One of my favorite travel experiences to date was teaching English in Chengdu, China, to students aged twelve to eighteen years. I was in college in an English education major. I co-taught with a fellow student, and we had students in an intermediary English level class. Our students were amazing! They were eager to learn and eager to please. Their families took us out to eat and made us feel so welcome in their country. And although this was a volunteer opportunity, the school administrators provided on-campus housing and took us site-seeing on the weekends, including to the Panda Preserve there in Chengdu and to the Giant Buddha in Leshan. Teaching English overseas is a great opportunity to see the world while earning a little money. It also offers an amazing opportunity to meet wonderful people, really learn about the people and culture of the country in which you teach, pick up some of the local language, and make a difference in the lives of young people. continue on to read the interviews I had with several current and former teachers who taught English as a second language overseas.For this article, I interviewed six people from the United States, Colombia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom about their experiences teaching overseas. Kyrgyzstan and TaiwanI spoke with Roy, who volunteered in Kyrgyzstan with the Peace Corps and then taught in Taiwan for several years. Which of the two countries did you prefer?Both countries are wonderful places depending on one's circumstances. Kyrgyzstan is a developing country and provided a unique experience when I volunteered there as a teacher. Comparing teaching experiences between Taiwan and Kyrgyzstan is somewhat difficult. Taiwanese schools pay foreign teachers more than Kyrgyz schools do; however, Taiwanese schools can be a stressful environment for students and teachers. In Taiwan, did they have on-campus housing for you? Did they give you a monthly stipend toward your housing off-campus? Or was housing 100% your responsibility? I was given a salary and had to find my own accommodations. Was the pay enough for you to pay your living expenses and still have money to get out on the weekends and see the city and maybe even venture out from time to time to see more of the country? I was able to visit Japan twice and Hong Kong three times; in addition, I did some local traveling within Taiwan. Many English teachers visited the states during the summer, so I think that a teacher's salary in Taiwan is enough to cover the basic expenses of an individual. Having a spouse who is also able to earn an income will make living much more comfortable for a family. How respectfully were you treated by the administrators of the school, the parents of your students, and the students themselves?The level of respect given to teachers is similar to what I've experienced in America. Although some people may idealize Asian schools, encounters with difficult parents, students, and administrators are unavoidable. Administrators, parents, and students were respectful, and the difficulties that I encountered when teaching abroad were insignificant compared to my overall experience abroad. Did you teach in a private school or a public school?I taught at private bilingual schools and a private school with an American curriculum. Did you speak the local language? If not, do you feel like you would have been more effective if you knew at least some of the basics of your students’ first language?I have an endorsement for teaching Russian in Virginia, so I do value foreign languages. Speaking the local language is beneficial when living abroad, but there are schools that prefer foreign teachers to use only English with students. Did you have a co-teacher who was a native of the country?I didn't have co-teachers for my courses; however, I did have to share a classroom with a local teacher at one school. We shared the same classroom and taught separate courses. Roughly how many students were in each class?The classes varied in size from 5 to 35 students. The average class was approximately 30 students. What were some of your favorite things about teaching abroad?Teaching abroad was an opportunity to live abroad and earn money. Since traveling is expensive, teaching is one way to pay for the experience. What were some of the downsides of teaching abroad?I think the biggest drawback about teaching abroad is that there is a lot of teacher turnover that I observed at schools. Many teachers stay at a school for only 1-2 years and move to another job for various reasons. So teachers should plan their own savings and investments regardless of whether the goal is to teach long-term or short-term. Do you have any general recommendations for someone who is considering teaching English overseas?If you are making teaching a career option, I would apply to an "American school" prior to visiting the country. American businessmen and diplomats send their children to the prestigious "American school." The pay is much higher at these schools; locals without a foreign passport are not allowed to attend these schools. Although it may seem counterintuitive, teachers are in a stronger bargaining position by staying in America and applying for one of these "American schools." Also, they usually pay for travel expenses and for the education of a teacher's children while abroad. China and VietnamLe