It's interesting to hear your experience. As someone who has been in teaching English for 10 years though... TEFL is more of a trap in certain places. I've not been to Taiwan, but I have worked in China - I would say China is the biggest TEFL trap I've seen and so I did get out in less than a year. There are options to move up or onto something different that can be a career. A lot of teachers move into international schools which is a fine choice if you like children. Others move into universities, management, examining, teacher training, materials writing, etc. Some start successful businesses and others grow a side hustle into a profitable income stream. Personally, I manage a school and work as a teacher trainer and have my fingers in a few other pies. I'm not making tons of money because of the part of the world I choose to live in, but I still save and plan to move back to more profitable places later. But of course, if you don't enjoy it, then absolutely you need to get out. The main advice I'd give anyone on this point is to consider 1. getting out at retirement and 2. getting out earlier if you need to, and both of those things mean putting aside money.
China was my first option but I opted out because of some of he stories I heard. 😬 I love how you gave other routes people can go if they want to stay abroad (I'm going to pin this comment for others to see). My plan was grow a profitable side hustle but ultimately I never planned to stay abroad long term so that was really what made me come back! Lots of options for everyone though depending on what they want.
@@mattyhill2858 South America doesn't pay a lot, but I've never been in it for the money myself. I haven't taught in S America yet - I hope to one day. I've had friends who taught in Argentina, Peru and Colombia and I'm jealous of all of them. Obviously S America can be dangerous for foreigners so follow the travel advice - check the FCDO or the American equivalent. I always advice teachers to get a serious qualification like CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL - you'll find teaching a lot easier and that'll mean you have more time to explore some of these beautiful countries in the region.
It's only a trap if you go into it for the wrong reasons. If you're feeling stuck in life, feel like you have no purpose or direction, it can help ground you. I did it when I was 35 and it was the best decision I've ever made. Was it a career move? No, but the idea of a traditional 'career' these days is becoming less and less mainstream. I would prefer to teach and enjoy what I do than grind away in a job that doesn't respect my time.
I'm 31 and this is sort of how I'm feeling. Lost in my life and career. I'm unattached with no big bills to pay and it feels like a great opportunity to experience new things, learn more about myself and help children in the process.. Still in the research stage though. Its a big decision to make...
35 also and this is where I’m at in life. The corporate grind and feeling stuck. Congrats on making the best decision for you. Really hoping to make this jump sooner than later.
Good points I was in construction for 15 years as a house framer and finish carpenter which is intense all day labor. I earned my bachelors degree by age 35 and was teaching American history for 2 years before I was layed off in 2008 because of budget cuts, I love teaching I love helping younger people learn how to live life the right way to get the most out of it. I would like to try teaching English in a foreign country I know it will be challenging but also rewarding Singapore and Taiwan are on my radar unless of course the Chinese invade which they might soon in Taiwan
The only reason to go is to make money. I'm a certified teacher in the U.S. and I only care about my paycheck. I used to love what I did. I am principal now so I make great money.
Actually it does a ton for your resume! Every job I’ve ever had after being abroad has loved the fact that I’ve lived abroad. It makes you stand out. In fact, plenty of jobs said that’s the sole reason they called me for an interview AND I got the job. Add that experience to your resume girl!
Come on. Working abroad is fairly common (well in the rest of the world. Maybe not insular USA) since the late 20th century for younger people specially for a few years before returning home.
@@andyrob3259 And your point? I never said it wasn't common. Use those critical thinking & comprehension skills. She mentioned traveling causes gaps in your resume and it's not good for employment or something like that. My point was traveling & living abroad won't hurt your career but in fact helps it. My employers have literally told me it made my resume stand out. It was literally brought up by them in an interview as a plus.
Hi Roxanne, I am in SA as well and I got a job offer to be a ESL teacher in China, would mind if we have a chat about the process of being a teacher in China
I am 24 now and I am in the same situation just not looking at this as a career forever, but because I want to travel and need a job. I am from New Zealand but I am currently in Brazil and I feel so much more clear minded and I hope that I can make a living with teaching English while I am here.
Hello Jacqueline how are you ?? My name is Marcos I am moving to Brazil in Two months And also going to teach english there What part of Brazil do you live in ??
So glad you spoke about this Nnenia, because for sure some of us don't want to be teachers forever but we can get comfortable within that space. Great info and breakdown of both sides of the coin 🙂
Loved this video! I guess the idea of "a gap in your resume" depends on the employer. I mean I think a good employer, will see teaching abroad as a massive positive. If they don't, I would consider it more of a red flag for them.
I think the growth opportunities come from getting more certified. If you’re actual teacher in your home country you can get into international schools. TeacHNow allows you to get certified overseas. The trap is time. When I came back from Korea everyone wanted years of experience to do entry level jobs and unless you can leverage your overseas experience it will be harder to transition back home. The more time you stay overseas the more you push yourself into education even back home education is the only place you can leverage those experiences
As someone who is interested in teaching English abroad, I really enjoyed this video and appreciate your pros and cons! I feel like after looking into this for so long, a lot of videos kind of manipulate you into thinking it’s heaven on earth (probably for them) but rarely do I find a video with cons and how it can affect reality when you go back home. I’m majoring in global studies and world languages SPECIFICALLY bc I’m so scared I won’t have many opportunities once/if I decide to go back home and work. This video was super helpful in getting my mind in the right place about this decision I’m going to make. Thank you so much! ❤️
thank you for this video! I am in school for ESL, and getting my bachelors in education and this really solidified my choices. I related so much to you, and really appreciate your point of view!!
I'm praying for you gorgeous, I pray that a 1 in a million opportunity manifests to you soon! I am in the same exact situation and you have opened my mind about learning languages and moving abroad to teach languages! I know it's hard but your success will be well worth everything in the end and keep your head up girl! The strongest battles are for the strongest people! 1 love❤️
Thank you for being so real about your experience. I am in a similar place in my life at 25 trying to decide what to do. I especially appreciate you being honest about what your intentions where when entering this path. Many thanks 🙏
Great video Nnenia! Very clear and I like your respectful tone. I know exactly what you are talking about as I have taught in China for 4 years and now back in the UK it's very hard to find a good job, and like you said, starting from scratch again. Keep the videos coming :)
Thank you for tuning in! I've been back in the states a year and yes finding a stable job I enjoy has been no walk in the park but worth the risk. Best of luck to you & your future endeavors!!
This has actually encouraged me. I mean I feel like I am exactly like you were before the job, so I am hoping teaching abroad can give me the same experience
I taught abroad for over 5 years. Loved it! Traveled the world and got paid. See my Pic? That's scuba diving in Bali. I have friends that started their own school abroad and made enough to buy apartments and cars etc.
Your comment solidied it for me! Staring my own school abroad is my goal and I'm so glad to hear other people were successfully able to do it. Gives me hope! Thank you for sharing this :)
Thanks for talking about such an insightful topic! In many ways I was considering teaching abroad as an escape from the 'real world' after graduating university. Now I'm definitely thinking more critically about how to spend a year abroad productively and avoid falling into the 'trap'.
Think about what your goals are. Do you want to just have a "year off" until you move on to the "real world"? Are you looking for cultural experiences and chances to travel to certain locations? Are you interested in taking classes and becoming proficient in Mandarin Chinese? If you came here what would you want to get out of it?
Yes I think the comment above gave some great questions to the think about. The year abroad will definitely be worth it but it fliessss by so fast!! Thank you for watching.
