There’s a big, wide world with much knowledge to share. Those words can seem like a call to adventure for a teacher interested in the idea of teaching abroad. Furthermore, if you are interested in helping children from various communities get the best start in life this may be great for you. Your journey is just waiting out there, and you’ll undoubtedly love it.

Maybe you have finished homeschooling your children and are at the point in life when you can start traveling and visiting new locations. What better way to explore the world than teaching abroad? How do you get started?

Getting started can often seem like the most challenging part. What if you’re struggling with the first question – how do you choose a destination for teaching abroad? First, you go where the jobs are. New Zealand is a wonderful place. However, if the job market has low demand and high supply, it may be difficult for you to achieve a position there. That’s just one example, but don’t let it prevent you from looking.

With some of the following advice, we believe this decision can be much easier for you to deal with:

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Which Cultures Are You Drawn To/Do You Know About?

We all know that the world is made up of many different cultures. It’s worth thinking about which ones you feel naturally drawn to. Perhaps you’ve always been curious about life in South Korea. Or maybe it could be you have family ties to Spain and want to reconnect with that part of your heritage. If you can speak the language, that’s a bonus. However, languages aren’t spoken in one country exclusively.

Ultimately, if you’re not too fond of the culture in general, you won’t invest your heart and soul into it. So make sure this is primed before you plan the rest of it all.

What Teaching Permits/Work Visas Can You Gain?

It’s fair to say that as fun as daydreaming about teaching in a tropical paradise, you have to think about logistics. One of the first things to determine is what teaching permits and work visas are required in different countries. The good news is that these things are usually pretty straightforward and standardized for teachers to make the process easier for those looking to invest themselves.

For instance, some countries, like Thailand or Vietnam, have made it relatively easy for foreign teachers to come and work. This is especially true if there’s a high demand for English teachers. China has also thrown its weight behind many programs worth considering. In addition, places like Japan have programs like JET, which has streamlined the visa process for teaching English. Often your workplace or program will help you with this, but make sure everything is signed in triplicate before you go.

What Certifications Are Required?

Depending on the country, you might need certain certifications. The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is the most common requirement for teaching English abroad. Furthermore, it’s something that opens a lot of doors and shows schools you’re qualified to help their students.

Most TEFL programs can also be completed online and usually take a few weeks or months, depending on the course load. It’s a good investment if you’re serious about teaching abroad. Moreover, it’s often a minimum requirement for getting a teaching job in many countries. If it’s not, check the specifics of where you hope to travel. This is just one example for English teachers, and that’s hardly the only subject you can teach. Be aware, other subjects may be more stringent.

Can You Ask For First-Hand Experience?

Luckily, there are many teachers with experience to share. You could reach out to teachers you know or join online forums and communities! There are plenty of spaces where teachers abroad share their experiences, including the pros and cons of working in different countries and tips for getting through the process.

First-hand advice can also help you avoid mistakes or know which schools have a good reputation and which might not treat their teachers as well. Remember, you still deserve to feel satisfied in your work. They can also help with little tidbits of advice, like recommending you travel in safe areas or protect your data by taking the time to Install ClearVPN on your devices before you get private WiFi.

Where Will Your Professional Investment Have An Impact?

Of course, teaching abroad for a job is different than doing a term for a charitable organization. But still, sometimes the two can blend, and countries with good tuition programs will invest in their children’s future.

Some places might have underfunded schools that struggle to attract qualified teachers. While others could be looking for help with special education or teaching subjects that require a particular skill set that you’ve earned through your teaching experience.

Of course, knowing that your teaching is having a real impact can make the experience even more rewarding. So, think about where your skills are most needed. You’ll likely find it’s also where you’ll feel the most fulfilled.