So You Wanna Teach English Abroad - Here Are Some Things To Expect
What’s it like to teach English abroad? What can I expect? If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, you may be asking everybody you can these questions. You’ll get different answers from different people, but they’ll all agree that it’s a life-changing experience.
Every place is different, and no 2 people have the same experience, but there are some general things you can expect, no matter where you go.
Get Ready To Teach!
Depending on your situation, you may find that teaching is a lot more work than you expected. Some people will tell you that teaching English overseas is just a big vacation. In fact, some schools even advertise that way, “Spend a year teaching in Japan!”
But, the truth is, you will have to earn your keep. I don’t mean to make it sound like slavery; teaching abroad is a great way for people who are considering teaching as a career to get a taste of the classroom without making a major commitment.
Most people who teach English abroad have never taught before, and find teaching to be wonderful. It is also wonderful because while you teach your students, you also learn from them.
Culture Shock Ahead
Warning: You may experience culture shock. Most people do. Culture shock is a stressed out condition that stems from living in another culture. It tends to produce stress, anxiety, depression, negativity, homesickness and lots of other attitude problems.
Culture shock is a natural phase we all go through. Even English teachers who have “gone native” and chosen to stay in their new adopted homeland will tell you that it took a while to get adjusted. It’s all just part of the wild ride of teaching English overseas.
On the positive side, living in another culture gives you a unique perspective. It is a valuable learning experience. You will have new friends, new food, new places to go, new customs and new ideas that you couldn’t have even imagined before. It also allows you to look at your own culture from outside.
Coming Home
People who go overseas to teach end up in 1 of 2 situations: either they come home, or they stay indefinitely.
Yes, it’s entirely possible to love a country so much that you decide to stay permanently. Some people just find that the weather suits their clothes better, or that they love teaching and never want to go home and get on with their lives. You never know if you might be one of these people until you try!
But, most people who teach English abroad head home after a while. They come home not only with a whole world of cross-cultural experience, but also with a great resume item. Teaching English is a great career move, whether you plan to go to graduate school, or seek employment back home.
Everybody’s experience teaching abroad is different. Even if you try it for a while and find that it’s not for you, you’ve still gained a valuable experience most people never have. Teaching abroad is a great way for people to work their way around the world!