So you\u2019ve decided to take the plunge and to teach abroad but don\u2019t know where to begin. In the four years I\u2019ve spent in Asia, I\u2019ve had a variety of jobs in and out of teaching. I\u2019ve had some great teaching jobs, as well as some not-so-great ones. I write this to help every newbie who is thinking of getting a teaching job overseas, to make the best of their experience and get a position that will make them happy and enjoy their time in a foreign country. I wish someone gave me this advice when I was looking for a teaching position; it would have saved me a lot of time, effort, and headaches along the way.<\/p>\n
I believe the causes of unhappiness overseas can stem from several reasons: a bad job fit, being underprepared, and having the wrong expectations when you go to the host country. Teaching jobs are numerous, the to-do-list can be confusing, and as much as you prepare, you never know what to expect, so here are some quick tips to help make your job search as fruitful as possible.<\/p>\n
To thine own self be true<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The first question you should ask yourself is: \u201cDo I want to live overseas?\u201d, and ask yourself why. Many of us get the idea in the middle of the night, the \u201ceureka, aha!\u201d moment, sometimes out of frustration with our current jobs, or out of boredom, and while it sounds like an awesome idea at the time, it may not be the answer to your problems. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself if this is really a good idea for you. Will you be happy living in another country? Make a list of reasons and make a rational argument to yourself as to why you want to make this decision. I have met many people who go through the process of getting a job in another country, only to find themselves sneaking out of the country like a thief in the night. Don\u2019t be this person, be honest with yourself. Are you leaving a significant other behind? Do you have kids or a family? Do you have a mortgage, a sick mother, or other obligations?<\/p>\n Next ask yourself if jobs teaching english<\/a> is the right job for you. Why do you want to teach? \u00a0Is it to make money, or to travel, to develop professionally, to learn a new language\/culture, or all of the above? Would you be comfortable interacting with children, and singing songs? Would you be comfortable teaching working professionals with high demands?<\/p>\n If you accept a position that doesn\u2019t match your objectives, you may be in for an unhappy year. You could find yourself with either a lot of work for low pay, or a job that doesn\u2019t give you enough vacation time for travel, a job that will not matter on your resume, or in an environment that is only around people like you where you don\u2019t get exposed to the local culture. With so many different positions out there, you should make sure the one you choose is the right one for you, but before anything else, you should ask yourself if you really want to be a teacher.<\/p>\n Finally ask yourself how open you are to experiencing a different culture<\/a>. There is always a degree of culture shock wherever you arrive, no matter how well-traveled you are. Living as a foreigner is different from visiting as a tourist. For many of us it is a part of the adventure, but it\u2019s not for everyone. So make sure you ask yourself these questions the morning after your \u2018aha\u2019 moment, then you\u2019re ready for the next steps.<\/p>\n Failing to prepare is preparing to fail<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Do your homework, there are many countries and many types of schools, research every type so you are able to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n Make a list of countries you want to experience, this is the fun part. Research the countries, their cultures, languages, and find out whether there is a need for English teachers in these countries. What is the cost of living? What is the exchange rate? Will you be able to save money, or pay your bills back home?<\/p>\n The internet is a treasure trove of information (and misinformation), but with so much out there it\u2019s easy to get lost and make a hasty decision. Take your time, research different types of schools, agencies, and jobs in the target countries. Read the job boards, read about others\u2019 teaching experiences on the discussion forums. This is a serious decision; do your homework, and don\u2019t act in haste. You should apply to different schools and agencies, schedule interviews and ask lots of questions. There are plenty of teaching jobs overseas. The right one is waiting for you!<\/p>\n Dot your T\u2019s and cross your eyes [sic]. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve decided that you are really interested in jobs teaching english<\/a>, and you know where you want to go, ask yourself if you have the qualifications to apply for that perfect job. Do you have a current passport, Bachelors\u2019 degree, and TEFL\/TESOL<\/a> certificate in hand? Are there enough pages on your passport? Do you have the money for airfare (if the job reimburses the ticket)?<\/p>\n