9:49 this is literally what I've always thought before. Even now, I want to teach English abroad just for one year to see how it goes. I resonated with a lot of the things you say. I am not just surviving as I live with my parents and am freelancing, working with a company that pays in US dollars so the exchange rate is high, but my days just feel mundane and robotic. There must be more to life. My life is good but oftentimes I feel stuck in a box where im not really growing or learning anything. Still, I'm extremely grateful for what I currently have
I plan on teaching English abroad as covid ruined my chances to study abroad in college. I really appreciate your insight as you offer very valid points. As someone looking into this unique experience, the best thing I can get is honest advice. I see what you mean about it being a job that may be difficult to advance your career in, but given this information now, I may be able to figure out some other ways to advance myself abroad; possibly through using youtube or other side hustles. Thanks!
such important points that you made! my motivation for wanting to teach in taiwan is because i want to improve my chinese and become a translator (i want to be immersed in the language and culture). so i feel like although it's not direct, it's a good way for me to pivot
Yes I think moving here and teaching can help you towards your goals. Living here should definitely help improve your Chinese too! Best of luck and thank you for watching.
Welcome to Taiwan! 🇹🇼If you don't mind the hot and humid weather in summer which is the main reason I desperately want to escape from for my whole life! 😅Now I am preparing go to Lantin America to cool myself down! So now you know how hot here, right? And do learn more Traditional Chinese as possible as you can before you come here. Even one more word helps every single day. Cause most people don't speak English on daily basis! Only people who teaching languages or some geeks do so. So, good luck!💪
This was super awesome to hear. Not many people are talking about this side of teaching abroad and it needs to be heard. I have not taught abroad but have taught virtually for three years and found myself in a similar situation as you did. Stumbled upon it after grad, wanted more freedom, love travel etc. but I think what people in our shoes should consider is what possibilities can they reach by teaching a language abroad or virtually. Lots opportunities have opened up since the RONA and we should always explore those opportunities. I really enjoyed this video and feel that if I were to be in Taiwan we would be good friends haha
I absolutely agree! I got into the game before the pandemic so I didn't even really explore the many opportunities I'm sure have opened up since. That's a great point! A lot has changed in a short amount of time. Good and bad but all about perspective really. Lol
Have been enjoying binging your videos Nnenia! You may not remember me but we did Super Scholar Excel together at Xavier! So happy to see you enjoying life and pursing your dreams! ❤
I want to go abroad mainly for the reason that I want to eventually leave the United States. I have been looking into countries like Italy for an English teaching job. I just don’t know what to really do
I am literally you at 24. I'm home in USA studying for my masters degree, and I have no clue how I want to use it. But I definitely plan on living abroad for a year or two. Thank you for this!
The eternal student. Lessens but never does anything. Because Business want to empty people in their late 20’s with no experience in their field other than sitting in a classroom.
Hey! I am curious to do this too. Would you consider trading some sort of info so we can talk about this? I recently went through a breakup but have found myself increasingly driven to do something like this. I feel stuck. Maybe we can work together to both go somewhere? It is less scary like that for me but also exciting by meeting new people.
I really appreciate your input! I was on the fence, but after listening to your words of wisdom it has provided some clarity! I might just go and do it.
I’m starting my TEFL course in January. I have already lived in Spain for a year on a Study Abroad programme. This video is very helpful so thank you for sharing 😊
I understand where you are coming from. I lived and taught English abroad for 7 years, mostly in South Korea and China. I have a degree in Education and history. I decided to move back to the US because I thought I would have better opportunities and was honestly tired of living abroad. I moved back to the US 4 years ago and it has been hard to adjust living here. I have changed jobs and work at a tech company, but I miss the lifestyle living abroad. I had more personal freedom. It is hard and lonely to live in the USA. I have two children with one of them starting 1st grade, and I am thinking about going back for my daughter's education. I may have more career choices in America, but less time for my family. My wife is from the Philippines and is much closer to her family than I am to mine. Being married with school age kids, my priorities have changed. Thank you for sharing, and I hope the best for you!
I’m sorry to hear that. Please elaborate on you feeling you had more personal freedom outside of the US & why it’s lonelier/harder for you here. I would assume in countries such as China & South Korea, you might feel you had less freedom? Please explain the difference in culture that you observed that led you to feel this way. Thank you so much
@@Jay-pc2fp In China and South Korea your job isn't really your whole life.. plus it's cheaper to live there. You get more time to yourself because there's more worklife balance and there's more community there. In America, working is your life and there's little worklife balance. It's harder to meet people and make friends so it gets rather lonely.
I want to teach English, Spanish, and a third language. I was looking into TEFL and this really has helped me. I love hearing someone else's perspective.
I’ve lived and taught in Taiwan and mainland China. I preferred China. I taught in college and university. You can teach English with a bachelor degree. They provide you with an apartment on the campus. 5 minutes walk to class. Teaching hours are all day time and week days. It’s cheap to live there and eat out. And lots of free time and holidays. Two months off in summer and two months off at Chinese New Year. Depending on your contract some vacation time is paid. You get paid every month. I didn’t make a lot of money but I loved the job and students and traveled a lot during vacation time. That’s my experience. On the other hand Taiwan is more like North America. Not much vacation time. It’s more expensive to live. You have to arrange your own apartment and commuting.
Same here. Worked in 2 universities in Chongqing & Guangzhou. Had some colleagues that were awesome & helpful…Micro-managing was almost non-existent as long as you did your job & had good rapport with most of the students. Like you said, tons of (paid) vacation days were awesome.
Hey just to clarify you taught at the university in China with a bachelors? I am thinking about teaching abroad in China. I was assuming it would be children, but I do have my BA in English.
May I ask if you were young when you did this and just started working? I’m at the point in life where I’ve been job searching & an opportunity to teach abroad came up but I’m worried it will take away a years worth of time I can use for a job in my home country. Because when the year is up, I would have to find another job back home. I’m hearing many people say it’s only beneficial if you’re fresh out of school.
@@anastasia-fr1gn I was 50 the first time I went to Asia (Taiwan). I always wanted to do it and decided that I better do it or it would never happen. I’m so glad I did it. A few years later I went to live and teach in mainland China. The best job of my life. Everyone is different but I wasn’t happy living and working in Canada. But I love Asia. I’ve lived in a few countries and traveled to many. It’s so interesting. And I like the culture and food and many things. It’s very safe. I’d recommend going. You can always go back to the rat race in Canada if you want to
Wow, this video was so helpful. I'm in the exact same position- I'm 24 and a friend introduced the idea of doing a TEFL to travel. Loved hearing your perspective on this as someone else who doesn't have a passion for teaching or wanting to pursue it as a career. It's been such a tough decision but hearing your thoughts was so helpful. Thanks for sharing.
I think it makes sense to get an online business going BEFORE going abroad to teach English. You teach English to get the Visa and then make most of your money from private lessons/online business.
I don't understand I'm confused. I teach online now and make about R25 000 a month. It's not enough after all the bills. So now I'm planning on teaching in Singapore, Dubai or Taiwan next year. The job vacancies I've seen are way more money than 25k a month?
I really appreciated your balanced video! I am looking into it as I dont know what career I would like to go into, however, would love if 6 month contracts were more readily available, so if i dont like it i am not bound to stay a very long time. 1 year feels very committed!