is originally from Singapore. She taught in both China and Vietnam and has some great advice for those thinking of teaching abroad. Do you prefer teaching in China or Vietnam?I personally prefer China. Have you been treated respectfully in your teaching positions?I would say I’ve been blessed to have been treated perfectly well by the administrators of both companies as they’re locals hired by Singapore companies which part of our responsibilities is to bridge the gap between our culture respectfully, at the same time trying to communicate efficiency within the organisation for the benefit of our stakeholders which I feel, we did a fantastic job! I have been in this industry long enough. I heard of many unfair employment practice in Vietnam. I would genuinely advise teachers to be extra careful with due diligence and only take matters in their own hands to avoid unpleasant events. We as teachers have the most powerful ability to handle political and tricky situations. We should fully utilise that ability. Overall I had an amazing experience in both China and Vietnam being very well treated and protected. Expectations of parents in Asia are generally exceptionally high. I have witnessed some unpleasant incidents where parents don’t feel that their child is benefitting from the system. In both countries, students study for long hours, six to seven days a week, inclusive of extra tuition. There are instances where parents are very protective of their children, especially in China with the one child policy. Most importantly, both companies that I worked for had a well thought structure and had a local as a company representative that conveys message to parents, which protects teachers, the reputation of the company, and resolves issues instantly. I strongly believe for others to respect you, you will need to respect others first. I’m not sure about other teachers but bowing and smiling is very important in Asia. Maybe that’s the trick! Oh, I absolutely agree! Respect goes both ways. Our students may be younger than us, but they are still small humans with feelings and a need for physical and emotional safety. How were your students? Did they tend to behave for the most part? In my personal opinion, students are young and they tend to be mischievous. They probably mean no harm. With strict discipline at home, students are generally well behaved. We are in a people relationship industry. When I speak to children, I become a child with knowledge to give. It is our responsibility to ensure that our class time is productive. If we’re not engaging our students, they will be distracted and they will start to misbehave. Overall, the students are respectful. Have you taught in public or private schools?I taught in private schools. What languages do you speak?I’m a Singaporean Chinese so I speak Mandarin. Do you think you would have gotten the job teaching English in China if you did not speak Mandarin? There’s a reason why Singaporean Chinese teachers are considered as we would not need a teaching assistant as a translator during class time. It was great as we were able to engage children from age 18 months to 6 years old easily. Hence in my case I would say I got the job because I was bilingual. However, parents do prefer Native English to teach their children and it wouldn’t be a problem [to not speak Mandarin]. In Vietnam, do you feel like you would be more effective if you spoke Vietnamese? In Vietnam, it’s not a legal requirement instead, but rather parents' expectations. Native only speakers are generally accepted. Vietnam being a country with a difficult language to learn, without the language it is really difficult to communicate hence, knowing at least a little is very important. Did you have a co-teacher who was a local?In Vietnam, yes. In China, no. Approximately how many students have you had in each class?Usually 5-15, but sometimes up to 20. What are some of the best things about teaching abroad?Places to visit, cultural exchanges, valuable interactions, and affordable cost of living. What are some of the downsides of teaching in Vietnam and China?The downside of Vietnam is that there are too many centres across the city as language centres will win customers with convenience and accessibility. Due to strict laws and regulations that are quite costly for businesses, the management tends to cut costs anywhere which can be unfair and depressing for teachers. There are a couple of big brands that don’t pay salary, trick expatriates by promising to cover necessary costs to land a job in Vietnam, and do not hold the end of their bargain which is very sad. (Eg. Cost of visa, authenticate certificates, criminal background check, etc.) In China, they have their own system. It would be great if teachers get to know the phone applications needed to get around in China, especially as a foreign language. Make some trustworthy Chinese friends. Apps really are the future of travel! The first time my husband and I went to Beijing, we made sure we translated certain key phrases before we left (eg. "Please take us to [the name of our hotel and the address]" and saved them on our phones so that taxi drivers could at least get us back to our hotel.) We also used a translator app a couple of times. It wasn't perfect, but it got the idea across! It's also a good idea whenever you're traveling to have navigation directions saved