See the World by Teaching It English
Source: mick62 at flickr
One of the most common reasons why people who wish to travel do not do so is, “I can’t afford it.” World travel is more often simply an answer to the question, “What would you do if you won the lottery?” People do not realize that you do not have to be independently wealthy in order to get out of your own little corner of the Earth.
One common way, especially for single people, is to become an English teacher. And no, that does not necessarily mean you have to speak multiple languages, or have a degree in Education. Speaking English is one of the few qualifications.
Many people in other parts of the world (China, Japan, Korea to name a few) believe that if their child were to be fluent in English, they would have an edge in life – particularly when it comes to choice of careers. English speakers are more likely to be promoted to management, work in higher paying jobs, and have an easier time when travelling. This is the same reason we here in Canada force our kids into taking French classes, and many American kids are made to take Spanish.
And it is true that research into intelligence suggests people who speak more than one language are smarter than those who only speak one. And speaking more than two indicates you are smarter still. So it’s easy to see where this belief comes from.
So, schools in Japan, China, and Korea actively solicit North Americans to spend a few months in their countries teaching English.
I have never done this, but I have heard mixed reviews of the experience. As with anything, you should be fully informed about all the pros and cons before making the decision to do this.
To summarize, being an English teacher overseas is not the glamorous life depicted in brochures and web ads. The pay is modest, and if the offer includes accommodations (like free a free apartment), you shouldn’t expect too much. Obviously, you have to agree to teach for a whole school year most times which means a multi-month commitment that you cannot back out of.
If your first real experience with world travel is this trip, there might be a bit of culture shock in store for you. If your posting is in Taiwan for instance, you are likely to encounter things you had not previously considered, such as places where nobody speaks English (how do you order a meal?), lack of proper showers/bathing facilities, lack of hot water unless you boil it, and even unsanitary or unsafe conditions. Now many people love experiencing life as others experience it, but also many expect 5-star hotels and the comforts of home.
Don’t expect to get rich doing this. The money they pay is often just a token amount to cover your expenses ($1000 to $1500 a month, more or less depending if room and board is included). But if you want to live 9 months or more in a foreign country, and have someone else pay your way, teaching English is an option. In all likelihood, you would not regret it. And some teachers even go back for a second or third term!
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Teaching languages is a great way to fund travel – thanks for sharing!