Thankyou for this video, so many other people only talk about how fun and great it is in a way that feels like Im being sold an MLM, your honesty has made me more interested in looking into doing this
I’m 33 . Tried quite a few things and feel a lack of adventure and don’t connect with partners here well. Luckily I have a BA. So I’m going to get a tefl and head to Vietnam and Thailand , travel, work on music and be around a new culture !
Your video is really helpful for me as a Taiwanese who majored at Spanish in the college and want to teach Chinese aboard and practice my Spanish at the same time . As China become more powerful day by day, more and more foreigners start to learn Chinese and this is a great opportunity for Chinese native speakers just like me.
Once you leave for more than a year or two just stay cause moving back here is HELL. I left for 7 years and it's so miserable trying to get back on my feet here. If you leave keep your bank accounts active, pay somebody's phone jbill every month and have them send you the cash back. Do not let your credit history/credit score go years without any transactions because for all the money you save being abroad people won't rent to you or give you a loan for a car if you don't have established credit. No matter how much down you can pay.
I def agree with this! I've been back a year in the US a year and it did take the entire 12 months to fully get back into the swing of things. Wasn't prepared for that but all is well now and better than before I left abroad. I also knew I'd come back eventually so still paid bills back home. Def helped when going to get a new car and approved for apartment!
Is 24 the age for confusion? Everything you’ve said is spot on for me! The reasons and just everything. I started doubting myself because I thought “oh but teaching isn’t a passion of mine so maybe this wouldn’t be a good option”. It’s always been a part of me tho to see the world, experience new cultures, and learn new languages. Seeing this video and the other comments has actually inspired me :)
This is a very insightful video. It articulated a lot of concern I couldn't find words for, and allows me a moment to evaluate "what am I trying to get out of this." It confirmed some the things that I am looking for too! Specifically the "dread of coming to work" in the States. Cost of living, and a respite from the dread are in my pros 😅
Thanks for the video. Although I understand your frustration and your point of view it looks like you have achieved a lot of good things during this time living there as well. Having quality time for yourself and extra time to do things like the ones you mentioned are amazing. For example, I feel trapped myself here in the US, all we do in this country is work our a$$es off, all americans worry about is to have a big fat 401K and take a short vacation once per year. We dont even get enough vacation time. I will not take any money with me to the grave, for me life has to be experienced. I gave my everything, dedicated my time to my last employer and they just laid off my entire department, took our job positions to another estate, no warning, and caught us off guard... Have a great day and stay positive
I had a great time personally when I was in Japan. Made a good amount from teaching, also moonlighted a few nights as a bartender which paid better than my teaching gig.
I'm almost finished with my 120 hour TEFL certification. I also have a history degree. I'm 33 and still lost in life, feeling like you were when you were young. I think Taiwan is where I want to go because I'm interested in Asian culture, I want to learn Mandarin and most importantly my fiancé is from the Philippines and Taiwan is close to it so we can bounce back & forth. I think what you're doing with YT and learning new things, developing side hustles etc is the way to go with the path you've taken. I'm also trying to create a few CZcams channels. I wish you the best of luck in your life and thank you for being honest about the situation. Now I'm going to watch more of your videos because Taiwan is where I want to go. Truly, best wishes and thank you again.
I'm 33 too and feel just as lost. I find comfort in learning languages. I love to learn Mandarin and Korean myself, but I keep getting recommendations for Japanese ventures. I was also told that Japanese would be the first best place for black people to teach English, too many times, then Korea and china would be the absolute worst. The thing is, I love the Chinese language. I just can't stop learning it. I'm already attached to it. I did sop for a while because I dealt with a lot of racism from more Chinese people than Caucasians in America and that's weird to me 😂 Like, huh ? But, after watching a few more Chinese dramas, my favorite learning channel, Chinese Zero to hero, and finding a good Chinese friend on Hellotalk ( not an advertisement), I started learning again. So, I'm here because my TESOL teacher thinks I can actually succeed with this and she mentioned Japan, so I just want to take a peep.
Thank you so much for tuning in! I think Taiwan is an AMAZING option! It changed my life but yes I had to honest about the future as well. There are a lot of options out there and everyone's journey will be different. If you haven't made the move yet....GO! I pray it brings you clarity even in ways you would've never imagined. Best of luck to you!!
thank you for sharing your perspective! I'm currently in a similar situation, I'm feeling stuck in my country, with no job opportunities that excite me. I have considered teaching English because I would love to live abroad as an experience and have a decent job that won't be too demanding. but mainly, I'm in it for the travel. Even after one year, if I hate it I can come back, so there's no big damage.
I'm currently doing my final year in SA, and all my life I've been dreaming to teach abroad. Thanks for sharing your experience. Its very helpful to people like me.
This is really inspiring. I’ve been working as a teacher here in Saudi Arabia for 7 years now and my school rarely provide professional development programs, only in the pandemic i decided to finish my masters degree and publish research articles in order to add something out of my professional work. Right now, because of the pandemic i was able to continue to take EdD through remote classes from universities back home. Truly it feels like a trap esp when we do not do much of our free time. Thanks for you inspiring words.
Great video! In my view though the real trap is getting into a career in your own country where employers expect so much from you that you don't have the mental bandwidth or energy to focus on anything outside of your work. Even if TESOL isn't your career focus, at least you still have enough left in the tank at the end of the day to pursue other things. You could always work online teaching English back in America, so you can be with family and still pursue your passions.
I think it basically comes down to what your goals are and your perspective on ESL teaching. If you go into it just as a gap year job, want to travel, etc then yes that's also what employers are going to see. There's still a lot you can learn from it, but ultimately you'll need to frame your experiences in a way which highlights transferable skills or take the opportunity to pick up in-demand like languages. But this is where you risk that trap of being stuck in an entry level ESL job, without the skills / qualifications to really progress within teaching (and it's not your goal anyway), and not making progress towards your long term plans. For me, I'm a qualified science teacher in the UK and decided to teach ESL abroad as a stepping stone into an international teaching career. Then my longer term goals are to return to the UK and pivot into language teaching. So my ESL teaching experience will be directly relevant to future medium term goals (I'll be better able to support students with English as a second language in international schools) and long term goals (I'm working more on my language skills and building language teaching experience). Similarly, if you continue in the ESL industry there ARE opportunities for progression. It's an issue with teaching in general that teachers tend to get stuck in the classroom and it's hard to progress into management without losing touch with the job you were actually passionate about. But yes, teachers can move up into leadership roles within a school, set up education businesses (e.g. after school language centres), move into curriculum development, work in educational policy, etc.
Yes to everything you said in the first paragraph! That was essentially the point of the video. To remind others to be mindful of what they during their time abroad if it's not a long term goal because the years FLY by! Unfortunately some people took offense to it which my no means did I intend to do. Those are amazing goals you have and I hope everything works out for you! I also agree with your third paragraph it just really comes down to each individual and how they play it but goals and intentions are important! I don't think people realize how fast the time passes so although that's their plan years pass by before they know it.
@@NneniaYasmeen absolutely! It's always important to have your longer term goals in mind and make sure you take advantage of opportunities which help you progress towards this goal 😊 Thanks!! Best of luck to you too!
You're not missing anything in America. There is just more of everything, like, drugs, crime, poverty, racism. Whatever it was here when you left, it's worse. If there is no food shortage there, at least for now, you should stay there or go somewhere else. Make that Money.
