In today’s interconnected world, there has never been a higher demand for English language proficiency. Teaching English abroad has emerged as not just a career opportunity, but a life-changing experience that offers teachers the chance to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, foster cross-cultural understanding, and teach people around the globe.

Why teach English overseas? 

Teaching English overseas offers the perfect combination of professional and personal growth with cultural immersion and travel opportunities. A better question might be: why wouldn’t you teach English overseas? 

Living and working in a foreign country allows you to fully immerse yourself in the native culture and have a firsthand experience of traditional customs and the local lifestyle. This kind of immersion gives not only a deeper insight into your host country but also fosters language proficiency in the local language. 

Educators who teach English overseas develop both professional and personal skills that will further them in their careers. Putting yourself out of your comfort zone, possibly in a country where you don’t speak the native language, forces you to face challenges, adapt quickly to new situations and develop valuable skills in communications. Experiencing new customs and traditions facilitates cross-cultural understanding, thus broadening your horizons. 

One of the most attractive perks of teaching English overseas is the opportunity to travel and explore. Picture this: a warm breeze flows around you as you focus on the sounds of nature, and a colourful gecko jumps in front of you. That could be a future memory of you teaching English in Costa Rica. 

Whether it’s weekends spent visiting historical landmarks, devouring local cuisine, or embarking on adventurous excursions, there will always be new things to discover. 

Qualifications and requirements

Teaching English overseas is one of the most accessible careers available, depending on your goals and aspirations. While specifics vary by country and institution, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is most likely the minimum requirement. While prior teaching experience isn’t always mandatory, it is often preferred. 

During a TEFL course, you learn essential teaching methodologies, how to best teach languages and classroom management techniques. Having a TEFL certification will give you access to several types of teaching English jobs, but certain countries and institutions do require a bachelor’s degree in educator or English. 

Research potential destinations

An alluring element of teaching English overseas is the opportunity to travel and discover new cultures. Choosing the right destination, then, is of the utmost importance. Countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, Spain, and Thailand consistently rank among the top choices for English teachers due to their high demand for English teachers and exotic cultures. 

While it is nice to picture yourself by the pool or a pearly-white beach, don’t base your decision on how good the Instagram pictures will look. Factors such as culture, cost of living, and job market dynamics should be the first things to consider when selecting a destination. 

Additionally, factors such as visa requirements, healthcare accessibility, and safety should also be taken into account.

Job hunting and applications

Do you have the required qualifications and did you pick the perfect destination? Then it’s time to start the job hunt. 

One of the best ways to search for open positions is by using online job boards that specifically dedicate themselves to international teaching positions. Equally, reaching out to trusted recruitment agencies who specialise in education abroad is a great idea. These platforms often feature a wide range of job postings and provide valuable guidance throughout the application process.

Creating a stellar resumé and cover letter for a teaching job overseas is just the same as back home. Start with highlighting relevant teaching experience and your language proficiency. 

Also, include any long-term stays overseas to show you are comfortable leaving your home country for long periods. Interpersonal skills like adaptability, flexibility and cross-cultural understanding will also help your application stand out among the rest. 

Prepare the move

Did you get the job? Congratulations! But getting the job was only the first step. Navigating the logistical aspects of teaching English overseas can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and preparation, it’s entirely doable.

Securing the appropriate visa and work permit is often the first hurdle to overcome. Depending on the chosen country, the requirements can vary significantly, from proof of employment to medical screenings and criminal background checks. It is crucial to research the specific visa regulations well in advance and ensure all documents are in order, so you can avoid any last-minute complications and unnecessary stress.

Once your paperwork is sorted, it’s time to search for housing and accommodation. It is not uncommon that your new employer will help you out with this. If not, try to find a temporary place to settle in for a few weeks so you have the time to search for a more permanent place. Tip: ask your new colleagues for advice. Chances are they’ll know a lot more than the internet can tell you about local housing. 

Embrace this new phase in your life

Teaching English overseas is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and sometimes even lonely. It is perfectly normal to miss friends and family, but remember you’ll also make new friends. Teaching overseas inevitably presents its own set of challenges, from language barriers to cultural differences. Coping with these challenges requires resilience, patience, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Building relationships with students and colleagues is an essential part of creating a new network. Taking the time to connect with students on a personal level and actively engaging with colleagues through professional development opportunities and social interactions can create a sense of belonging and bring new opportunities.