Is Teaching English Abroad a Good Career?

Becoming an English teacher in a foreign country is incredibly rewarding. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, connect with locals, and positively impact students' lives by imparting valuable language skills. This journey is not just about professional growth; it also provides a chance for adventure and often a decent salary. If you are passionate about teaching and exploring new places, it's definitely worth considering!

Is It Worth It?

The answer to this question depends on numerous factors:

Who you are and what your ambitions are. Where you are in your life. Are you 25 or 55? The foreign country you choose to work in. The type of job you can get in the foreign country. Your purpose for working abroad. Are you going to make money or to get an unusual experience and contribute to the country you've chosen?

My Journey as an English Teacher in Bangkok, Thailand

I worked as an English teacher in Bangkok, Thailand, for ten years from 2006 to 2016. I had to obtain a special certificate, the Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), to live and work in Thailand. I acquired this certificate in 2005.

Working in a Thai School

For a short period, I worked in a regular Thai school where I taught students from kindergarten to grade 6. Each class, except kindergarten, had more than 30 students. This experience taught me valuable lessons, as I was replacing a teacher who had left abruptly. They needed help quickly, so I agreed to help out for two months. When the two months were over, they invited me to stay on, but since I had initially promised only two months, I politely declined.

Working in a Private Language School

If you're trying to make a lasting impact on students' lives, working in a private language school is a great choice. In one of these schools, I worked with classes of 5 to 10 students, and in some cases, only one or two students. My students were not perfect in English but were polite and eager to learn. The personal connection and the opportunity to make a difference were immensely rewarding.

The Personal Connection

I did not do this for the money, which was regular but not high. I did it to have a personal connection with the foreign country where I was living and working. The memories of my time as an English teacher in Bangkok are still good, and it was a very good choice for me.

Conclusion

Teaching English abroad is a path filled with both challenges and rewards. It's a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Whether you're looking for adventure, personal growth, or a way to make a difference, teaching English in a foreign country can be a life-changing experience. If you're considering this career path, take the time to research thoroughly and decide if it aligns with your personal and professional goals.