How to Leave Your Comfort Zone Through Teaching English Abroad

So, you’ve been dreaming about a grand adventure, something that takes you far beyond the familiar routines of home. You’re craving new experiences, fresh challenges, and maybe a chance to give back to the world. What if we told you that teaching English abroad could be your golden ticket? It’s not just a job; it’s a journey that promises to shake up your world in the best way possible.

Why Teaching English Abroad?

Life is brimming with opportunities for young adults. But how many of them truly push you out of your comfort zone? Teaching English in a foreign country is one such experience that will test your adaptability, broaden your horizons, and enrich your soul.

Here’s why you should consider it:

1. Cultural Immersion: Living in a new country means diving headfirst into a different culture. You’ll eat new foods, celebrate unfamiliar holidays, and maybe even pick up a new language. It’s about seeing the world through a completely different lens.
2. Professional Growth: Teaching isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These are skills that will look impressive on any resume, no matter your future career path.
3. Personal Development: Nothing builds character like navigating a foreign land. You’ll learn to be more independent, resourceful, and confident. Plus, there’s a unique thrill in knowing you can thrive outside your comfort zone.

Choosing Your Destination

The world is your oyster, but some pearls shine brighter than others when it comes to teaching English.

Here are a few standout destinations:

• South Korea: Known for its vibrant culture and high demand for English teachers, South Korea offers a structured teaching environment with competitive salaries and benefits.
• Spain: If you’re drawn to Europe, Spain’s laid-back lifestyle, beautiful cities, and friendly people make it an attractive option.
• Thailand: For a more tropical adventure, Thailand’s stunning landscapes and warm climate are hard to beat. The cost of living is low, and the experience is rich.

Preparing for the Journey

Getting ready to teach English abroad involves more than just packing your bags. Here are some steps to ensure you’re fully prepared:

• Get Certified: A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is often required and will equip you with essential teaching skills. Many programs can be completed online or in person in a matter of weeks.
  • Maximo Nivel offers internationally accredited TEFL courses in Latin America, including onsite, hybrid, and specialized certifications. 
  • International TEFL Academy provides top-tier TEFL training and lifetime job assistance, with graduates teaching in over 80 countries. 
  • Volunteers with International Volunteer HQ can opt to complete an internationally recognized online TEFL course at a discounted rate. 
  • African Impact provides a teaching internship, while IVI has TESOL-accredited paid internships globally.

• Research: Learn about the country’s culture, customs, and educational system. Understanding your new home will help you adjust more quickly.
• Plan Your Finances: Save up some money before you go. While many teaching positions may cover living expenses, having a financial cushion is always wise.
• Stay Open-Minded: Flexibility is key. Things won’t always go as planned, but that’s part of the adventure. Embrace the unexpected.

Opportunities to Teach English Abroad

A great way to get started on your English Teaching journey abroad is to participate in teaching volunteer projects abroad. Explore these great programs by reputable providers worldwide!

Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel’s volunteer teaching projects in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru help underprivileged communities improve their English skills. Volunteers receive an ESL Crash Course and support from an academic team. Program fees include airport pickup, host family accommodations, meals, and a certificate of volunteer service.

Volunteers create lesson plans, teach classes, and support educational activities, making a lasting impact on students’ lives.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

Each year, thousands of volunteers teach abroad with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) in Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, North America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Whether you’re a qualified teacher or a first-time volunteer, you’ll gain invaluable experience working alongside local teachers to improve English literacy, build vocational skills, and enhance career prospects among students.

Choose from 46 teaching programs across 31 destinations worldwide with IVHQ!

GoEco

GoEco offers award-winning teaching English abroad programs that have received hundreds of positive reviews! Their programs focus on teaching English to children and adults worldwide, where standard English education is often insufficient. Volunteers inspire and encourage students, ensuring they become confident and articulate in English.

With GoEco’s 3rd Week Free Grant, enjoy the benefits of a third week free of charge when you sign up for two weeks or more.

These global projects include English language enrichment through group conversations or one-on-one practice, conducting dynamic and varied English classes, and making English fun with games, songs, and movies. We also focus on teaching lessons in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.

