People have different reasons to become a foreign teacher. Some of those people are tired of being unemployed and searching in vain for a new job in their home country. Others are professionally stuck and want to take a fresh start. And for some, it is just a desire for a change of surrounding. No matter what your reasons are, you can take a career break and try teaching abroad. It is a rewarding job, which will inspire you for your further work or studying and will give you lots of opportunities to travel and see the world.

There are lots of programs for teachers who wish to work abroad. If you decide to give it a try, you should consider the following:

• Where would you like to go?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What is your cultural background and are you ready to immerse into a new cultural surrounding?

career break

Possibilities for career growth

The highest demand for foreign teachers is, of course in Asia and the Middle East. So, these regions are on top of the list for those seeking for a teaching position. However, you should be ready to face some difficulties adjusting to the local pace of life, cultural differences and things like that. Ask yourself if you are ready for the harsh climate of Saudi Arabia or heavy rains during the monsoon season in Philippines and Thailand. If you are not scared of weather conditions and cultural diversity does not shock you that much, then off you go. Choose the destination and start planning your career break.

If financial benefits are the main reason for you to search for an overseas job, then you should probably know that the highest salary you can expect in the Middle East. Teachers here can get $5,000-7,000 per month depending on their qualifications and experience, while in Thailand salaries will vary from $1,000 to $3,000 and are slightly higher in China. There are some options for teachers in Europe, which include competitive salary, but the cost of living is much higher than in Asia, so do not expect to save a lot. In South America, there are quite a few openings for the foreign teachers, but the countries are poor, and that is why the salaries are much lower.

Previous experience of working in the region is always a plus, so there is a possibility that you can build a real teaching career abroad out of your career break. After teaching for several years and gaining some experience as well as attending courses and professional development seminars and workshops you might get a chance to get promoted. You can get a position of the head of the department or even principal, but these positions will require more responsibilities. If you are passionate about teaching, chances are that you will miss interacting with the kids while doing the administrative job and having higher position. You will be involved in all sorts of meetings, planning the curriculum and teacher training, which will be different from actual teaching. You will be paid more, though, so if it is your goal, it is reachable, provided that you have a degree, experience, and high ambitions.

You will always have a chance to come back to your native country with lots of new ideas, inspired by other fellow teachers from all over the world who you will meet overseas. There are lots of examples and success stories of people who worked abroad for years and came back home with a desire to open their educational institution, day care center or kindergarten. With all the experience and tools they obtained they can develop their own business plans and combine different approaches to create their own teaching style and make their dreams come true. Career break stories like this are inspiring and full of excitement. They make people realize that there are so many opportunities in life and sometimes all you need is a wake-up call to action. It can be the most important decision of your life when you quit your job and go for a new life and new experiences.  

Are you ready for a career break in education?

It’s not all cloudless and trouble-free. You might feel homesick and lonely at times. However, most foreign teachers enjoy living abroad and making new friends from different countries. So, it is a good idea to give it a try. Living abroad will shape your personality and change your life views. You might need to alter your expectations and go through tones of difficulties on the way to your dream job. However, the experience you will get working as a teacher overseas is worth trying to go out of your comfort zone and take a career break to do something you are not used to. Even if you decide to go back to your work, after all, you will have some memorable moments to share and unique experiences which you will use in your further career.