Teaching is not just about teaching

[Niko]

Cultures and daily routines will vary greatly from country to country

Before heading overseas in search of a teaching job, make sure you have thought carefully about the country, it's customs, foods and cultures. Many have taught overseas, only to return back to their country within a few weeks because they didn't like what the country had to offer.

Teaching English abroad is not just about teaching English. It's also about trying to adapt to a different culture and way of life.

Be sure to research and ask plenty of questions prior to making the move to teach overseas.

[Tutor]

I totally agree. I have found people doing to research and accepting jobs and then they had to either continue (due to contractual obligations) or had to leave which left them dire state.

Standard of living, work culture, atmosphere of the location, connectivity with other places (local and international) and many more things are to be considered. Its not being negative but being pro-active.

People do say they can adjust but many times things are beyond control.

[exported_kiwi]

Yep, teaching abroad isn't just about teaching. We are also ambassadors for our respective countrys as well as counsellors to name but a few roles we fulfill. I've found that many students will confide in a foreign teacher because we don't have the same "taboos" that the host culture has, so it's easier for them to talk to us and get a more broad minded opinion.

A really important thing to consider before one goes abroad to teach, or do whatever job, is to think about yourself and your tolerance level for differences, noise and dirt etc. If your tolerance is zero, stay at home, or better yet, live in a sterile bubble because Asia just isn't like that at all... except maybe Singapore. Keep an open mind and learn to accept the differences and embrace them. It's the diversity in the world that makes it such a wonderful and wondrous place which, in turn, stops life from becoming too damn boring! Beware also, that it's the same diversity that makes the world a dangerous place to those who walk around thinking that they're foreign so they should be treated deferentially... think again about teaching abroad if this is what you think!

It's a greatly rewarding experience if you want it to be, or it can be a dismal experience if you let it be....the choice is yours and the world is in your hands...... remember that life is about choices so make the right one for you!

Nuff said, my 2 cents,