Top 5 Reasons to Teach ESL Abroad
Thinking about Teaching Overseas? Here's why you should get on that plane and do it!
There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn't Teach ESL Abroad such as missing your family and friends back home, or having to organize documents for a work visa in a foreign country, but there are also many reasons why you should give Teaching English as a Second Language Abroad a go. It can be a very challenging, yet extremely rewarding year as you experience another culture, meet new people, and make some money.
#5 Reason to Teach ESL Abroad: You can easily Save Money
Most people who finish university in Canada or the USA have some student loans and are looking to pay them off as quickly as possible. Teaching ESL Overseas is a quick, easy way to get you started paying off your students loans.
For example, in Korea your airfare and housing are often paid for by your employer, so you just have to pay your basic bills and the rest can be used for travel, entertainment or savings. In China, you'll also get free housing included in your contract so you won't have to pay rent, which is a great way to help you save. When this is the case, it's possible to save a lot of money to pay off your loans. Plus, you won't have the traditional expenses like you would at home such as a car, or expensive health insurance so it's possible to pay off your students loans very quickly.
Jobs Teaching English at South Korean Universities
#4 Reason to Teach English Overseas: You can Learn a New Language
A second or third language is an important thing to have on your resume in a competitive job market. It shows initiative, intelligence and perseverance if you put the time and energy into learning another language to a high level.
The best way to learn a language is to live in the country where they speak that language. You can take what you learn each day and go out and practice in a real, relevant kind of way. Plus, you'll pick up stuff just walking around, reading and interacting with the locals. It's more fun too! Actually talking to people and getting to know them is so much better than just learning from a book.
#3 Reason to Teach Overseas: You can Meet New People
When you go overseas for a TEFL Job, you get a chance to meet a huge variety of people. While this may be daunting for some, most people make at least a few life-long friends during their year abroad. There will be teachers from all the Native English Speaking Countries around the world. There also might be English Speakers from places like India or the Philippines. And of course, you can meet the locals and let them introduce you to their culture and their lives.
#2 Reason to Teach English as a Second Language Abroad: It's Valuable Work Experience
If you've just graduated from University, you probably don't have much significant experience on your resume and employers perhaps might not be all that interested in even giving you an interview. It can be a real struggle, but there are some other options available, including teaching English abroad.
If you're interested in working with children, or in the field of education then a year Teaching children Abroad can be a very valuable experience. Or, teaching adults can easily transfer into fields like customer service or administration.
#1 Reason for Teaching English Overseas: You can experience a New Culture
The best reason to teach English overseas is that instead of just reading or watching TV programs about other cultures, you can experience one first-hand. It's an amazing experience to live like the locals, eat their food, figure out their customs, travel where they travel and get to know the people, language and their country.
At times, it can be very challenging and difficult, but it can also one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do. Plus, the stories and the memories from your year abroad will last you a lifetime and you can draw on the skills you learned during your year abroad for the rest of your life.
Want to Teach English in South Korea?
- How to Get a University Job in South Korea: Available on Amazon
- Logic Puzzles and Trivia
Especially designed for ESL students, these puzzles and trivia are guaranteed to make your classes interesting and fun. Well-worth the money! - My Life! Teaching in a Korean University
Check out this blog by a Canadian expat about teaching English in a South Korean university.