is going abroad to teach english in another country a good idea???

Question

i keep seeing websites that advertise teaching abroad in alot of countries but most of them say that you do independent work. does that mean that you have to find someone to teach or get a job on your own? also, the pay doesnt seem very high...im not expecting it to be but is it enough to pay for rent somewhere and still have enough money for food?

would this kind of job be a good idea for a recently graduated master's student who loves to travel?? would this be a good start for a possible relocation to another country?

badbear, im offended by your "white slave trade" comment. first of all, im hispanic...secondly, im not stupid enough to just throw money around to random people.

i speak fluent spanish and english and basic french.

Answer 1

I can confidently recommend that you grab the chance. There is no better way to see the world on a limited budget and make lifelong friends, not only with the locals but with an expatriot community of people from all over the world.

A masters degree will all but gurantee you a job in any number of countries. Some countries pay better than others, but likely your lifestyle will be more or less the same in any one of them, given varying costs of living. You should certainly have plenty of money for a comfortable apartment and health insurance and even a car, if you dare drive.

The companies that are willing to hire you sight unseen are not necessarily the most honest bunch of fellows you will encounter in your travels. This does not mean you will be kidnapped and sold into slavery, but rather you will likely be paid far less than you would if you just hit the ground in this country or that and went job hunting. This means it would be a good idea to have a few grand in hand just to keep you fed until the check comes rolling in.

Choosing a country is your next step. I have a personal fondness for Japan, but I know that most Asian countries would be more than glad to have you. Jobs are available in Europe as well, but I do not have any knowledge of that market. South America also booms.

Don't be too shy about not having language skills. You'll hook up with other foregin nationals right off the boat, I assure you. All of them are a little odd, but most of them are thoroughly well-meaning.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I'll do my best to help you out.

Answer 2

Believe it or not, there is a lot of competition for teaching English in other countries. Start looking for a country where you know how to speak their language. For example, say you were going to Brazil to teach, then if you knew how to speak Portuguese fluently, then that would be more favor to hire you. Whereas, if you only knew how to speak English, then it would be difficult to communicate with students if they had no idea what you were saying depending on the level you were interested in teaching. Don't think that you can just go teach if you have a degree for english. You have to know what you're doing and I'm sure you do. I really hope you can find a job. -fingers crossed-

Answer 3

I teach English abroad, but not at a language school. I teach at international schools. The difference is that they are regular school programs with all the courses, not just language, and all courses are taught in English, except the language courses. (There are also French international schools where all courses are taught in French, and Japanese schools, Korean schools, German schools, etc.)

I've met a lot of people who teach at language schools, but they don't have the stability in pay that we have. They don't get the benefits packages that we do, and they usually don't get paid as well as we do. However, if you are young and adventurous, I don't think you could ask for a better opportunity. The pressure isn't as great as working in a regular school setting. The hours are usually fewer, and there is a real party atmosphere among your fellow teachers.

If you are a certified teacher, you could also teach English, Spanish, and French in an international school. You should check into that.

Answer 4

If you have a masters in English or education, going abroad to teach is a very good idea and a great opportunity. I strongly recommend that you look for people who have already travelled and get some ideas off of them. Or you can get in touch with people from your University and ask for references or for their help making the connection.
I'm Argentinian as well (I guess from the flag that you are), and I've been looking into the same thing. There are lots of fake ads out there; be careful.

Answer 5

It's a hard, often lonely life. Teachers are often isolated, with little support, language and cultural assistance, and the dropout rate can be high.

Ask lots of questions before you decide. Ask for references of people who have come back after an experience like that.

And, as an aside, it could be a great experience, but you have to plan carefully for it to turn out that way.

Answer 6

be really careful...heard of the white slave trade? go nowhere alone and wide-eyed. And never send any money up front for any reason. You need to seek out reputable organizations instead of reading ads.

Answer 7

Where are you going Iraq or Lebannon?
Right now go out of the country? are you insane?

Answer 8

everyone I know who did that sort of thing had a great time of it.