Should I teach abroad? Some reasons to think of teaching abroad

While teaching abroad in a foreign country can seem a bit scary, the benefits and advantages of teaching English or any subject abroad are very rewarding.

With teaching jobs and openings being so hard to find today, many new educators are considering studying and teaching abroad to gain experience, learn about the world, and secure a teaching position. Teaching in a foreign country might seem a bit intimidating at first—how much does it cost, how much do I get paid, and will I even understand the foreign language?

These are all natural and common questions. However, just as there are tips for successful teaching locally, there are several good reasons to consider teaching English abroad (or any subject, for that matter); these benefits and advantages may encourage you to take a teaching experience you will never forget.

Visit a Foreign Country or New Place You’ve Never Visited Before

If you’ve ever considered living or studying in a new country, then teaching abroad is a great way to get out of your box and take that step. Teaching in a foreign country will provide you with the opportunity to explore new places, see new things, and learn a whole new perspective on teaching.

For those who choose to study and teach abroad, many programs include transportation costs, lodging fees, and other necessities. Use these benefits to your advantage if you’ve always been hesitating about visiting the world due to financial reasons.

Make Good Money with Low Taxes

This benefit of teaching abroad is certainly one of the most important. Just as moving to a new, foreign country will be fun and exciting for your job, it requires financial support as well. Teaching English, or other subjects, in a non-English speaking country many times offers very good pay.

Taxes for most teaching abroad programs are much lower than teaching locally, and yearly salaries vary. The cost of living in many of these foreign countries is much lower than local taxes and costs, further offering the potential for a comfortable life style to make more for your time and money.

Meet Fellow Foreign Teachers and Work Together

Just as local teachers meet other educators at their elementary, middle, or high school, so too do study-abroad teachers have the opportunity to meet teachers from all around the world. Forming these friendships among fellow teachers offers a great multicultural perspective to increase your understanding and connection with the world.

According to International Education Center, studying and teaching abroad “complements cultural learning” and cultural awareness of new people and traditions. By teaching abroad, you will be bringing your own teaching and instructional strategies, just as other teachers from all over the globe will be bringing their own helpful tips and tricks. Studying abroad offers teachers the chance to meet new people and learn more about the diversity of schools, cultures, and education.

Gain International Experience and Build Your Resume as a Teacher

Lastly, studying and teaching abroad offers teachers the privilege of helping students in great need while getting valuable experience. The international experience provided by teaching abroad helps teachers come to better know how worldwide students learn, grow, and have their own cultures and backgrounds.

According to TIE Online Teaching, studying abroad and teaching abroad provide qualified teachers with the opportunity to not only “visit the wonders of the world,” but be exposed to a diverse and multicultural setting that will help enhance an educator’s experience and instruction style. From building your resume as a teacher to getting the chance to experience the world, instructing abroad gives educators a whole new outlook on life.

These benefits and advantages are all good reasons to consider teaching abroad for prospective teachers.

Jobs with International Relationships

Employment involving international outreach can provide enriching life experiences. Some jobs can be entered into without experience or special education.

Jobs that engage international relationships generally provide intangible benefits to everyone involved. Overseas new correspondents alert an unaware populous to the realities of daily living in a different country. Teachers allow foreign students to broaden their employment horizons after obtaining a better grasp of the English language. Government employees protect the interests of U.S. policies. In turn, employees reap the rewards of language immersion and obtain a greater appreciation for cultural differences.

International News Reporters

News broadcasters who cover international events form relationships with foreign nationals to obtain and disseminate information to the general public. Their work is especially vital for first-hand accounts of natural disaster phenomena, war casualties, military strategies, insurgent coups and foreign social strata differences. In addition to having courage, these correspondents are usually multilingual and can blend in socially and culturally in foreign environments.

English Teachers

Many schools abroad hire native English speakers with or without college degrees to teach English as a foreign language to their students. Teachers relocate to foreign countries such as South Korea, Czechoslovakia, Taiwan, Thailand, Mexico and many others. These positions require the development of student-teacher relationships and almost total immersion in another culture. In turn, teachers also learn to speak foreign languages at least on a conversational level. As of April 2011, according to the Teach English as a Foreign Language Institute, salary varies by the foreign employer. In Asian countries, annual salaries can be anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 per year. Often expenses like travel and housing are included.

Border Patrol Agents

Border Patrol agents are U.S. citizens who protect the borders of the United States from illegal alien entries by apprehending border crossers. While international relationships may be volatile because of job duties, border patrol agents are expected to speak Spanish fluently in order to communicate laws to captured criminals. Applicants must also be under the age of 40 to handle the physical vigors of the position.

Consulars

United States consulars, also referred to as foreign service officers, are U.S citizens who work in 265 U.S. embassies in countries around the world. Their primary responsibilities are to approve and issue visas to alien U.S. visitors and protect the interests of United States citizens visiting and living abroad. During the visa issuance process, U.S. consulars conduct interviews with foreign citizens, thereby, developing temporary relationships with foreigners. Consulars are not required to be bilingual and housing is paid for by the U.S. government.