I usually work in nonprofits and youth/student support services which I still prefer over teaching no matter how good of a teacher/mentor/coach I am. I taught in Korea, China, and now Taiwan. Unlike most people starting off, I have a lot of teaching experience but I rather move onto something else in the next few years even if I'm not stressed out and can cope with teaching in a more laxed environment. I get the saving money and travel mindset won't blame anyone for wanting to pursue that. However, definitely you won't have much opportunities to grow career wise and pay wise you won't get much after a certain year. The honeymoon phase can die out quickly. Also you might receive some kind of respect but you won't necessarily fit in--which I'm not trying to do at all but teaching English can become very mudane/dull with very little excitement later so that could easily bored you. You could enjoy it for a few years but if you're not looking to be a teacher for life cap it at 5 years and do something else. My two cents based on experience.
I’m moving Malaysia or Singapore to work as primary teacher. Do you think it’s worth it bc you’ve worked in Asia and could possibly have some suggestions
I went to live in a foreign country just because I married a foreigner. I have watched many in the same situation turn to teaching english just because they couldn't find another job right away. They end up trapped- often not being paid enough by companies that take advantage of the expat spouses, and soon being too far from their previous education and experience to get back into it. They also end up not developing their skills enough in the local language, because they are using english most of the time. I had a lot of pressure on me for years to teach, but refused to do it. After 30 years here in France, I finally decided to go into it, and found I love it. But I am still glad that I didn't earlier. I was able to be completely immersed in the local language, do other jobs, and even eventually go to school here and get a degree entirely in French. I am fluent in french, which I honestly don't think would have happened if I'd just turned to teaching english during my first few years.
I love this perspective and that you naturally found your way to teaching instead doing it out of pressure! I was in a similar situation and went into teaching because it was the easiest way to get a working visa and I couldn't afford to go without working and rely on a tourist one. I agree, it was hard to learn Mandarin because most locals and my students wanted to practice their English when I was around. I took some private lessons to learn but I could get by with speaking English so easily that I didn't really immerse myself in the language. That's amazing to hear you've been in France 30 years and everything worked out! I'd love to live abroad again but definitely will take the time to set a better foundation beforehand so I can afford to explore and really see what other opportunities are out there!
I still like teaching children. My major was elementary education I was struggling with my certification and running out of time if I wanted to graduate on time or take a semester off. Teaching English abroad has been goal of mind since high school. I switched my major to general studies to graduate on time and if I ever want to go back and do education again or just take the certification since I only had 10 classes left I can later. Right now I really want to teach in another country and do that for awhile im not dead set on teaching in America
Thanks for sharing!! I'm glad you are able to have money to do what you want to do. Also I'm glad you have found a stress free teaching job. I've been working in Education for 15 years and I'm finally getting the chance to teach in another country in August.
Traveling is such an important thing. Really builds a different perspective mentally. I traveled to Canada for Uni, I'm originally from the US, and I currently feel a little of that "starting all over" from a career perspective as I moved back to America. This is a completely normal feeling for human beings. Nothing is given to you in life. Life can be lonely and scary at times. But get back up, focus, and build something!!
Teaching ESL in Asia in the past few decades are done by those who are in their 20's and 30's who aren't quite sure what to do with their lives. You don't want to be teaching ESL when you are in your late 30's. I used to teach ESL but I have moved on to a better career. Living abroad is an opportunity to learn and experience new things, and it's an opportunity people shouldn't let it go to waste. Learning Mandarin is a no brainer. My Chinese teacher used to say, learning a new language allows you to rearrange the furniture in your head and allows you to think and reason differently. It has been proven that learning new languages improve your overall IQ and various types of cognitive functions. So when people go back to the States, being fluent in Mandarin is something they can add to their resume and will open doors for many things.
@@nicetightsize8jeans Go for it! Ignore the age comment this person made, I know people in their 50’s that have gone to Asia to teach English :) Even if it’s just for a change of scenery and pace, don’t let small things like this stop you
@Joseph studley This is a lie. I met teachers of all ages when I was in Vietnam. There were teachers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s teaching English. I bet you haven't taught abroad for more than a few months if at all. TEFL is definitely a career and people make bank when they take it seriously.
@@nicetightsize8jeans it’s just an opinion, you don’t have to listen to it. Do what you what to do with your career! 35 is young anyway not that it matters though
I think you're presenting an utterly limited worldview on the degree that teaching/educating can alter one's life experiences (and potential for future success) solely based on age.
I am finishing my law course soon and in ireland we have to take 8 fe1 exams that you can complete online. I was thinking of moving to spain and teaching English while completing these exams. The gap in my resume would be solved because of that and it would be a great experience.
nice video!! i think i resonate a lot with what you're saying. i lived in spain teaching english for 3 years and have just moved back to the US this past june. i absolutely adored it and life abroad however at the beginning of my third year i realized i wasn't passionate about teaching and thus i want to explore what i want to do. that's hard to do in a country abroad especially when you come via TEFL. so like you said i feel like after some years of life abraod (through TEFL opportunities) it comes to a point where you either decide to dig your heels in the teaching profession and maybe get a masters in tefl so you can get a worthwhile position teaching abroad or have the courage to move back and figure it out from there. i 100% plan on living abroad again one day but i want to do that doing something i feel passionate about and and with more experience under my belt. also making a more comfortable salary too (the most famous spain program pays 700 to 1000 euros a month for langaue assistants-- enough to live comfortably in spain if you're frugal but hard to save real money for american cost of living and/or future needs)
Yep, my sentiments EXACTLY! After 2.5 years, I had the same conversations with myself. I briefly considered caving in and just getting a masters in education but essentially it wasn't out of passion but for the opportunity to make more money. 😬 I figured I'd be back in the same spot a few years later so I decided to leave. I also LOVED living abroad and have plans to do so again one day but like you said for something I'm more passionate about and with more experience. Moving back to the states after that kind of experience takes a lot of courage so kudos to you!! Many of my teacher friends thought I was crazy for coming back ( I agreed to a certain extent) but only some will see the bigger picture. Sounds like you got it and I know everything will play out perfectly for you. Best of luck!!
