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Teaching English abroad is an adventure that offers more than just a paycheck; it’s a pathway to personal growth, cultural exchange, and professional development. Choosing to go on this adventure can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, and it can make a really positive difference for both teachers and students.

If you invest in yourself, the more effort you dedicate, the greater the rewards. This can look like taking the time to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, and build relationships. All of these factors can help you stand out from the crowd and open up more job prospects. And with your experience abroad, it will become easier to find better teaching opportunities when you return home. So, if that appeals to you, join us as we discuss five excellent reasons to answer the question, “Why teach English abroad?”.

5 Reasons to Teach English Abroad

Whether you’re seeking to expand your horizons, develop new skills, or simply explore a passion for education and travel, the journey of teaching English abroad promises to enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

1. Unmatched Professional Development

Getting TEFL certified is the ideal starting point for any aspiring teacher. There are many different TEFL course opportunities that will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in teaching English abroad, ensuring that your expertise is in demand wherever you go.

In addition to that, if you’re a BeyondTEFL graduate, you’re automatically eligible for a paid teaching internship in China! So if this is your first teaching job or your next adventure, BeyondTEFL is your gateway to a rewarding teaching career abroad. Head over to our jobs abroad page, and secure a global teaching position in a country of your choice.

2. Immersive Cultural Experiences

One of the many amazing reasons for wanting to teach abroad is the deep cultural immersion it offers. English teaching jobs encourage you to dive into the local way of life, learn new languages, and form genuine connections with the community. This enriches your life, providing a profound understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. What’s more, teaching abroad often offers the opportunity to travel and explore new places, as well as form lasting friendships with people from different backgrounds.

Learn more about the BeyondTEFL mission and the importance of cultural exchange.

3. Global Networking Opportunities

When you teach abroad, you’ll join a global community of teachers, where it’s not just about professional connections but building lifelong friendships and having support along the way. Whether you’re seeking advice, recommendations, or companionship for your adventures, the international English teacher community will be there to welcome you.

4. Enhanced Personal Growth

Why do you want to teach abroad? If getting pushed out of your comfort zone appeals to you, then be prepared to also have your adaptability and problem-solving skills tested too. Teaching English abroad challenges you in ways few other experiences can. We can be there every step of the way as you navigate these challenges though, ensuring you grow not just as a teacher, but as a person. This journey of personal development is invaluable, providing you with confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Discover how you can teach English abroad even without a degree.

5. Making a Real Difference

Perhaps the most rewarding reason to teach English abroad is the impact you can have on your students’ lives. English is a key to global communication, and by teaching it, you’re opening doors for your students that would otherwise remain closed. Whether it’s improving their job prospects, helping them pass crucial exams, or simply allowing them to connect with people from other cultures, the difference you make is profound and lasting.

Ready to Start?

Now that we’ve answered the burning question, “why teach English abroad?”, take what you’ve learnt to enhance your skills in English and become TEFL certified. This way, you’ll be even more prepared to teach while traveling and make a positive impact on lives abroad. Remember, it’s not just a career move, it’s an opportunity to grow professionally and personally. You’ll have many chances to immerse yourself in new cultures, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of your students.

Ready to make a global impact beyond the classroom? We can help you kickstart your career. From the moment you decide to get TEFL certified to when you’re ready to teach abroad, you’ll receive dedicated support and guidance every step of the way. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the challenges and joys of teaching abroad, from obtaining your TEFL certification to landing your dream job and beyond. If you have questions or need assistance, just get in touch with us for support.

This blog was written by Lianca Heemro