so you can access them offline if you lose connection. Do you have any recommendations for someone who is considering teaching English as a foreign language overseas?This is a high risk field with many uncertainties especially when living and working abroad. It is very important to understand the regulations of each country, do thorough research. Don’t trust too easily unless you have everything in a contract. Norway, Spain, and AustraliaWhen Stefano was 14 years old, his parents sent him from his home country of Colombia to the USA, where he attended school in California. After returning to Colombia, he received ESL training through a program sponsored by the USA Embassy in Colombia and Michigan University. He taught English first in Colombia, then in Norway, Spain, Australia, and back to Norway. He now resides in a small town in Norway after retiring from the local middle school, where he is pursuing his dream of creative writing, assisting producers as a consultant. Of all the countries you have taught in, which has been your favorite?Hard to pick one. Norway offered an excellent health program, good holiday benefits, and a good salary. Colombia was also an excellent place to teach ESL. Colombians like to offer clear and solid contracts and pay well. Spain was perhaps the sweetest, people invite you over for lunch or dinner. Australians are people who enjoy life and like to keep happy. Were there any countries where you felt you were treated disrespectfully either by the administrators of the schools, the parents of your students, or the students themselves?We all find difficulties when traveling abroad. I have come across Norwegian teachers who dislike foreigners. There was an administrator in a Norwegian School in Oslo who bullied me horribly for being a foreigner "go back where you came from! you are taking our jobs". It was not easy whenever we met alone in the corridors. I found a better job, and better pay, and left that school. Australia, Spain, and Colombia were more respectful and welcoming to foreigners. My relationship is to my students and Norwegian students apply themselves. One minor incident will not stop me from doing what I love. Besides English and I assume Spanish, do you speak any other languages? I speak Norwegian. I imagine that having taught there and now living there, you almost have to! Did you typically have a co-teacher who was a native of the country? No. In Spain, we interchanged classrooms with a co-worker from the UK. My America Dialect meant it was good practice for both classes to hear different intonations. In which country did you feel you had the highest workload - largest classes, longest hours, etc.? Colombia. 25 to 50 students in one class and working hours are from 08:00 to 5:00 or 7:00 PM. Do you have any general recommendations for someone who is considering teaching English abroad? 1. Have clear goals. I love teaching basic levels and that is what I look for always. 2. Never say you know more than you can. 3. I make sure I read the contract before I sign it and that in the interview I also have my questions well-prepared and ready... Some people are happy to get a job and forget to talk in detail about salaries. Will you be paid per hour or per class? What if there are no students? 4. Remember also about work visas and how your employer needs to be an active part of that process. Remember Consulates do not know as much as Embassies. It is best to get the information directly from an Embassy. Also, remember that you cannot do business as a tourist, and work permits can take time. Do not expect to jump from tourist to worker. 5. Be patient. Start slow. 6. Ask your students what are their expectations and make a plan. Include them as much as possible but if they do not want to then use the ones who do to bring the others on board. Sit the clever ones next to those who lack motivation. 7. Living expenses and where to live: Investigate that with people who know the country. It is always wise to share an apartment with other teachers. Why? in case you feel lonely you always have someone to talk to and three together can build a good network with other locals. 8. Find out how long it takes to get a local ID to open a bank account. 9. Always keep a positive attitude and know you are not in your country and things work differently where you are now. You have to be able to adapt quickly. GermanyMeet Paul. Paul is from the UK, and he has been teaching English as a second language in Germany for the past twelve years. Have your students, their parents, and the school administration treated you with respect?Yes, I give them 10/10, as I have always been treated with respect in Germany. Do you teach in a private school or a public school?I’ve taught in private schools and freelance. Do you speak German?I do speak German. Excellent! Do you think you would have gotten your jobs in Germany if you were not bilingual? It has probably helped me to get some work, not all. How many students do you have in your classes?I’ve taught many students, classes of up to 12 and one to ones. What are some of the best things about teaching in Germany?Germans show a lot of respect and also the facilities are generally good. Are there any downsides of teaching in Germany?Sometimes work can dry up as there isn’t the same demand for English as in say, Spain or Italy. Do you have any recommendations for