The Pros and Cons of Teaching Abroad: Worth It?
Teaching abroad can provide a unique and rewarding experience, offering valuable insights into different educational systems and cultures. Whether it is worth it often depends on your personal goals, financial considerations, and the specific challenge and benefits you seek.
Financial Considerations and Benefits
Many teachers find that teaching abroad can provide substantial financial benefits. Some couples, such as the couple I know, have had the opportunity to teach for ten years, with all funds in their home country, enjoy housing provided, and teach in international schools offering programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB).
After returning to North America, they were able to purchase a very expensive home, buy a new electric vehicle, and take a year off before seeking another teaching position. This suggests that teaching abroad can be a highly valuable financial investment if managed well.
Personal and Career Growth
Personally, my journey through teaching abroad has been enlightening. I have had the opportunity to teach in a public middle school in Botswana for three years and in a private middle school in Colombia for one year. Both experiences were highly rewarding and have significantly influenced my career as a teacher and my personal growth.
My first teaching experience was in the Kalahari Desert, a school without running water or electricity, and with a class of 45 students and limited resources. Despite these challenges, it was the best experience of my career because it forced me to be incredibly creative and work with committed individuals. I had the time to focus on every aspect of education, both inside and outside the classroom.
Challenges and Rewards of International Teaching
Teaching in a public high school in Canada, I had the opportunity to switch to a more affluent private school in Medellin, Colombia. This experience allowed me to see a different kind of education system, meet people from various backgrounds, and enjoy the beauty of Colombia. While the private nature of the school population could be challenging, it was, overall, a valuable experience.
Both of these experiences have taught me to see the world differently. Living in different cultures, meeting different peoples, and experiencing different educational systems have made me a better teacher and a more well-rounded individual. Looking back, even though these experiences have come with financial sacrifices and the difficulty of adapting to less desirable places, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Conclusion
Teaching abroad is a decision that should be carefully considered. It offers unique experiences and opportunities for growth, but it also comes with financial and personal challenges. Ultimately, the worth of teaching abroad is determined by how much you value the experience and the personal and professional growth it brings.
Key Points:
Financial benefits, including housing and savings Personal growth and cultural immersion Challenges of adapting to new environments and systems Opportunities to see different educational approachesIf you are passionate about education and are willing to embrace the challenges, teaching abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.