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Teaching ESL Abroad

Over the years, the demand for English teachers overseas has significantly increased. While the majority of jobs are located in Asia, opportunities to teach elsewhere are also available. The "big" markets right now are in Eastern Europe, Turkey, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, China and Japan.

Why Teach English Abroad?

There are numerous reasons to teach English abroad. The opportunity to travel and experience a foreign culture up-close is definitely among the most attractive. One can enjoy a stable living situation and earn one’s way while exploring a new country and culture. Living abroad quickly broadens one’s outlook and knowledge of the world.

More practically, teaching abroad is a good way of starting an array of different careers ranging from education to international business. It quickly builds self-confidence and professional communication skills. Many employers and most graduate schools look very favorably on such experience. Lastly, there is usually at least the potential to save money or pay down student loans.

Reality of Teaching Abroad?

Because there are so many different situations, this question is difficult to answer. However, there are a few experiences shared by most international English instructors. First and foremost, teaching abroad is not just having fun but is also work. Being an effective teacher takes time and effort. It can be quite exhausting communicating with elementary level students, keeping all class members interested in a lesson and being in front of a class all day. Also, many overseas English teachers have heavier teaching loads than are usual in their home countries. On the plus side, the work is very social, varied, creative and interesting.

All people who move abroad, including English teachers, experience some form of culture-shock. Feelings of irritability, resentment toward the host culture and isolation are common symptoms. It may occur immediately on arrival or a year later. Fortunately, it can be overcome by staying busy, active and socially engaged and recognizing that such feelings are a normal part of cultural adjustment.

Adapting to a new environment where one is not able to communicate with most people can also be frustrating. Arranging a work visa, opening a bank account, finding housing and making sense of local taxes are typical headaches. Yet, such problems are short-lived and schools and fellow teachers are usually very helpful. Flexibility is certainly a must for those choosing such situations.

The pay for English teachers is generally good by native standards but not always by North American or European standards. It is certainly enough to live on, entertain oneself and explore the local region. By living according to local norms, it is not unusual to be able to put away a third of one’s salary. However, teachers attempting to live as they would in their home countries generally save little.

Who Might Want to Teach Abroad?

Having the right attitude is crucial. Individuals who are adventurous, curious, independent and open-minded are likely to enjoy teaching abroad. Moreover, adaptability, self-reliance and sociability contribute greatly to success. While having higher educational and professional qualifications clearly enhances one’s opportunities, a basic bachelor's degree is enough to get started. Gender, age and racial background are not generally serious barriers but may be factors in some regions. Also, one needs to be energetic enough to withstand the initial rigors of adjusting to a new environment.

Typical teacher profiles include recent college graduates not ready to start their careers or graduate school and people wishing to take a temporary break from their regular jobs or make a career transition. Although many are in their twenties, all age groups are represented. There are even a number of older teachers who have already retired from life occupations.

Adapted from http://www.eslteacherscafe.com