A Former ESL Teacher Dishes: Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It?

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If you’re thinking about making the leap abroad to teach, you’re probably wondering what is it like teaching English abroad? And is teaching English abroad worth it?

In short, it can be, but also maybe not! It all depends on a million factors, biggest of all you as a person, what you want to gain, where you go, your school, who you meet – you get the idea. 

Now, I’ve been out of the English teaching game for a bit now, but it’s still an experience that greatly impacted my life. It’s why I’m where I am today as a freelance writer, travel blogger, and person. 

But I often see that many people have unrealistic expectations for their teach abroad experience that aren’t really rooted in reality. And just because I had an incredible experience doesn’t mean that 1. it was all sunshine and rainbows, and 2. that you’ll feel the same way. 

So with my 3+ years of teaching in South Korea, Vietnam, and online, here’s what an ex-ESL teacher wants aspiring ESL teachers to know before going abroad. About what it’s like, what you should expect, and if it’s worth it.

Let’s call it the truth about teaching English in other countries, if you will. Or better yet, what to expect and know before you jump in head first. 

Read More: 20 Best Places to Teach English Abroad

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First, is teaching English abroad ethical?

There’s no one correct answer; and if there is, it’s deeply nuanced. But I think it’s essential for those thinking of living in a foreign place to consider what that means exactly.

For example:

• The ability to secure a residence permit and a paying job in a foreign country is a privilege due to your nationality and the fact you speak English.
• English speakers from western countries (predominantly white) have that privilege from a historical standpoint (colonization).
• How it’s vital that as a person abroad, you are respectful of your host country.
• How teaching abroad can be viewed as a product of neocolonialism.
• And how it’s not uncommon for foreign teachers to be paid more than local teachers, etc.

Some people have already very eloquently shared their thoughts on the matter, which you can read for yourself here, here, and here. These ideas are worth considering and completely changed my mindset about the whole experience.

What Teaching English Abroad Isn’t

Let’s start with an explanation of what teaching English abroad isn’t. I’m sure you’ve already read up on others’ positive experiences selling the opportunity (sentiments on this very blog), but in the name of transparency, here are some cons of teaching abroad. 

It’s Not: A Way to Get Rich or Earn a Ton of Money 

Teaching English abroad will not get you rich. And if you hope to travel, party, eat out, and shop (in other words, live it up) while you’re there, you definitely won’t “get rich.” 

While some places are said to offer high salaries, these high salaries are entirely relative to the ESL industry. Most ESL teachers abroad only earn between $10,000-$30,000+ a year, and this depends on the exchange rate and the country. 

Unless you’re a qualified English teacher with a teaching license and degree in education working at an international school, you’ll probably only earn enough to cover the cost of living plus some. Some teach abroad destinations make it possible to save a few hundred dollars a month, especially if your job includes free housing, but it all depends on where you teach.

Some of the highest paid TEFL gigs with good savings potential are South Korea, China, Japan, and the Gulf States in the Middle East. But again, your ability to save is entirely dependent on your lifestyle, habits, health needs, and prior financial commitments (ie student loans).

It’s Not: All Fun and Games 

When you move to a new country, you’re leaving behind your support system, your culture, and your way of life. And you have to juggle all the admin that comes with moving abroad (figuring out international residence permits, health care, getting a phone, a bank account, etc.) in a new place where you may not speak the language or understand the customs. 

In short, moving abroad is hard! And your school may not help you through the process. Be prepared to put in work even before you even start work. And don’t forget that all this admin probably requires a decent start-up fund.

It’s Not: Endless Travel + a Paid Vacation 

Teaching English is a job that requires you to work. This might be obvious, but it’s worth stating. And while the experience also allows you to explore and see a new part of the world, you’re only free to do so when you don’t have work. So on the weekends, school holidays, and if you’re lucky, summer vacation (unless you teach with EPIK as I did). 

If you’re looking for an opportunity to travel full time and are viewing the work as secondary, then teaching abroad may not be for you. 

Read More: 8 Best 120 Hour TEFL Courses Online That Are Accredited

What Teaching English Abroad Is 

Now let’s dive into what it means to teach English abroad. 

It Is: A Teaching Job + You’ll Likely Be Working With Kids

Being a teacher isn’t for everyone, nor is working with kids. You have to be extremely patient and constantly upbeat. You must put time and effort into lesson planning and work well with your co-teachers or coworkers. 

And you have to sometimes deal with moments of kids being naughty, lessons not landing, and butting heads with said coworkers (or worse – parents). It can be stressful. You have to be willing to do all these things, on top of liking kids.

It Is: A Stressful Yet Exciting Experience

Teaching English abroad will surely test you in ways you didn’t expect, but it can still be worth the experience if you’re up for it. 

You’ll likely have to deal with: 

• Culture shock
• The struggle to make friends 
• The general and inevitable moments of loneliness because you’re new and don’t fully belong 
• The language barrier 
• Missing friends and family, food and home 

But for me, it was worth it because

• It helped me decide if I wanted to pursue a career working with kids in the future (I didn’t)
• I got to experience life in Korea and see many incredible places in Asia 
• I met an amazing group of people 
• I met my loving boyfriend 
• I discovered a love for blogging 

And it allowed me to do all these things while earning enough to pay for everything I prioritized (travel and student loans).

It Is: A Way to Support Yourself Living and Working Abroad 

I’ve already gone in on the point that teaching English abroad isn’t a lucrative job opportunity. Still, it is a job that (should) cover your basic costs of living abroad. 

And it lets you live abroad while gaining valuable professional experience. Even if you’re not planning on continuing education in the future, teaching abroad looks good on your resume. It shows independence, adaptability and can be a testament to your resilience to future employers. 

Read More: A CIEE Teach Abroad Review + How to Save $200

11 Things to Know Before Teaching English Abroad

Here’s a quick list of some things to keep in mind before teaching abroad. 

1. Your first-day teaching will be scary, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly! And the same goes with lesson planning. 
2. Your salary will change with the currency exchange rate, which may mean you take in lower pay throughout the year.
3. Thoroughly read your contract to understand vacation days, sick days, compensation, benefits, work expectations, what happens if you break your contract, other legal things, etc. 
4. It can be lonely, and being an “other” in a new place is an overwhelming experience.  
5. Prepare for culture shock. It’s a doozy. But remember cultural sensitivity when coping. 
6. Teaching abroad is (can be) temporary, and one year goes fast. And worst case, you can always fly home.
7. Research your host country’s culture and working culture before you arrive to avoid surprises. 
8. You need to be open-minded, adaptable, and flexible, or you may not have a good time. 
9. Rely on your people from home when you need it. 
10. If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a person of color, I highly recommend reading about others’ experiences in your desired country to get first-hand guidance on what life is like. 
11. And set your expectations. Teaching abroad is exciting, scary, challenging, the best, the worst, and everything in between.

Read More: 20 Best Companies to Teach English Online

So, Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It?

For me, it totally was! Even with the challenges, I had an incredible time and wouldn’t change it for the world. But I’ve connected with others who went abroad to teach and view the experience negatively. 

Ultimately, that’s an answer only you know, and you probably won’t know it fully until you go. Either way, you’ll come home with some life-changing memories.

If you’re planning to teach abroad, share any questions or comments below! Or if you’ve gone through it, share what you want others to know about teaching abroad.