Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It? (my take after 2 years)
The truth about teaching ESL abroad.
(psst, don’t forget to pin this for later!)
Want to explore new cultures, meet amazing people and see the world? Then working and living overseas may be the move.
One of the most popular (and easiest) ways to do this is to become an ESL teacher (especially if you’re a native speaker and have a 4-year degree). So, is teaching English abroad worth it?
Definitely.
This post shares my experience moving abroad and being an English teacher overseas (after doing it in Tokyo for two years).
So let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It? (my experience)
Teaching English abroad is definitely worth it!
For me, it was an amazing experience that led to unique opportunities, amazing friendships, more confidence and a serious boost in self awareness.
Oh, and of course teaching overseas means you can travel more too.
This is a big draw for many people (myself included). After all, it’s an amazing way to grow as a human.
When you’re not exploring your new home, you can easily travel to nearby countries during your time off – all while making some decent money with a full-time gig.
Plus, teaching English is pretty low stress and simple (*based on my experience living in Japan).
But of course, this all depends on your personality, your school and where you’re teaching.
Overall though, teaching English abroad is absolutely worth it and I definitely recommend it.
Teaching English Overseas (the pros – the cons)
Teaching English Abroad: The Pros :)
Improve your communication chops
You can travel more
Boost your resume with a unique experience
Meet amazing people and build a global network
Learn about other cultures
Become more empathetic, patient and understanding
Learn a new language
Teaching English Abroad: The Cons :(
Homesickness
Culture shock
Not fitting in (culturally)
Not understanding people – no more eavesdropping :(
Extra logistics (filing taxes, insurance and getting sick abroad, etc.)
There’s often a limit to how much you can grow, career wise
How to Teach English Overseas (5 steps)
1. Choose A Country
A reasonable first step is to decide where you want to teach.
Personally, I taught in Tokyo and I absolutely loved it. But of course (as with anywhere), there are ups and downs when it comes to teaching and living in Japan.
I also know a few people who have taught (or still teach) in South Korea and also love it there.
Ultimately though, it’s up to you and there are lots of solid choices. So here are some quick tips for choosing the right country:
Consider your personality
If you can, visit beforehand
Consider your goals (to travel more? to save money? to make friends? etc.)
Research the culture and country (safety, lifestyle, food, costs, etc.)
Explore more:
➤ How to Move to Japan
➤ Best Countries for Beginners + Solo Travelers
2. Research Schools + Jobs
After you choose a country, it’s time to find a job.
There are a few different options for teaching abroad, such as:
Conversation schools (like Japanese eikaiwas)
Public school teaching
Private language institutions
University teaching
Private lessons
Corporate lessons
Summer schools
As you can see, there are a lot of different types of teaching positions available. But choosing the right one comes down to personal preference, availability and your qualifications.
So here are some quick tips for choosing a solid ESL position:
Decide if you’d prefer city living or countryside
Look for reviews from other teachers
Consider your personality and goals
Weigh your options
3. Research the Requirements
Different schools and countries will have different requirements.
For example, some places may require some type of TEFL certification, while others only require a university degree (in any subject).
It depends on the country and school you choose, but in general, a university degree should land you a decent gig. I know in Japan, a university degree opens most doors.
But again, just research your school and country to find out more. Worst case scenario, you might need to sign up for a short online TEFL certification.
But often, just being a native English speaker (with a degree) is enough.
4. Apply + Get Sponsored
Once you know where you want to teach, it’s time to apply.
The application process for teaching English abroad varies for every school and country, but if you’re applying from overseas, you’ll usually go through a few basic Skype interviews.
I also did a short mock lesson during my interviews (which was super quick and low stress – they just had me teach an idiom and vocabulary word).
When applying, you can apply directly through some schools, through a third party platform or by using recruiters.
Again, it depends on the school and your country. But a few Google rabbit holes should send you in the right direction.
Just watch out for scams, dodgy schools or other red flags.
Explore more:
➤ Best Remote Jobs for Travelers
➤ How to Make Money While Traveling
5. Plan, Pack Up + Start Teaching
After you get a job offer, the exciting stuff starts.
It’s time to start planning and eventually pack up and move.
Your school should walk you through this process and tell you how to rent an apartment or when to buy your ticket (you don’t want to buy it too soon, especially during the visa approval process).
Either way, it’s fun to start planning what you’ll need to bring (or not bring) and exploring different accommodation options.
It’s my favorite part.
Explore more:
➤ My Minimalist Travel Strategy
Later ✌️
Teaching English abroad is definitely worth it.
You can travel more, meet amazing friends, gain newfound confidence and boost your self awareness.
But there are also drawbacks (like homesickness and culture shock).
Still, it’s an awesome experience. To start, it’s best to decide on a country and start researching schools and the requirements.
From there, your employer should help you plan your stay, flights and all that.
Whether you decide on a short six month working holiday or decide to stay for multiple years (or longer), it’s an epic adventure.
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