someone who is considering teaching English as a foreign language overseas?Definitely learn a bit of the local language. Also consider the health insurance and tax system, etc. Paul, this is great! Thank you so much! I had not really considered teaching English in Germany, but you have definitely put it on my radar. Fiji, Kuwait, Thailand, China, and IraqOriginally from the United States, Sandra is currently teaching ESL and academic English in a new, private university in Baghdad, Iraq. But Sandra has also taught English in Fiji, Thailand, China, and Kuwait. Her comparisons of the various countries in which she has taught offer comprehensive information for those who are considering teaching overseas. Sandra, since you have taught in multiple countries, can you give us your impressions of the countries themselves and rank your favorites?Of course!
And how would you rank the countries as far as the actual teaching jobs go?
In which country do you feel you have been treated with the most respect from administrators, parents of students, and the students themselves?Iraq, but that could be about the management and prestige of the school. I do not deal with parents. China & Fiji by the students and not the administration. Thailand from both administration and students. Kuwait from neither. Do you speak any other languages besides English?No. I speak only English. I incorporate into classes my students teaching me some local phrases for pedagogical purposes - so they see me struggling with their language - and experience with this method has shown me that they feel less awkward/self conscious learning my language. That is a remarkable idea! I think it's important for students to see us as humans who have to learn new things too. If we are willing to put effort into learning their language, they see not only that vulnerability, but also the dedication to acquiring knowledge. have you had co-teachers who are natives of the country?Only half the time in Thailand and unfortunately she was very harsh on the students. Common for Thai teachers to physically discipline unruly students. Roughly how many students have you had in your classes?Iraq: 10-15 Fiji: 1-6 (small start-up school) Thailand: 15-20 (public school = 35-40 per class) Kuwait: 15-25 China: 30-45 What have been some of the best things about teaching in each country in which you've taught?Iraq - students, comfortable living & the food Fiji - the beaches, island lifestyle & Fijians are lovely Thailand - the beaches & the food Kuwait - the food China - the travel & the food What are some things that would be helpful for ESL teachers to know before accepting a position at a school overseas?Ensure the school pays for all travel, visa costs, housing, and health insurance. All these costs can be overpriced or exploitative, difficult to coordinate and inadequate if not organized by the school/employer. That is definitely good to know! Do you have any other recommendations for someone who is considering teaching English as a foreign language overseas? Yes. -Get a 52 page passport and/or have at least 10 blank pages before arriving for your job. -Bring many pairs of comfy shoes as not easy to find in most countries. -Bring cooking/kitchen things. -You cannot make any judgement upon the way other people live. Only observe and understand. -Work for someone who has a higher university degree than you do. -Try to do online interviews with the person you will report to in order to get a true feel if you can work your best with them. (Assess attitude, job satisfaction, etc). Ask all your questions about job, school, living & professional development opportunities. -Try to talk with a foreign teacher working in same job/program to get an honest report of what it is like to live & work there. These are all such great recommendations! Do you have any other comments, or do you want to add any other context regarding the various countries in which you've taught? China (high school & private university) When I was there in 2018, the Chinese government had in place the mandate that all students in grade 1-12 were taught English by a native speaker for 45 minutes per week. This situation created a disgruntled obligation to native English teachers who were paid up to 5 times more salary than local teachers and was not a very effective learning environment due to administration not providing English teachers with any objectives nor resources. The Chinese government has since revised the amount of English language instruction allowed to be taken by their student population and China does not provide the opportunity it once did for foreign teachers. We are called foreign experts in most countries - for visa classifications and salary. Kuwait (high school) I taught Kuwaiti nationals whose families were granted large amounts of government oil money and therefore lived a very comfortable and wealthy lifestyle. For most of my students, higher educational and employment opportunities were guaranteed and not needed to be earned. Therefore, the motivation for learning in school was not present. [I was] just another staff member to students... to be tolerated and placated. Thailand Good for beginning teachers! Pay is low and working in public schools is abysmal. Great living though. Students are boisterous but want very much to learn. Fiji (Korean middle/high school) Fiji pays low and hires