@@NneniaYasmeen omg that's exactly where i was last year hahah. i really thought i saw a future in teaching and i started thinking about a master's in tefl but like you said i realized i was more motivated by money and to a secure in easier track to live abroad than the profesion itself. but this last school year made it more and more clear to me that tefl isn't my passion (and turning 25 also made me realize life is too short to spend your time doing thigns that you don't feel passionate about). i feel like a lot of ppl also get trapped bc they become stuck on staying abroad at all costs. i almost felt like that too but realized i can have a beautiful life anywhere even if it's gotta be in the us for a while lol. which i lovee what you say, the big picture is key!! i feel it's worth moving back now and doing the things we mentioned so one day we can settle outside of the us in better ways vs just getting by in a redundant job where your lack of expeerience keeps you in a subordinate position. anyways, i really really appreciate your kind words and good energy that you've sent me. it means so so much!! i wish you the absolute best too and that your heart leads you to accomplishing your goals and living out your dreams 💓💓
I've been teaching in Japan for 12 years. It's changed a lot since I first started. You used to be able to make for $1,800 a month teaching 24 hours or so a week. Now you'd be lucky to earn that much and you're working 40hrs a week with 10 days paid holiday a year. Even university jobs are terrible. You earn about $3,700 a month, which is good for Japan, but there's not job security and people are often let go after a year and have to find a job in a different university. They let foreign teacher's go after 5 years max to avoid having to make them a Shaiin, or a proper, full-time employee. And yet you need a masters or a PhD and published research papers to get this kind of work. I went for a job interview the other day for a high school, which paid over 250,000 yen a month, which is like the barrier many teachers find hard to break. The interviewer told me other candidates included a PhD and a lawyer. Wage inflation is rife here, as it is everywhere I guess. But in Japan you get a lot of well qualified people who get married and they're stuck here, all running after the few jobs that aren't McTeaching. And if you do get a managerial position you'll be worked like a dog and have to pander your Japanese paymasters who have a Victorian attitude to boss/employee relationships. Alternatively I taught TOEFL iBT test prep in Bangkok for 2 years which paid relatively well at $1,250 a month, my apartment, which had a swimming pool and a gym and great views of downtown Bangkok, only cost $192 dollars. In fact I could save $1,000 a month if I'd wanted to. As it was a went out all the time, spent loads of money and got my teeth done and still managed to save. But Thailand is changing now too, you have to go to immigration every 3 months, I believe, and the cost of living is increasing while wages are not. I have a degree in finance and read, write and speak (nearly) fluent Japanese so I've been getting into translation. But it's difficult getting sponsored as a freelancer and when software like deepl.com can translate most texts to a very high standard it disheartening. I don't think anyone who wants to make money decides to teach English abroad, but at least it was fun. Now it's not even that anymore, not in Japan anyway.
@Brandon Hiller Hey I'm currently researching teaching in japan. Could I message you somewhere else? If not, can you give me some tips and also some things you did not like working in japan as a teacher?
I agree. I got stuck near Shanghai with COVID, for three extra years. When I returned to America, I couldn't get back to my Los Angeles because I had been gone so long, my driver's license, bankcards, technology all had to be replaced, this took months and was expensive and almost dangerous. Then I imagined that teaching online would be OK, and it's terrible and low-paying. Schools in America all seem corrupt or just uninspiring and low-paying. I finally have an idea to do corporate training in another industry I know about, but who knows if that will work out either. I've tried to go to other countries, but each country has some problem or other.
Thank you for the video. I have been applying to teach abroad with no luck. I have a degree and a TEFL certificate but that doesn't seem to help at all. I hope I can get something soon because I really need a job.
18 months was enough for me. I found that the foreingers that had been teaching ESL for 3 plus years were all a little bit odd and probably unable to pursue a career in their home country.
I’m actually teaching abroad after graduating with my masters, I’m not concerned about the timeline of my career path, everything will work out the way it’s suppose to!
Hello Nnenia, i stumbled on your profile and I wish i did earlier Lol. i am Nigerian and I have dreams of moving abroad to further study Public Health and Biotechnology. But someone suggested this temporary detour or route to that end goal. I would like you to guide me through
Hi, Nnenia! Although I’m encountering it three years after you posted it, I really enjoyed your talk. As someone who spent 12 years teaching English in Taiwan 1994-2006, I would echo all of your advice. My story in brief: I traveled to Taiwan at the age of 28. After college, I had sort of gotten stuck and didn’t know in which direction to go career-wise, with little obvious options having graduated with an Arts and Humanities degree. I considered law school for a while, but my heart wasn’t in it. So I decided to try my luck teaching abroad for a couple of years, with the goal of paying off my student loans then returning to the U.S. and figuring out what to do with the rest of my adulthood. As it happened, I fell in love with teaching pretty instantly. I also met my future wife, a Taiwanese English teacher. I gradually got sucked into the entire Taiwanese way of life and, with it, a new collection of personal and professional aspirations. Fast forward a bit more than a decade, and concerns like the ones you mention were mounting. I was getting too old to teach young children anymore, and the hustle and bustle of a career as a cram school teacher (this was years before stable public school jobs in Taiwan became available for English speakers) was not conducive to raising our own two children in a healthy manner. So I returned to the U.S. with my wife (Hawaii, specifically), put myself through a Secondary Education certification program at the University of Hawaii, and became a high school English teacher (though I now teach Psychology primarily…my wife is a Chinese teacher). To everyone out there considering teaching abroad for a few years, the concerns that Nnenia lists are very real and very serious! The longer you stay out of your home country, the more challenging it will be to break back into the workforce at home. And the more expensive it will be. I burned up well over 100K (USD) in Taiwan savings getting us and our possessions back into the U.S. and remaining unemployed for 18 months in order to go back to school to get certified as a high school teacher. In retrospect, if I could do it all over again, I would have completed an online teacher cert program while still working in Taiwan. But that was in the early days of online degree programs, and I wasn’t aware that it was an option. I would also suggest to those who are teaching abroad and really enjoying it but do not have bona fide teaching credentials: Get online, find an online university, and get those credentials. Then consider transitioning into international school teaching. International schools provide employment opportunities that are far more robust and stable, offer far better compensation and benefits packages, and lead to career paths that can take you pretty much anywhere in the world. And you can age comfortably as an international school teacher, which can’t be said for other types of teaching abroad such as cram school and pre-school teaching. If, on the other hand, you don’t see yourself teaching as a long-term career option, have a solid “exit plan” for when you feel the time has come. I absolutely loved my life in Taiwan and have no regrets about the twelve years I spent there (and my wife and I are considering retiring there in the future). But if I could do it all over again, I would have planned things out so that I could obtain my teaching credentials and transition into the more comfortable and ultimately more satisfying world of international school teaching…though I cannot say I have any regrets about having taken the opportunity to raise our two children in the incredible state of Hawaii, which never would have happened if I hadn’t spent a decade’s savings in the move and stayed in Taiwan instead.
Hi there! Thank you sooo much for sharing your story and such great advice. I agree, had I decided to stay longer the best option was to go back to school and become a certified teacher and work my way into international schools. I personally opted out of that but it's a great plan long term for those who have no intentions of returning to the US. I've been back stateside three years and have definitely paid for the short sighted decisions I made in my early 20s. No regrets but still worth sharing. Similar to you, had I not made the decision to live in Taiwan I probably wouldn't be working in fashion in New York City. I appreciate you for watching and listening (I'm aware the title is click baity but that's part of social media marketing lol). I'm glad you received the message and can relate to it as the intention was not to offend any current teachers or derail hopefuls. Thank you again and best wishes to you and your family!
@@NneniaYasmeen - Thanks, and I hope your career is going well! One compensatory aspect of my early trajectory is that I was able to successfully pass on to my own two children advice about how to avoid the potential existential abyss of immediate post-college years that is so easy to fall into. Both have recently graduated from college, and my wife and I feel that one of our major successes is that each of them lined up robust, career-entry jobs within weeks before graduating. While I somewhat regret that neither of them have followed in my footsteps as an ambitious world traveler, I know that they can always do that sort of thing later in adulthood after having established themselves in a solid, stable career. Looking forward to viewing some of your other videos!
