In this article, James Prior, the founder of DoTEFL, discusses his take on whether teaching English abroad is worth it, having both taught English abroad and helped many other English teachers do the same.
So, is teaching English abroad worth it and should you do it? If you’re thinking about embarking on a teaching adventure overseas this could very well be a question that’s on your mind. Let’s get some insight.
Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It?
As someone who has spent several years teaching English abroad, and as the founder of this site, I can attest to both the challenges and rewards of teaching abroad.
It may come as a surprise, but I didn’t initially go abroad to teach English, I went for another reason. I’ll let you guess what this was! However, being able to teach abroad was certainly a big plus. It enabled me to live and work in a foreign country and get my visa, which meant that I could basically stay there indefinitely. In other words, having the opportunity to teach English abroad allowed me to live the life I wanted and be where I wanted to be.
All I had to do to get started was obtain my TEFL certification. I did this by doing an online TEFL course when I was already abroad, and once I was certified I hit the streets visiting different language schools to look for a job. From there, I got some work in a language school teaching Business English and everything grew from there.
You might have already guessed where I’m going with this; in my opinion, teaching English abroad is definitely worth it! It’s a great enabler for living and working abroad and opens the door to so many potentially life-defining experiences and adventures. It can help you build a new life in a different country and you can even treat it as a travel job if you want to move around and see other countries. You also get to improve the lives of others with your teaching. What’s not to like?!
However, putting aside my personal experience teaching English abroad for a second, because everyone will have a different story, let me start by addressing some common conceptions and queries you might have before you take the plunge and teach English abroad.
Firstly, let’s look at some positives (of which there are many). The allure of living in a foreign country is undoubtedly a big pull. There’s something undeniably exciting about going to live abroad and immersing yourself in a new culture, learning a new language, and forging connections with people from all walks of life. Teaching abroad facilitates this and each destination offers its own unique blend of experiences waiting to be explored.
Weekends and holidays become opportunities for exploration, as you hop on trains, planes, and buses to discover new destinations within your host country and beyond.
The world truly becomes your oyster when you teach English abroad. Whether it’s exploring ancient temples in Cambodia, trekking through the jungles of Costa Rica, or lounging on the beaches of Bali, there is something for everyone.
Of course, there are obstacles to navigate along the way. For starters, the initial culture shock can be overwhelming. Suddenly finding yourself in a foreign land where everything from the food to the customs is different can leave you feeling disoriented and homesick. It takes time to adjust to your new surroundings and find your footing in this unfamiliar environment.
Then there’s the issue of language barriers. While English may be the language you’re teaching, that doesn’t mean everyone you encounter will be fluent or speak English. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration, both inside and outside the classroom. Patience and creativity are therefore key when it comes to overcoming these communication hurdles.
I’d advise you to try to learn the foreign language of your country as soon as possible. I did this by attending a Spanish language school when I was already living abroad, but there are many great language learning apps you can use before you even go abroad to give yourself a head start.
Another challenge you’ll likely face is the bureaucracy of working abroad. Navigating visa requirements, work permits, and tax laws can be a bureaucratic nightmare, particularly in countries with complex immigration systems. It’s essential to do your research and stay organized to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order before you embark on your teaching adventure. I had many hours sitting in the visa office, but it was worth it in the end!
There’s no doubt that teaching abroad presents a new set of challenges to overcome with something new almost every day. But this is one of the things that I appreciate looking back. Through these experiences, you’ll develop resilience, patience, and a newfound sense of independence that will serve you well long into your life. If you can successfully live abroad and communicate with students who speak a different language it should give you the confidence to do almost anything.
For this reason, one of the most compelling reasons to teach English abroad is the opportunity for personal growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone forces you to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar situations.
Another one of the most gratifying aspects of the job is seeing your students progress and succeed. Whether it’s a shy preschooler mastering their ABCs, a student taking the TOEFL exam, or a group of business professionals honing their language skills for career advancement, knowing that you played a role in their journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Moreover, teaching abroad provides ample opportunities for cultural exchange and immersion. You’ll have the chance to learn from your students just as much as they learn from you, gaining insights into their way of life, traditions, and perspectives. This can be an invaluable experience and change the way you see the world.
