Teaching Abroad as a Career Does Not Have to Be a Dead End

The pathway of teaching abroad as a career does not have to be a dead end. I remember the expressions on my family and friends' faces when I told them my plans to teach English abroad as a lifelong career. Everyone gave me a look that seemed to mix confusion, fear, and a hint of “has Donnilah hit a pre-midlife crisis?” One thing we educators must admit is that teaching can burn even the most motivated and talented professionals completely out.

As an American teacher, I am all too familiar with stretching a dollar to ensure our students have supplies and that our classrooms are welcoming and engaging for learning. Most of us dig into our own pockets to make sure our students are prepared for success. After battling with bureaucracy and standardised testing year-round, the two-month summer break feels like it comes and goes faster each year. On top of that, how many of us educators can really afford a vacation or take time off on a ten-month salary?

Teaching abroad is the perfect solution: combining vacation with work. Teaching in Indonesia opens the door to the endless wonders of Southeast Asia. The history, landscape, and culture are all right at your fingertips, but be careful! The convenience of being just a few hours away from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and other exotic destinations might leave you with little room in your passport if you travel frequently – teaching in Southeast Asia will turn you into a jet-setter.

After your first year, plenty of job opportunities will open up to you. Most English as a Second Language (ESL) companies prefer to promote from within. You can also pursue additional certifications to keep yourself employable, as long as you keep your CV up to date. While many people only plan to stay for a year, companies are increasingly realising the value of retaining good teachers. It is cost-effective, and students are already familiar with your teaching style. My advice is to see if your local teacher union allows sabbaticals and consider taking a year to travel, live, and work in Indonesia. Teaching abroad may be an off-beaten path and the road less travelled, but it doesn’t have to be a dead end to your teaching career.