Here are some top tips on how to make the most of being an English teacher abroad:
Choose the right place
Choosing the right place is crucial as teaching English is different in each country. You will want to consider job-specific aspects such as the typical working hours and the expectations of teachers in their job role as these may vary significantly between different locations. Also, it is essential to look at the country that you are considering teaching in. Ask yourself if you could see yourself living happily in the country or if you’re happy to abide by the customs and laws of the country. Everybody wants to have a positive teaching English experience, so choosing to teach in the right country for you (and not what other people may think) is a vital step to take.
Live like a local
Living like the locals is a great way to immerse yourself in new experiences. Eat at the local restaurants, take part in local customs, and ask the locals what activities they recommend. You will often find experiences that are off the tourist trail, and you can experience the culture from a unique perspective. Opportunities like this can give you insight into the way of life in the country you are working in, and you would not get this if you were just on holiday. So, leap at any chance you get to live as local people do!
Allow your students to share their culture with you.
Encourage your students to practise their English by telling you more about their culture. This can be a valuable and authentic way to learn more about the country you’re in. Connecting with people on a one-on-one basis can help you create more life-long memories than going to a museum.
Try and learn their language
Most people who teach English will probably not speak the local language when they first arrive. However, this is your chance to learn a language that you may never have had any exposure to before. Even learning a few words can help you navigate the country a lot easier and it is an impressive skill to gain. It can also be an excellent opportunity to bond with your students and can help with breaking the ice. Even if you make mistakes when speaking the language, it will teach your students that it is okay to make mistakes when learning a new language.
Celebrate national and religious festivals
Some of the best moments of teaching English are when you get to be a part of the national and religious celebrations in the country. They are joyous moments that you could not celebrate at home. It is a fun way to enjoy your time off and learn more about the culture you are living in. Taking part in national festivals is also a great way to spend time with fellow teachers away from the classroom, as you can learn about the significance of the festivals together. There will often be local events that are free to attend during the celebrations, so make the most of them while saving money too!
Explore the country you’re living in
It is very easy to only stay in the town or city you are teaching in. By doing this, you are missing out on what the rest of the country has to offer! From going on local day trips to backpacking around the country during the holidays, exploring different parts will make your experience living abroad more worthwhile. The money you would have saved up from teaching will be spent on valuable experiences and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Try to see as much of the country as possible!
Also, explore neighbouring countries.
It will be a lot cheaper to visit neighbouring countries while you’re teaching abroad than visiting from back home, so don’t waste this opportunity to visit nearby countries. It will broaden your experiences beyond the country you are teaching in. You will have the chance to explore other cultures and learn about the region as a whole, as opposed to just the country you are teaching English in. So when you have your holiday dates, see if there are any cheap deals to visit neighbouring countries.
Have the right work-life balance
You do not want to travel to the other side of the world just to be working long hours and not making the most of the new country you are living in. Although you are there to work, you shouldn’t spend all your time in the classroom. Once your working day is finished, do what makes you happy. Make sure you meet new people and take part in fun activities (preferably ones that you cannot do at home). Wherever you teach, make sure you have some time to yourself. You will be a better teacher in the classroom if you have leisure time and it will make your experience of teaching English far more enjoyable.
Enjoy not having a 9-5 job!
Teaching English is very different from having a regular office job at home. This is your chance to escape the 9 to 5 life and to try something completely new. It is more rewarding than any office job and a lot more fun. Appreciate not working a traditional and restrictive job back home and embrace having a job that can offer a lot more adventure. It is definitely a far more exciting prospect!
Share your experiences with your loved ones
One exciting aspect of teaching English as a second language is sharing the experiences you have. Even though you may be on the other side of the world, it is still important to keep in touch with your loved ones back home. They will be interested in keeping up with your adventures and it is always fun telling them about how you are living a fantastic lifestyle.
With the top tips above, you can ensure that you make the most of your time teaching English abroad. To find out more about acquiring a TEFL qualification and teaching English abroad, click here.