In addition to the personal and professional benefits, teaching English abroad can also be financially rewarding depending on where you’re based. While salaries vary depending on factors such as location, qualifications, and experience, many teaching positions offer competitive pay and benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and flight reimbursement. This financial stability allows you to live comfortably and enjoy your time abroad without constantly worrying about making ends meet.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that teaching English abroad isn’t for everyone. It requires a certain level of flexibility, adaptability, and resilience to thrive. Teaching abroad programs can often last anywhere between three months to a year so you may need to be prepared to apply to other English teaching jobs and actively seek out your future employers if you want to extend your stay.
Therefore, if you’re someone who craves stability and routine, the nomadic lifestyle of a TEFL teacher may not be the best fit for you. But don’t fret if this is the case, you can always teach English online from the comfort of your own home.
Overall, teaching English abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Before making the leap, take the time to weigh the pros and cons and consider whether this lifestyle is right for you. If you’re adventurous, open-minded, and eager to explore the world, teaching English abroad could be the opportunity of a lifetime. But if you prefer stability and routine, you may want to think twice before embarking on this journey. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a quick summary of some of the pros and cons to help you decide if you’d like to teach abroad.
The Pros and Cons of Teaching Abroad (Summary)
Teaching abroad might sound like a thrilling adventure, and it often is! But before you pack your bags, it’s important to consider both the upsides and the downsides of this journey. As someone who’s been there and done that, let me break it down for you in simpler terms.
The Pros:
- Cultural Immersion: Living and working in a foreign country exposes you to new cultures, languages, and traditions. You’ll have the chance to explore historical landmarks, try exotic foods, learn a new language, and make friends from all over the world.
- Personal Growth: Teaching abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to adapt to new situations. You’ll become more independent, resilient, and open-minded as you navigate life in a foreign land.
- Travel Opportunities: Weekends and holidays become opportunities for adventure as you explore nearby cities, towns, and tourist attractions. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, the world becomes your playground.
- Professional Development: Teaching English abroad enhances your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. It also looks great on your resume and can open doors to future career opportunities.
- Financial Benefits: While salaries vary depending on where you teach, many positions offer competitive pay and benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and flight reimbursement. This financial stability allows you to live comfortably and enjoy your time abroad.
The Cons:
- Culture Shock: Adjusting to life in a new country can be overwhelming. Everything from the language to the customs may be different, leaving you feeling disoriented and homesick.
- Language Barriers: Even though you’re teaching English, not everyone you encounter will be fluent. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration, both inside and outside the classroom.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: Navigating visa requirements, work permits, and tax laws can be a challenge, particularly in countries with complex immigration systems. It’s essential to do your research and stay organized to avoid any legal issues.
- Transient Lifestyle: Some teaching contracts abroad can last anywhere from three months to a year, meaning you may have to find a new job or relocate. This transient lifestyle isn’t for everyone and can be emotionally taxing, especially if you’ve formed deep connections with the people and places you’ve encountered.
- Uncertainty: Teaching English abroad isn’t always smooth sailing. You may encounter unexpected challenges, such as difficult students, cultural misunderstandings, or health issues. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable in order to overcome these obstacles. This is where good classroom management and lesson planning can help and is also why you should do an accredited TEFL certification before you go!
Conclusion: Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It?
So, is teaching English abroad worth it? As someone who has lived and taught abroad, I can say with confidence that the answer is yes. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with teaching abroad, the rewards far outweigh the risks.
From personal growth and cultural immersion to professional development and making new friends, teaching English abroad offers a wealth of opportunities for those brave enough to embark on this adventure. So if you’re thinking about taking the plunge, my advice is simple: go for it. You won’t regret it!
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
- Why Learn English? 11 Great Reasons to Learn English - September 15, 2024
- How to Efficiently Learn a Language (in 7 Steps) - September 15, 2024
- Names of Tools in English: 101 Tools With Their Uses - September 14, 2024
