends quickly – including ice hockey, football, cricket, and so on, as well as go-karting, adventure sports, golf, and more. There’s even a Quidditch Club you can join – bound to make your time teaching in the UK all the more memorable!

History buffs have no shortage of places to visit in Coventry and surrounds. From the stunning wreck of 14th century St Michael’s Cathedral (destroyed in 1940 by the Luftwaffe), Shakespeare, grand old country houses, a world class armoury, to the spectacular castle ruins at Caludon Country Park, there’s much to keep you entertained (and often it is free to enter). There’s also a decent art gallery, and an impressive range of museums with ever changing exhibitions.

Slightly further afield you’ll find the picturesque spa town of Royal Leamington Spa, often described as ‘all the best bits of London in a ten minute stroll’. Leamington Spa boats fine regency architecture, boutique shopping, quaint eateries, and delightful parks and gardens along the River Leam. Or head to the famous market town of Rugby, birthplace of the famous game.

If you’re looking for a central, well connected place to live, Coventry ticks all the boxes. It’s just an hour by train from London, and 25 minutes by train to Birmingham, which is the UK’s 2nd largest city. Birmingham has the closest international airport to Coventry (11 minute train journey), with an abundance of inexpensive flights to Europe and North Africa. You can even fly directly into Birmingham Airport on long-haul flights with Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines and Etihad, thus avoiding the crazy queues (and higher airfare costs) of Heathrow.

The cost of living in Coventry is relatively cheap (and things like going out, and clothes shopping, are very inexpensive compared with places like Australia, thanks to shops like Primark). If you prefer to shop in more unique, arty surrounds, you’ll love the independent vibe of Fargo Village. There are a large range of diverse schools here, so you’ll find the perfect placement to really enhance your time living and teaching in the UK.

Things to do in Coventry (and surrounds)

Check out the Coventry Tourist Board event listings for up-to-date info on all the happenings around town, including festivals, comedy, concerts, sporting events and more.
Unwind in the countryside on a relaxing spa break.
Clubbers and night-owls will love The Kasbah, Coventry’s most popular nightclub (now with free face painting!).
Enjoy a lazy weekend walk along the Coventry Canal Towpath. Spot works by local artists on the Art Trail, do a bit of bird-watching, swim in a natural pond, and then finish off with a well deserved pint at a canalside pub.
Spend a wintery afternoon indulging in coffee, cake and cheap books at Astley Book Farm.
Go camel trekking through the picturesque Warwickshire countryside.
Take advantage of the long summer evenings and go camping (or glamping) in some of the UK’s best campsites.
Get stuck into the mead, at a medieval banquet at Warwick Castle or Coombe Abbey.
Rock out at Coventry’s annual Godiva Festival.

Useful links

Download the Gett taxi app, for cheap cabs around the city
Order your train tickets in advance and save $$, at thetrainline