Job Discussion Forums

prometheusg · Joined: 21 Sep 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Costa Rica

Here's an article on why people who are thinking about teaching abroad should think twice. Good advice. There are way too many people teaching who shouldn't be, but they got into it for the wrong reasons.

http://www.squidoo.com/top-reasons-not-to-teach-abroad

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

Mixed feelings. Sure, some folks are hoelessly naive and idealistic. Not sure this (very negative) article will help them in any case.

His examples are only from his own experience. Check the comments to hear from people who live in other countries and do have more experience/education.

In Japan, even entry-level teaching jobs pay enough to pay rent, eat and save. I am hardly starving.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

I have to say, it sounds like the author is overly negative about the industry. His points are flawed and overly simplistic.

1) You lost your job or hate your job
That's implying that you never wanted to get into TEFL in the first place. These are people who see TEFL as a 'last resort' or a gap-year. It's like saying, 'I hate my job...so I'll take up mining'. You'll probably be just as much as a failure in the mining industry than the TEFL industry.

2. Don't do it for the money
Unless you work in one of a very small number of countries and work full-time, you're probably going to barely make enough to scrape by.
I work 14 hours a week, have housing paid for, utilities paid for, flights refunded and can afford to eat out everyday if I wished. Sure I can't go mad with money, but it's not my main concern. In my native country this situation would be 99% impossible.

3. Culture Shock
The author has a valid point here, there is no getting away from the fact that living in a foreign country will be different. I can only say do your research and live by the saying, 'When in Rome....' Sure, some things will annoy you (spitting in the street in China is my peeve) but at the positive things.

4. You won't travel as much as you think
Once again I think the author is picking examples from people who didn't want to go into TEFL, the misguided folk. For those that got into it for the right reasons it can be different. For example it totally depends on the job, I know of FT at my school who have gone all around the country. I'm planning on doing this also, I have 2 months off, I'm not going to stay in my apartment!

5. It's harder than you think
Again, you can't escape work. It can be hard work, but it's nothing compared to a job I would get in my native country. Teaching 14 hours a week, 2 lesson plans a week. I perhaps work 20hours a week (that's as I'm a new teacher, so lesson planning takes a while and I'm always refining what I have). I know China is comparatively 'easier' than European placements (I'm generalising), but it shows that there is work out there.

So in summary, I will say that the author has some valid points, but don't be put off! If you genuinely want to teach English than the rewards can be great. However, like ANY other industry, there are pitfalls.
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globalcitizen1968 · Joined: 03 Oct 2011 Posts: 34

prometheusg · Joined: 21 Sep 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Costa Rica

I think the author's point was to dissuade people who are trying to enter EFL for the wrong reasons. I think the point was that if you're entering for those reasons, then you should stay away. Not to dissuade people who are genuinely interested in teaching in the first place. We're willing to deal with this stuff.

lucia79 · Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Posts: 156