Five Things You'll Learn While Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad has a certain mysterious appeal. While the initial wanderlust may entice almost any aspiring teacher into the field, other aspects of the journey encourage them to stay the course. Surprisingly, the very things that make teaching English overseas one of the most fascinating professional experiences are often not considered before setting off.

Teachers will need to bring a strong degree of flexibility to the role, and this begins well before they even set foot on an aeroplane. Like many other professional roles, teaching English abroad is highly competitive, with candidates from a wide range of backgrounds vying for positions. This can make it more challenging to secure a role in a specific country.

Fortunately, China offers a wealth of opportunities and remains a popular choice for teachers considering life abroad, thanks to its increasingly westernised amenities and high quality of living. In contrast, roles in lesser-known locations or developing countries facing socioeconomic difficulties may be more fiercely contested.

Being able to roll with the punches means English teachers not only learn about the world around them, but also gain valuable insights about themselves. Adaptability in both personal and professional settings keeps the career dynamic and rewarding throughout a teacher’s global journey.

If there’s one thing that unites the world, it’s a country’s love of traditional holidays – and the vast majority of English-learning nations are more than happy to share their customs with English teachers. This may require a little more flexibility with holiday and vacation time, but it also means that teachers are exposed to a completely different working calendar – one that might even better suit their personal preferences.

China, for instance, has a wealth of public holidays scattered throughout the year that teachers may not have considered initially. These include Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Week, to name just a few. Classes are usually suspended during these times, allowing teachers the freedom to travel – although many opt to stay local and immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and spirit of these joyous occasions.

Global English teaching is a seriously big business. It’s estimated that there are nearly two billion learners worldwide – and this number continues to grow as the global economy increasingly adopts English as its primary language.

Nowhere is this trend more evident than in China, which holds the title of the world’s largest market for English tuition. According to a study by The Economist, language coursebooks make up more than one-fifth of all book sales across the country. It’s estimated that there are just over 300 million English language learners in China alone – a figure that exceeds the entire population of the United States.

Very few teachers enter the second language market with ambitions of lining their pockets or enjoying a luxurious lifestyle filled with social accolades. However, many are pleasantly surprised to discover that such a lifestyle can, in fact, be attainable. Developing nations and economies recognise the power of the English language in securing a stronger position on the global stage, which is reflected in the high regard in which English language teachers are held around the world. They are often afforded considerable social esteem and treated with respect, honour, and gratitude. It is not uncommon for particularly well-known teachers to attain local celebrity or even iconic status, depending on the extent of their influence within the classroom and the broader community.