Teaching English Abroad is a trap...

Welcome back everyone! In this weeks video I will be sharing why I believe many people can get stuck teaching English abroad. Please keep in mind these are my own opinions. This video is not intended to discourage people from moving abroad and becoming and English teachers but to raise awareness of the cycle. Also as another disclaimer: I LOVE TEACHING! I will always be a teacher in some aspect. I should've emphasized teaching English throughout the video. Anyway I hope you all enjoy and let me know what you think :) Thank you!

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[AlexWallsELT]

It's interesting to hear your experience. As someone who has been in teaching English for 10 years though... TEFL is more of a trap in certain places. I've not been to Taiwan, but I have worked in China - I would say China is the biggest TEFL trap I've seen and so I did get out in less than a year. There are options to move up or onto something different that can be a career. A lot of teachers move into international schools which is a fine choice if you like children. Others move into universities, management, examining, teacher training, materials writing, etc. Some start successful businesses and others grow a side hustle into a profitable income stream. Personally, I manage a school and work as a teacher trainer and have my fingers in a few other pies. I'm not making tons of money because of the part of the world I choose to live in, but I still save and plan to move back to more profitable places later. But of course, if you don't enjoy it, then absolutely you need to get out. The main advice I'd give anyone on this point is to consider 1. getting out at retirement and 2. getting out earlier if you need to, and both of those things mean putting aside money.

[chezwickcheese]

It's only a trap if you go into it for the wrong reasons. If you're feeling stuck in life, feel like you have no purpose or direction, it can help ground you. I did it when I was 35 and it was the best decision I've ever made. Was it a career move? No, but the idea of a traditional 'career' these days is becoming less and less mainstream. I would prefer to teach and enjoy what I do than grind away in a job that doesn't respect my time.

[SenorJuan]

I think the key is to learn skills while abroad that can be monetized as an entrepreneur, such as languages, photography, digital marketing, etc.

[JustMusic]

Actually it does a ton for your resume! Every job I’ve ever had after being abroad has loved the fact that I’ve lived abroad. It makes you stand out. In fact, plenty of jobs said that’s the sole reason they called me for an interview AND I got the job. Add that experience to your resume girl!

[shanae]

Crazy I have these same goals now at 32 and why I'm looking to move abroad and teach. Living in American is like being on a hamster wheel to me.

[roxannepark]

I worked in China for a year as an esl teacher. I'm from South Africa! Best year of my life... Would recommend it to anyone!

[jacquelinecroft]

I am 24 now and I am in the same situation just not looking at this as a career forever, but because I want to travel and need a job. I am from New Zealand but I am currently in Brazil and I feel so much more clear minded and I hope that I can make a living with teaching English while I am here.

[catherinebaker]

I want to go abroad mainly for the reason that I want to eventually leave the United States. I have been looking into countries like Italy for an English teaching job. I just don’t know what to really do

[swisdom]

9:49 this is literally what I've always thought before. Even now, I want to teach English abroad just for one year to see how it goes. I resonated with a lot of the things you say. I am not just surviving as I live with my parents and am freelancing, working with a company that pays in US dollars so the exchange rate is high, but my days just feel mundane and robotic. There must be more to life. My life is good but oftentimes I feel stuck in a box where im not really growing or learning anything. Still, I'm extremely grateful for what I currently have

[philiolynott]

Loved this video! I guess the idea of "a gap in your resume" depends on the employer. I mean I think a good employer, will see teaching abroad as a massive positive. If they don't, I would consider it more of a red flag for them.

[alayssia]

I think essentially that anyone can get stuck in any career path. It’s tough out here. Thank you for sharing your opinion and experiences!!❤️

[KENYANODYSSEY]

I am literally you at 24. I'm home in USA studying for my masters degree, and I have no clue how I want to use it. But I definitely plan on living abroad for a year or two. Thank you for this!

[ESL-O.G.]

I taught abroad for over 5 years. Loved it! Traveled the world and got paid. See my Pic? That's scuba diving in Bali.
I have friends that started their own school abroad and made enough to buy apartments and cars etc.

[garycummingsjr.]

I think the growth opportunities come from getting more certified. If you’re actual teacher in your home country you can get into international schools. TeacHNow allows you to get certified overseas. The trap is time. When I came back from Korea everyone wanted years of experience to do entry level jobs and unless you can leverage your overseas experience it will be harder to transition back home. The more time you stay overseas the more you push yourself into education even back home education is the only place you can leverage those experiences

[Genzmillenial]

This has actually encouraged me. I mean I feel like I am exactly like you were before the job, so I am hoping teaching abroad can give me the same experience

[samsportstalk]

I’m starting my TEFL course in January. I have already lived in Spain for a year on a Study Abroad programme. This video is very helpful so thank you for sharing 😊

[michaelswigart]

I plan on teaching English abroad as covid ruined my chances to study abroad in college. I really appreciate your insight as you offer very valid points. As someone looking into this unique experience, the best thing I can get is honest advice. I see what you mean about it being a job that may be difficult to advance your career in, but given this information now, I may be able to figure out some other ways to advance myself abroad; possibly through using youtube or other side hustles. Thanks!

[ZoeysMusings]

So glad you spoke about this Nnenia, because for sure some of us don't want to be teachers forever but we can get comfortable within that space. Great info and breakdown of both sides of the coin 🙂

[doubR]

As someone who is interested in teaching English abroad, I really enjoyed this video and appreciate your pros and cons! I feel like after looking into this for so long, a lot of videos kind of manipulate you into thinking it’s heaven on earth (probably for them) but rarely do I find a video with cons and how it can affect reality when you go back home. I’m majoring in global studies and world languages SPECIFICALLY bc I’m so scared I won’t have many opportunities once/if I decide to go back home and work. This video was super helpful in getting my mind in the right place about this decision I’m going to make. Thank you so much! ❤️

[nonfat]

such important points that you made! my motivation for wanting to teach in taiwan is because i want to improve my chinese and become a translator (i want to be immersed in the language and culture). so i feel like although it's not direct, it's a good way for me to pivot