Projects Abroad

As a teaching volunteer with Projects Abroad, you’ll have the chance to work with children and young people in elementary schools, high schools, or colleges, supporting local teachers as a teaching assistant and contributing to lessons to gain real classroom experience. You’ll also gain a first-hand perspective on the challenges and opportunities within global education systems. 

Short and long-term teaching placements are available, matching projects to your skills and interests. Programs run year-round, ideal for summer opportunities or school year placements, with destinations including Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Ghana, Tanzania, and Argentina.

Projects Abroad prioritizes benefiting local communities through ethical, well-supported, and strategically planned volunteer teaching opportunities. Each project includes a full-time staff member to support volunteers, guiding them alongside trained local teachers, and assisting with planning and advice. 

African Impact

African Impact’s volunteer teaching programs in Africa offer a unique opportunity to combine meaningful work with an adventurous travel experience. African Impact’s teaching volunteers work alongside local school teachers, assisting in everything from entry-level classes for young children to special activities for adult pupils. As a volunteer, your role goes beyond short-term benefits, creating real, measurable change that supports sustainable development at the core of African Impact’s mission.

Whether you’re assisting at a rural primary school, facilitating adult literacy classes, or participating in early childhood development programs, your efforts will contribute to sustainable education initiatives that uplift children, adolescents, and adults.

African Impact’s teaching volunteer programs begin with a comprehensive training phase, covering essential teaching methods, cultural sensitivities, and their Child Protection Policy. This training allows volunteers from around the world to connect and prepare for their placements. Focus areas include supporting local teachers, after-school clubs, teaching English literacy, community uplift projects, and sustainable development. Each program is tailored to the community’s needs, ensuring a variety of impactful ways to contribute. 

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

IVI offers volunteer teaching programs in countries around the globe, providing an excellent opportunity to gain classroom experience while making a meaningful contribution to developing communities. Anyone can apply to teach abroad with IVI, as no previous experience is required. The key requirements are commitment, enthusiasm, and a desire to educate. Volunteers should have a good standard of spoken English and be mindful of different customs, religions, and belief systems to ensure culturally appropriate teaching content. 

IVI’s programs are available in numerous countries, including Bali, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Greece, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, and Zanzibar.

 IVI stands out for its focus on projects with genuine needs, receiving top ratings and numerous positive testimonials. Established in 1989, IVI is a pioneer in overseas volunteering, operating as a charity and non-profit organization, ensuring affordable placements focused on helping people.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers a variety of volunteer teaching programs across the globe, providing opportunities to make a meaningful impact while experiencing different cultures.

Volunteering as a teacher with VolSol involves working in kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools, helping children and young adults. Volunteers support teachers during lessons, provide additional help to students, and implement activity-based learning methods. They also contribute to the renovation of school premises, facilitate extracurricular activities, and raise funds to buy useful materials like coloring books, charts, and study supplies.

Volunteering with VolSol allows you to share your knowledge and expertise, and offers a chance to learn from diverse experiences, broadening your understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. Upon successful completion of the project, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Global Vision International (GVI)

Discover the promise and power of education with Global Vision International (GVI) through their volunteer teaching programs abroad. As a volunteer teacher, you might deliver formal lessons aligned with a curriculum or engage in informal activities like extracurricular programs. You could work with kindergartners, support early childhood education, or assist with human empowerment projects for women. 

GVI’s volunteers support schools, NGOs, and community organizations to make education accessible and equitable. GVI’s teaching projects contribute to the long-term sustainability and success of these educational initiatives.

GVI offers teaching programs in diverse locations across Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Latin America, tailored to meet each community’s unique needs. 

Making the Most of Your Experience

Once you’re abroad, it’s important to dive in wholeheartedly. Here’s how to make the most of your teaching journey:

• Engage with Locals: Building relationships with local people will enrich your experience. Attend local events, learn the language, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Travel: Use weekends and holidays to explore your host country and neighboring regions. Each trip will add another layer to your understanding of the world.
• Reflect: Keep a journal or blog about your experiences. Reflecting on your journey can provide valuable insights and memories to look back on.

The Transformative Journey of Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad is more than just a job; it’s a transformative experience that pushes you beyond your comfort zone and into a world of endless possibilities. For young people eager to explore, learn, and grow, it’s an adventure that promises to leave a lasting impact.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, open your mind, and get ready for an incredible journey. The world is waiting for you, and there’s no better time than now to start exploring.