Another strong reason that just came to mind as to why people teaching English abroad without certification in Education should prioritize acquiring full Education credentials: You may very likely find that, despite the huge amount of genuine valuable teaching experience you’ve accrued through years of hard work in various types of schools, it won’t be honored by people in school systems in charge of hiring, and you’ll have to start at the bottom of the pay scale with recent college grads with no teaching experience apart from their student-teaching gig. When I left Taiwan after teaching year-round 40-50 hours per week for twelve years, I had become a very good teacher of basic English and had also acquired a full set of skills that were easily and quickly transferable into other teaching areas such as high school English. However, I started out my first year of public high school teaching with a $40,000 salary in 2007-2008, a full twenty years older and earning the same salary as people coming right out of college. And this in Hawaii, the least affordable state for teachers. I’m very sure that my obvious chops that school administrators could glean through observations helped me land my first job. But they didn’t help place me beyond the rookie level salary-wise, and it took me 14 years of salary chart climbing and a leap out of public education into an elite private high school to finally earn what I felt was a comfortable teacher salary at the age of 56. So, once again, get those teacher certs! If you are teaching in a fully recognized and accredited K-12, including public school systems and international schools, your years will be rewarded when and if you need to move back to your home country. And if you find yourself saying, “But no need, as I’ll never teach when I go back to my home country,” reconsider. I told myself the same thing. But when it came time to move back to the U.S. with a wife and two children at the age of 40, I realized that building on my teaching skills was the fastest and most realistic path back into the American workforce. I simply wasn’t going to be dropping out of life as a father and husband to attend law school at my own expense for three years…or anything similar.
Your version of "stuck" doesn't actually sound so bad compared to being stuck in a dead end job in America. Thank you for making this video! It is helping me as I contemplate if I want to live/teach abroad :)
Yes it was just a figure of speech but stuck can look different for everyone! It's an extremely fulfilling career if that's what works for you. No right or wrong way to decide what's best for you. :) Thank you so much for watching and hope my channel can be helpful in your decision. 😄
I really like how you ended the video by saying, "Is my purpose here not fulfilled? Or am I just staying out of comfort and fear, and I don't want to take another huge risk?" Even those who teach English in another country who originally planned to be here long-term can loose sight of "The Why". Such wise words! Life in short and we need to always be asking ourselves what our purpose is and if it it is aligning with our actions and choices. It's easy to let life move us along without taking life by the wheel and moving in directions we want to move in. Thank you so much for making this video!! :)
Just turned 25 this past month and graduated with a B.S in electrical engineering around a year ago but like you said in the video didn't feel the passion to really pursue it to this day. Been getting interested in the idea of trying out a year teaching English in japan granted Covid restrictrictions allow. Your story seems relatable so I just was curious as to what you graduated in?
Happy belated Birthday! I graduated with a bachelors in Biology. I think if you're interested it's definitely worth a shot! I've heard amazinggg things about Japan and hate I didn't get the chance to visit yet.
@@NneniaYasmeen Thanks! Appreciate the birthday wishes and the insight to your background. Even though the world is a bit closed off atm there is always time to visit in the future. Been there before for 3 weeks and fell in love everything is just so convenient would love to get a chance to explore more in depth. Well anyways good luck with the channel and your career endeavors!
I graduated with a B.S. in biomedical engineering. After working in industry for four years I came to Korea to teach. It’s possible! You just need to think about long term goals so that you can build the foundation before you leave.
Really helpful...Iam an English graduated and willing to continue my pg in English at Uk also iam not an English native so is it possible there to teach English to the English natives
Congrats! It's not impossible at all. There are cram schools that will hire non native English speakers but public and international schools usually want native speakers.
Thank u so much❤ I want to teach English abroad so bad am an English student and iam gonna graduate next year ❤ I hope my bachelor can help me to do it is it okay without master degree? Only my fundamental business license?
For me if i want to live abroad i have two options. Teach English or work for an NGO. Most NGOs do not align with my interests as I do not want to promote democracy as that is one of the reasons I choose to live in Non-Democratic countries.( I like living in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia which are Communist countries) I also do not want to compel natives to become Christians or unionize. If i could find NGOs that promote anti-Western propaganda or are pro CCP I would be all for them. Main reason i teach English is if i went back to the USA i would likely have some boring job that would pay me enough to pay bills if i am lucky. At least with teaching English abroad I can stay for a year in one country and can move to another the next. Basically, I spend the weekdays teaching and my freetime playing pc games and cooking meals for the week. .
The only things I'm really passionate about are languages and music, so I want to be an English teacher in China because I can speak Mandarin Chinese and I was born in America, so I can also speak English, I have litteraly zero friends I'm America, so I wouldn't be leaving much behind, and I just want to meet more people, to hopefully create a friend group, to hopefully get rid of my lonliness
I’m an expat in Bogotá teaching English. I wholeheartedly enjoy my no stress, purposeful job. I never thought I would teach especially coming from a real estate career.
Thank you for this video it really helped me. Umm I do have a question though when you get certified to teach in one state right well if you want to move to another state you have to get certified to teach there so if you travle abroad how do you get certified to teach over there is it the same way???
Hi! The requirements at the time I applied were to have a bachelors degree (in any field) & substitute teaching license, mine was issued from Illinois. Not sure if they've changed as this was over 5 years ago so I'd double check. Hope this helps though & thank you for watching!
How is everyone dealing with the high U.S.A. income taxes that us citizens still have to pay overseas? Federal (37%) + North Dakota State (5%) + Social Security and Medicare(15.3%)= 57.3%. I graduate next December. Are they using some type of foreign income tax exclusion loophole?
It's interesting to hear your experience. As someone who has been in teaching English for 10 years though... TEFL is more of a trap in certain places. I've not been to Taiwan, but I have worked in China - I would say China is the biggest TEFL trap I've seen and so I did get out in less than a year. There are options to move up or onto something different that can be a career. A lot of teachers move into international schools which is a fine choice if you like children. Others move into universities, management, examining, teacher training, materials writing, etc. Some start successful businesses and others grow a side hustle into a profitable income stream. Personally, I manage a school and work as a teacher trainer and have my fingers in a few other pies. I'm not making tons of money because of the part of the world I choose to live in, but I still save and plan to move back to more profitable places later. But of course, if you don't enjoy it, then absolutely you need to get out. The main advice I'd give anyone on this point is to consider 1. getting out at retirement and 2. getting out earlier if you need to, and both of those things mean putting aside money.
China was my first option but I opted out because of some of he stories I heard. 😬 I love how you gave other routes people can go if they want to stay abroad (I'm going to pin this comment for others to see). My plan was grow a profitable side hustle but ultimately I never planned to stay abroad long term so that was really what made me come back! Lots of options for everyone though depending on what they want.
I'm actually proud of China for cracking down on that in a really big way this last year. Hopefully other countries will follow suit....
do you have any advice on South American TEFL? Thinking of starting in January but not too sure about it
@@mattyhill2858 South America doesn't pay a lot, but I've never been in it for the money myself. I haven't taught in S America yet - I hope to one day. I've had friends who taught in Argentina, Peru and Colombia and I'm jealous of all of them. Obviously S America can be dangerous for foreigners so follow the travel advice - check the FCDO or the American equivalent. I always advice teachers to get a serious qualification like CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL - you'll find teaching a lot easier and that'll mean you have more time to explore some of these beautiful countries in the region.
@@AlexWallsELT how about TEFL ?
also Bachelor ?
It's only a trap if you go into it for the wrong reasons. If you're feeling stuck in life, feel like you have no purpose or direction, it can help ground you. I did it when I was 35 and it was the best decision I've ever made. Was it a career move? No, but the idea of a traditional 'career' these days is becoming less and less mainstream. I would prefer to teach and enjoy what I do than grind away in a job that doesn't respect my time.
thank you for this input!! where did you teach if you don't mind me asking?
