If you’re looking for a career that allows you to live in another country, experience a different culture and develop new professional skills, teaching English abroad could be worth considering.
For many people, teaching English overseas is more than a short-term adventure. It can provide an opportunity to build work experience, develop confidence and explore a career path that might not have been available at home.
But is teaching English abroad actually a good career?
The answer depends on what you want from your career and lifestyle.
Teaching overseas can offer exciting opportunities, but it also comes with challenges that are important to understand before making a decision.
In this guide, we’ll look at what a career teaching English abroad can involve, who it might suit and how a TEFL qualification can help you get started.
What Is Teaching English Abroad?
Teaching English abroad generally involves working as an English language teacher in a country where English is not the main native language.
Teachers may work with children, teenagers or adults in settings such as schools, language centres or other educational organisations.
The role can vary significantly depending on the country, employer and students.
Some teachers follow structured school curriculums, while others may teach conversational English or support students with specific language skills.
This variety is one of the attractions of teaching English abroad.
It can provide the opportunity to develop teaching and communication skills while experiencing everyday life in another country.
Why Do People Choose to Teach English Abroad?
People choose to teach abroad for many different reasons.
For some, it is primarily about travel and experiencing another culture.
For others, it is a genuine career opportunity.
Common motivations include:
- Living in another country
- Experiencing a new culture
- Developing professional skills
- Meeting people from different backgrounds
- Building confidence
- Exploring a career in education
- Taking a career break
- Changing career direction
- Combining work with an international lifestyle
For some people, teaching abroad may begin as an opportunity to experience something different and develop into a longer-term career.
Can Teaching English Abroad Be a Career?
Absolutely.
Teaching English abroad does not necessarily have to be a short-term experience.
Some people teach overseas for a relatively short period before returning home or moving into another career. Others continue teaching internationally for many years.
Your career could potentially develop through gaining additional qualifications, taking on greater responsibility or moving into different areas of education.
The experience can also provide transferable skills that are valuable outside teaching.
These can include communication, presentation, organisation, planning, leadership, adaptability and working with people from different cultures.
Do You Need Experience to Teach English Abroad?
A common concern is that you need years of teaching experience before you can work overseas.
This isn’t necessarily the case.
There are opportunities for people who are new to teaching, although requirements vary between countries and employers.
A recognised TEFL qualification can help provide the training and preparation needed to begin teaching English as a foreign language.
For someone without a teaching background, completing appropriate training can also provide greater confidence before entering a classroom for the first time.
Your previous career and life experience can also be useful.
For example, someone coming from sales may already have strong communication skills, while someone with a background in hospitality may be comfortable working with different people and adapting to changing situations.
What Is a TEFL Qualification?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
A TEFL qualification is designed to help people develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to teach English to non-native speakers.
Training can cover areas such as:
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Pronunciation
- Teaching techniques
- Classroom activities
- Working with different learners
The exact content and quality of TEFL courses varies, which is why it is important to research a course carefully before enrolling.
Is TEFL Worth It?
Whether TEFL is worth it depends on your goals.
If your objective is to teach English abroad, gaining relevant training can be an important investment in preparing for that career.
A TEFL course can provide practical teaching knowledge while helping you understand what is involved before you enter the classroom.
It can also give you something relevant to demonstrate when applying for teaching opportunities.
However, choosing a course should involve more than looking at the cheapest option.
Consider the qualification, course content, accreditation or recognition, practical experience, support and opportunities available after completion.
What Are the Benefits of Teaching English Abroad?
Experience a Different Culture
Living in another country is very different from visiting as a tourist.
Teaching abroad gives you the opportunity to experience everyday life, build relationships and become part of a local community.
Develop Transferable Skills
Teaching requires organisation, communication, confidence, patience and adaptability.
These skills can be valuable throughout your professional life.
Build International Experience
International work experience can help you develop an understanding of different cultures, working environments and ways of communicating.
Create a Different Lifestyle
For people who enjoy travel and want to experience life outside their home country, teaching abroad can combine employment with an international lifestyle.
Develop Confidence
Moving abroad and working in a new environment can be challenging.
Successfully adapting to a new country and taking responsibility for a classroom can help develop confidence and independence.
What Are the Challenges of Teaching Abroad?
It’s important not to look at teaching abroad as a permanent holiday.
There can be genuine challenges.
You may need to adapt to:
- A different education system
- New workplace expectations
- Cultural differences
- A different language
- Being away from family and friends
- A different cost of living
- New accommodation arrangements
- A new working environment
Teaching itself can also be demanding.
You will have responsibilities, deadlines, students to support and lessons to prepare.
Understanding these challenges before you move can help you decide whether teaching abroad is right for you.
Is Teaching in Thailand a Good Career Option?
Thailand is a particularly popular destination for people interested in teaching English abroad.
The country offers a mixture of teaching opportunities, cultural experiences and lifestyle options.
Depending on where you work, you could experience life in a major city, a coastal area or a smaller community.
Thailand can therefore appeal to people who want to combine a career with the experience of living overseas.
However, anyone considering teaching in Thailand should research the current qualification, employment, visa and work requirements that apply to their circumstances.
If Thailand is the destination you’re considering, our guide to how to become a TEFL teacher in Thailand provides a more detailed look at the practical steps involved.
Can Teaching Abroad Lead to Other Careers?
The skills gained through teaching abroad can be useful beyond the classroom.
You may develop experience in:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Planning
- Presentation
- Organisation
- Problem solving
- Cross-cultural communication
- Working independently
- Managing groups
These skills can be relevant to a wide range of future careers.
For some people, teaching abroad becomes a long-term profession. For others, it becomes a stepping stone towards something else.
Either way, the experience can become a valuable part of your professional development.
Who Is Teaching English Abroad Suitable For?
Teaching abroad could be worth considering if you:
- Enjoy working with people
- Want to experience another culture
- Are interested in travel
- Are considering a career change
- Want to develop new skills
- Are comfortable adapting to new environments
- Are interested in education
- Want to experience living overseas
You don’t have to fit one particular profile.
People enter TEFL from many different backgrounds, and the skills you already have may be more transferable than you realise.
What Should You Consider Before Becoming a TEFL Teacher?
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
Why do I want to teach abroad?
Understanding your motivation will help you decide whether the lifestyle and work are right for you.
Where do I want to live?
Different countries and regions can offer very different experiences.
What qualifications do I need?
Research the requirements for the country and type of teaching role you’re interested in.
What type of teaching do I want to do?
Consider the age group, environment and type of school that might suit you.
Am I prepared to live abroad?
Think realistically about finances, accommodation, culture and being away from your existing support network.
Have I researched the TEFL course properly?
Don’t choose a course based purely on price. Look at what training and support you will actually receive.
So, Is Teaching English Abroad a Good Career?
Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding career for the right person.
It can provide the opportunity to develop professionally while experiencing a different culture and lifestyle. It can also be a way to explore education, build transferable skills or take a completely different direction with your career.
But it isn’t right for everyone.
The best approach is to research the reality of teaching abroad, understand the requirements and consider what you actually want from your career.
If you decide that teaching English abroad could be right for you, gaining a suitable TEFL qualification can be an important first step.
Ready to Explore Teaching English Abroad?
If you’re considering teaching English abroad and want to find out where a TEFL qualification could take you, TEFL One can help you explore your options.
Find out more about the TEFL One course and what you’ll learn or view current course availability and apply.
You can also contact the TEFL One team if you have questions about the course or teaching opportunities.
Your next career could take you further than you think.
