Did you know that teaching English as a foreign language can be a great way to travel around the world? In this post, you can find everything you need to know.
In today’s modern society, it pays to think in both a short-term and long-term fashion. Of course, the Romans coined the infamous Latin phrase “Carpe Diem”, which literally translates to “seize the day”, and living life to its fullest is always a wonderful option whenever it is available and prudent to do so. At the same time, though, it certainly is worth considering that the decisions made in the here and now can also act as seeds towards a bright and prosperous future, making an investment in a career choice today has the capacity to be a wonderfully life-altering decision for the better.
As a native English speaker, there is a unique chance to make hay while the sun shines on both fronts, especially as with millions of wannabe English learners around the globe, 2022 could really be the year that sees the fastest growing TEFL market on the planet! So, read ahead to explore exactly why teaching English is truly a passport to this lifestyle, both in a literal and figurative sense.
Why teaching English as a foreign language can be a great way to travel around the world
Learning other languages
Even though the primary function of a TEFL teacher is to teach others, there is naturally a fantastic symbiosis at play when living and working abroad. Whether it is brushing up on the French learned at school, or diving into a completely unfamiliar tongue such as Russian, the world truly is an oyster for the budding TEFL pro.
There are many reasons for this, from the obvious osmosis of being surrounded by another language all day long, especially when looking at billboards walking around city streets or using public transport. What is more, even basic interactions, like asking for directions or paying for goods in a shop, require a modicum of terms and phrases to produce a successful interaction. On top of all that, most major cities frequently host language exchange evenings in local cafes, as well as social sporting or leisure activities for almost any taste.
Seeing other places
Even while teaching in one culture, it is usually pretty easy to get to another without too much trouble. One wonderful example is teaching in Quebec, a Francophone province in Canada. If one is able to procure a position in Montreal or somewhere close by along the St. Lawrence River, then it is only a short few hours in the car to hop down on Friday after work to New York City, and still, be back in time for the Monday morning class.
For those with a more natural proclivity, however, the choices become even more diverse and varied. Many schools take their students on day trips to local forests, mountains, or lakes, or provide ample possibilities for this kind of pursuit during free time.
In fact, depending on the school, there may even be a longer excursion organized for the students, run by fellow teachers, perhaps visiting a ski resort for a week up in the Pyrenees, or taking a trip to the Adriatic seaside for the day in Slovenia.
Trying new things
With over 7 billion people globally, it is obvious that individuals are likely to perceive the world in distinct and unique ways, depending on where they come from. This can extend to aspects such as food, drink, clothing, religious customs, or even national holidays. In some countries, this can be something that is achieved with the assistance of a local, who may well be willing to share their very best secrets of the area in exchange for a touch of language practice.
Elsewhere, it is simply a fact that specific places have activities that simply do not exist elsewhere, perhaps due in part to the climate, geography, or the way in which that particular nation has adapted to its surroundings. Take dune buggying in Qatar, for one: this wonderful pastime involves sitting as a passenger in an all-terrain vehicle, while an expert driver chauffeurs a group up and down the undulating dunes of the Middle East. This kind of hobby is certainly not available in London or Manchester!
Financial incentives
Although TEFL teaching is all the rage for the reasons listed above, it also makes sense to consider the bottom line when considering any important career crossroads. In this regard, becoming a TEFL maestro could definitely have its own perks, such as a salary which is normally more than commensurate with the cost of living in whichever country is hosting.
Yet it might still go even further than simply a paycheque that enables a fun free time calendar to be attainable. In fact, many schools provide free accommodation as an additional perk of the job, freeing up more funds for the weekend socializing or days out. This bonus in many cases includes the bills, so no more worrying about the cost of electricity or utilities for a little while.
Long-term career progression
A full and thorough analysis of the benefits of teaching English as a foreign language in another country would not be complete without a further look at the career implications of such a brave and courageous decision. The reality is that employers back home are often swamped with a deluge of applications from aspiring candidates, all believing that they have what it takes to get the coveted position.
This places an absolute premium on the quality of the work experience that has been obtained by the hopeful employee, and working abroad can without a doubt add a cutting edge to that profile. For one thing, it will undoubtedly provide a talking point for curious employers, who are sure to want to know all about the country that has been taught in.
Furthermore, while there are a lot of restrictions placed on domestic workers with regards to health and safety, child protection and the like, the vast majority of other cultures are not so heavy-handed in this regard, which provides an avenue for a TEFL instructor to get first-hand experience in a plethora of tasks that are simply not accessible to the competition who decided to stay at home.
