The Pros and Cons of Teaching Overseas
Published June 14, 2008
Hundreds of private schools (and for that matter, public schools) outside the United States will be happy to have you as a teacher for a few years. It's a great opportunity for teachers of any age who want to experience the world. And, because they need trained teachers, the local authorities will take care of all the immigration matters for you as part of the contract.
At the end of this article you will find links which will help you find jobs overseas. But before you explore those, what's it really like teaching abroad?
1. You won't get rich.
You knew that anyway. But be prepared for the reality that teachers don't make a lot of money overseas. Depending on the job location, you may get housing included. Most likely you will have to find housing yourself.
2. Be open minded.
Bulgaria is not the United States. and that, frankly, is part of its charm. You won't find the foods which you are accustomed to. They do things differently over there. That's the point. Try new things. Experiment. It's an adventure.
3. Third world countries do not have first world amenities.
The electricity may not be reliable. Cellphone service is usually fairly good as that infrastructure is new. Internet cafes abound but wifi is not general available. Secondary and tertiary roads can be well-maintained or full of pot holes.
4. Curricula will be different from those taught in the U.S.
If you are teaching in a state school, you will run into the gamut of required subjects and methods. Private schools will usually stick to the IB curriculum.
5. Remember: you are a guest.
1. You won't get rich.
You knew that anyway. But be prepared for the reality that teachers don't make a lot of money overseas. Depending on the job location, you may get housing included. Most likely you will have to find housing yourself.
2. Be open minded.
Bulgaria is not the United States. and that, frankly, is part of its charm. You won't find the foods which you are accustomed to. They do things differently over there. That's the point. Try new things. Experiment. It's an adventure.
3. Third world countries do not have first world amenities.
The electricity may not be reliable. Cellphone service is usually fairly good as that infrastructure is new. Internet cafes abound but wifi is not general available. Secondary and tertiary roads can be well-maintained or full of pot holes.
4. Curricula will be different from those taught in the U.S.
If you are teaching in a state school, you will run into the gamut of required subjects and methods. Private schools will usually stick to the IB curriculum.
5. Remember: you are a guest.
If you were a political activist back home, that was perfectly acceptable. Just don't try to 'change' things while you are a guest in somebody else's home. You may have a better way or strong opinions about the way things should be done. Keep them to yourself.
The reasons why you go abroad to teach are the same now as they were yesterday. You want to experience different cultures. You enjoy teaching and unleashing the creativity and imagination in young minds. Go for it.
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