I'm 31 and this is sort of how I'm feeling. Lost in my life and career. I'm unattached with no big bills to pay and it feels like a great opportunity to experience new things, learn more about myself and help children in the process.. Still in the research stage though. Its a big decision to make...
35 also and this is where I’m at in life. The corporate grind and feeling stuck. Congrats on making the best decision for you. Really hoping to make this jump sooner than later.
Good points I was in construction for 15 years as a house framer and finish carpenter which is intense all day labor. I earned my bachelors degree by age 35 and was teaching American history for 2 years before I was layed off in 2008 because of budget cuts, I love teaching I love helping younger people learn how to live life the right way to get the most out of it. I would like to try teaching English in a foreign country I know it will be challenging but also rewarding Singapore and Taiwan are on my radar unless of course the Chinese invade which they might soon in Taiwan
The only reason to go is to make money. I'm a certified teacher in the U.S. and I only care about my paycheck. I used to love what I did. I am principal now so I make great money.
Crazy I have these same goals now at 32 and why I'm looking to move abroad and teach. Living in American is like being on a hamster wheel to me.
💯 At this point im like America, let me miss you for a while.
Yep….. sad that it’s gotten this way but here we are. My experience as a tutor on the other hand is so mutually enriching.
Same. I feel like I dont belong here anymore. My spirit is telling me to leave, at least for a while.
Literally!!! Same
Yes I am 31 and I desire to look into teaching overseas as well!!!
I think the key is to learn skills while abroad that can be monetized as an entrepreneur, such as languages, photography, digital marketing, etc.
Definitely agree with both comments you left!
Exactly! Utilize your time wisely
exactly!
Actually it does a ton for your resume! Every job I’ve ever had after being abroad has loved the fact that I’ve lived abroad. It makes you stand out. In fact, plenty of jobs said that’s the sole reason they called me for an interview AND I got the job. Add that experience to your resume girl!
That's great to hear & glad it worked out for you that way!!
Come on. Working abroad is fairly common (well in the rest of the world. Maybe not insular USA) since the late 20th century for younger people specially for a few years before returning home.
@@andyrob3259 And your point? I never said it wasn't common. Use those critical thinking & comprehension skills. She mentioned traveling causes gaps in your resume and it's not good for employment or something like that. My point was traveling & living abroad won't hurt your career but in fact helps it. My employers have literally told me it made my resume stand out. It was literally brought up by them in an interview as a plus.
@@JustMusic75 exactly! Comprehension is key and doesn’t seem to be as common as working abroad as @Andyrob has wonderfully implied
@@JustMusic75 Maybe you just got along with the interviewer and have little to do with the fact you worked as an English teacher abroad.
I worked in China for a year as an esl teacher. I'm from South Africa! Best year of my life... Would recommend it to anyone!
Can I ask how did you get your certification did u get tefl certification and where did u study ..online or in_class and thank u
Did you go through tefl?
@@matthewmason7992 no not yet
Hi Roxanne, I am in SA as well and I got a job offer to be a ESL teacher in China, would mind if we have a chat about the process of being a teacher in China
@Roxanne Park
I am 24 now and I am in the same situation just not looking at this as a career forever, but because I want to travel and need a job. I am from New Zealand but I am currently in Brazil and I feel so much more clear minded and I hope that I can make a living with teaching English while I am here.
Hello Jacqueline how are you ??
My name is Marcos
I am moving to Brazil in Two months
And also going to teach english there
What part of Brazil do you live in ??
Do you rexcomend brazil. I'm in hanoi and have been here four years.
Heyy, I'm from NZ too and thinking of teaching abroad! How's your experience, would you recommend it?
Are you interested in teachingin China? Contact me.
So glad you spoke about this Nnenia, because for sure some of us don't want to be teachers forever but we can get comfortable within that space. Great info and breakdown of both sides of the coin 🙂
Absolutely!! Thank you for watching 🙏
Loved this video! I guess the idea of "a gap in your resume" depends on the employer. I mean I think a good employer, will see teaching abroad as a massive positive. If they don't, I would consider it more of a red flag for them.
Yes most definitely! It highly depends on the industry too.
I think the growth opportunities come from getting more certified. If you’re actual teacher in your home country you can get into international schools. TeacHNow allows you to get certified overseas. The trap is time. When I came back from Korea everyone wanted years of experience to do entry level jobs and unless you can leverage your overseas experience it will be harder to transition back home. The more time you stay overseas the more you push yourself into education even back home education is the only place you can leverage those experiences
As someone who is interested in teaching English abroad, I really enjoyed this video and appreciate your pros and cons! I feel like after looking into this for so long, a lot of videos kind of manipulate you into thinking it’s heaven on earth (probably for them) but rarely do I find a video with cons and how it can affect reality when you go back home. I’m majoring in global studies and world languages SPECIFICALLY bc I’m so scared I won’t have many opportunities once/if I decide to go back home and work. This video was super helpful in getting my mind in the right place about this decision I’m going to make. Thank you so much! ❤️
I had a similar experience to her but primarily focused on Japan
I think essentially that anyone can get stuck in any career path. It’s tough out here. Thank you for sharing your opinion and experiences!!❤️
I totally agree! Thank you for watching ♥
thank you for this video! I am in school for ESL, and getting my bachelors in education and this really solidified my choices. I related so much to you, and really appreciate your point of view!!
I'm praying for you gorgeous, I pray that a 1 in a million opportunity manifests to you soon! I am in the same exact situation and you have opened my mind about learning languages and moving abroad to teach languages! I know it's hard but your success will be well worth everything in the end and keep your head up girl! The strongest battles are for the strongest people! 1 love❤️
Thank you so much!!
Thank you for being so real about your experience. I am in a similar place in my life at 25 trying to decide what to do. I especially appreciate you being honest about what your intentions where when entering this path. Many thanks 🙏
Best of luck! Glad this resonated with you.
I am 25 aswell and thinking about doing the same. Praying for direction.
I’m a little older but I want to do this in 2024 too. Not sure if this is a bad idea or not in terms of my career so trying to do my research.
Great video Nnenia! Very clear and I like your respectful tone. I know exactly what you are talking about as I have taught in China for 4 years and now back in the UK it's very hard to find a good job, and like you said, starting from scratch again. Keep the videos coming :)
Thank you for tuning in! I've been back in the states a year and yes finding a stable job I enjoy has been no walk in the park but worth the risk. Best of luck to you & your future endeavors!!
This has actually encouraged me. I mean I feel like I am exactly like you were before the job, so I am hoping teaching abroad can give me the same experience
I'm glad! You should absolutely go for it if you're interested.
Me too! This was affirmation I'm headed in the right direction and I'm 24 too! @@NneniaYasmeen
I taught abroad for over 5 years. Loved it! Traveled the world and got paid. See my Pic? That's scuba diving in Bali.
I have friends that started their own school abroad and made enough to buy apartments and cars etc.
That's awesome! Do whatever works for you. We all have different lifestyles and preferences :)
Where did you teach?:)
Your comment solidied it for me! Staring my own school abroad is my goal and I'm so glad to hear other people were successfully able to do it. Gives me hope! Thank you for sharing this :)
That is actually my dream wow! I didn’t know other people actually did this!
Thanks for talking about such an insightful topic! In many ways I was considering teaching abroad as an escape from the 'real world' after graduating university. Now I'm definitely thinking more critically about how to spend a year abroad productively and avoid falling into the 'trap'.