almost no foreign teachers. This job was a rare find but turned out to be nothing like what I was told it was going to be when I interviewed with the owner/admin online. The compensation, position, administration and accommodation were much lower quality than advertised. Iraq (private university) Working in the Middle East is not for everyone but the pay is high and they expect teachers to have experience and masters degrees. Women are certainly respected - more so than in western countries. Understand and respect the culture. The food is delicious and the people are lovely. But safety & passport concerns may limit your opportunities to travel freely. Sandra, you have been a wealth of information! I really appreciate the comparisons of and insights into various countries. GermanyMeet Sierra. Sierra is also from the US. She and her husband are both currently teaching English to kindergarten students in Munich, Germany. Before she began teaching, she was a private English tutor in Germany, an au pair in Germany, and an au pair in Norway. Though she enjoys teaching in Germany, she and her husband are interested in moving somewhere new next school year, as they are both ready for a new adventure. HOW RESPECTFULLY have YOU been TREATED BY THE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE SCHOOL, THE PARENTS OF YOUR STUDENTS, AND THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES?My Director, whom I mainly deal with is very respectful, however the HR department and head of the school never really interact with the English teachers, only the German teachers. Most parents are very respectful and easy to work with (raising children takes teamwork!) However, being a private school has its down sides. Some parents have really acted out towards us. The kids, however, hands down get 10/10. They were all very excited to have an English teacher in their classroom and have always treated me with respect. That is really unfortunate. I think more often than not, it's the parents who are more problematic than the students, no matter where you teach. Do you speak German?While I do not speak German very well, I can understand my students and I know this helps them feel confident when trying to communicate with me. As for my job, I am not allowed to speak any German while at work, so it was not necessary for me to learn it beforehand. Do you have a German co-teacher?While each group at our school normally has 3 teachers, I work in a group that only has 2 of us for the majority of the time. My coworker is from New Zealand, while I am from the US, so while we both speak English at work, we use some different words so the kids get a little variety in their English learning! Roughly how many students are in the classes at your school?For the nursery groups there are 12 kids per class and the kindergarten groups each have 25. What are some of the best things about teaching in Germany?Getting to live in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! I also really enjoy the German education system for Early Years. They are much more play focused than the US and I believe the kids benefit from that. What are some of the downsides of teaching in Germany?Unfortunately the salaries in Germany don't seem to be much higher than the US. Do you have any recommendations for someone who is considering teaching English as a foreign language overseas?The more qualifications you have, the easier it will be to get a job! If from the US, I recommend getting a teaching degree and doing an in-person TEFL or CELTA course. For anyone who is interested in teaching in Germany, the typical school year starts early- to mid-September and ends at the end of July. However, some schools, like the private kindergarten where Sierra works, have school all year round. First of all, I have to say a huge "thank you" to all the teachers who took the time to provide these thoughtful answers about their experiences teaching English abroad. You made this article possible, so THANK YOU! If you have been considering teaching English abroad, I hope that part one of "Teaching English Abroad" has been helpful for you. I will leave you with a few final tips. 1. Know your worth. If you are a native English speaker with a college degree and teaching experience and generally excellent English grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, you are worth your weight in gold. Consider what the school is offering you and then consider negotiating for a little more. This does not necessarily have to be a higher salary; it could be as simple as requesting a stipend toward monthly rent or a yearly pass for the city's metro system. As Roy says, "If bargaining hasn't been considered in any area of concern, schools will default to what other schools usually practice." 2. Consider who will be joining you on your teaching venture. Will you be traveling alone? Please take all the necessary safety precautions. Will you have your spouse with you? A second income will go a long way toward allowing for travel within and without your adopted country during your time off. Will you have your child/children with you? Depending on where you are teaching, private schools can be expensive, so you may want to negotiate for fully-paid tuition for your child/children. Watch for part two coming in two weeks! You may also like:
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