Think about what your goals are. Do you want to just have a "year off" until you move on to the "real world"? Are you looking for cultural experiences and chances to travel to certain locations? Are you interested in taking classes and becoming proficient in Mandarin Chinese? If you came here what would you want to get out of it?
Yes I think the comment above gave some great questions to the think about. The year abroad will definitely be worth it but it fliessss by so fast!! Thank you for watching.
4:46
9:49 this is literally what I've always thought before. Even now, I want to teach English abroad just for one year to see how it goes. I resonated with a lot of the things you say. I am not just surviving as I live with my parents and am freelancing, working with a company that pays in US dollars so the exchange rate is high, but my days just feel mundane and robotic. There must be more to life. My life is good but oftentimes I feel stuck in a box where im not really growing or learning anything. Still, I'm extremely grateful for what I currently have
I can’t explain how on point your reasoning for deciding to teach English abroad resonate with me, thank you for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching. 🙂
I plan on teaching English abroad as covid ruined my chances to study abroad in college. I really appreciate your insight as you offer very valid points. As someone looking into this unique experience, the best thing I can get is honest advice. I see what you mean about it being a job that may be difficult to advance your career in, but given this information now, I may be able to figure out some other ways to advance myself abroad; possibly through using youtube or other side hustles. Thanks!
such important points that you made! my motivation for wanting to teach in taiwan is because i want to improve my chinese and become a translator (i want to be immersed in the language and culture). so i feel like although it's not direct, it's a good way for me to pivot
Yes I think moving here and teaching can help you towards your goals. Living here should definitely help improve your Chinese too! Best of luck and thank you for watching.
That is what so many people thought of, it is cliche. Ask yourself how are you different with the whole “Immersion drama”.
Welcome to Taiwan! 🇹🇼If you don't mind the hot and humid weather in summer which is the main reason I desperately want to escape from for my whole life! 😅Now I am preparing go to Lantin America to cool myself down! So now you know how hot here, right? And do learn more Traditional Chinese as possible as you can before you come here. Even one more word helps every single day. Cause most people don't speak English on daily basis! Only people who teaching languages or some geeks do so. So, good luck!💪
This was super awesome to hear. Not many people are talking about this side of teaching abroad and it needs to be heard. I have not taught abroad but have taught virtually for three years and found myself in a similar situation as you did. Stumbled upon it after grad, wanted more freedom, love travel etc. but I think what people in our shoes should consider is what possibilities can they reach by teaching a language abroad or virtually. Lots opportunities have opened up since the RONA and we should always explore those opportunities. I really enjoyed this video and feel that if I were to be in Taiwan we would be good friends haha
I absolutely agree! I got into the game before the pandemic so I didn't even really explore the many opportunities I'm sure have opened up since. That's a great point! A lot has changed in a short amount of time. Good and bad but all about perspective really. Lol
@@NneniaYasmeen Exactly! 🙌🏽🙌🏽😁
Have been enjoying binging your videos Nnenia! You may not remember me but we did Super Scholar Excel together at Xavier! So happy to see you enjoying life and pursing your dreams! ❤
Hi Brandi! I remember you!! Thank you so much 😊 glad you've enjoyed them. I hope all is well 💕
I want to go abroad mainly for the reason that I want to eventually leave the United States. I have been looking into countries like Italy for an English teaching job. I just don’t know what to really do
I am literally you at 24. I'm home in USA studying for my masters degree, and I have no clue how I want to use it. But I definitely plan on living abroad for a year or two. Thank you for this!
Wow that's awesome! You definitely have options with whichever path you choose. Good luck 💕
Don’t waste your money on a masters if you don’t know what you’re using it for
The eternal student. Lessens but never does anything. Because Business want to empty people in their late 20’s with no experience in their field other than sitting in a classroom.
Hey! I am curious to do this too. Would you consider trading some sort of info so we can talk about this? I recently went through a breakup but have found myself increasingly driven to do something like this. I feel stuck. Maybe we can work together to both go somewhere? It is less scary like that for me but also exciting by meeting new people.
@@andyrob3259 That might be true for the people you know, but that's not my reality or my truth. Thanks for sharing!
I really appreciate your input! I was on the fence, but after listening to your words of wisdom it has provided some clarity! I might just go and do it.
I’m starting my TEFL course in January. I have already lived in Spain for a year on a Study Abroad programme. This video is very helpful so thank you for sharing 😊
Hey! What program are you using to get your TEFL certification?
What program?!!! Ik you on CZcams loll
I understand where you are coming from. I lived and taught English abroad for 7 years, mostly in South Korea and China. I have a degree in Education and history. I decided to move back to the US because I thought I would have better opportunities and was honestly tired of living abroad. I moved back to the US 4 years ago and it has been hard to adjust living here. I have changed jobs and work at a tech company, but I miss the lifestyle living abroad. I had more personal freedom. It is hard and lonely to live in the USA. I have two children with one of them starting 1st grade, and I am thinking about going back for my daughter's education. I may have more career choices in America, but less time for my family. My wife is from the Philippines and is much closer to her family than I am to mine. Being married with school age kids, my priorities have changed.
Thank you for sharing, and I hope the best for you!
I’m sorry to hear that. Please elaborate on you feeling you had more personal freedom outside of the US & why it’s lonelier/harder for you here. I would assume in countries such as China & South Korea, you might feel you had less freedom? Please explain the difference in culture that you observed that led you to feel this way. Thank you so much
I couldn't agree more with you: living in the US is hard and lonely.
@@Jay-pc2fp In China and South Korea your job isn't really your whole life.. plus it's cheaper to live there. You get more time to yourself because there's more worklife balance and there's more community there. In America, working is your life and there's little worklife balance. It's harder to meet people and make friends so it gets rather lonely.
@@brea4025 how many hours and days a week are you required to work abroad?
I want to teach English, Spanish, and a third language. I was looking into TEFL and this really has helped me. I love hearing someone else's perspective.
Amazing! Thank you for tuning in.
Wow! 👌
Thanks for sharing this! You've clearly communicated what many feel but haven't said
Thank you for watching!
I’ve lived and taught in Taiwan and mainland China. I preferred China. I taught in college and university. You can teach English with a bachelor degree. They provide you with an apartment on the campus. 5 minutes walk to class. Teaching hours are all day time and week days. It’s cheap to live there and eat out. And lots of free time and holidays. Two months off in summer and two months off at Chinese New Year. Depending on your contract some vacation time is paid. You get paid every month. I didn’t make a lot of money but I loved the job and students and traveled a lot during vacation time. That’s my experience. On the other hand Taiwan is more like North America. Not much vacation time. It’s more expensive to live. You have to arrange your own apartment and commuting.
Same here. Worked in 2 universities in Chongqing & Guangzhou. Had some colleagues that were awesome & helpful…Micro-managing was almost non-existent as long as you did your job & had good rapport with most of the students. Like you said, tons of (paid) vacation days were awesome.
Hey just to clarify you taught at the university in China with a bachelors? I am thinking about teaching abroad in China. I was assuming it would be children, but I do have my BA in English.
May I ask if you were young when you did this and just started working? I’m at the point in life where I’ve been job searching & an opportunity to teach abroad came up but I’m worried it will take away a years worth of time I can use for a job in my home country. Because when the year is up, I would have to find another job back home. I’m hearing many people say it’s only beneficial if you’re fresh out of school.
@@anastasia-fr1gn I was 50 the first time I went to Asia (Taiwan). I always wanted to do it and decided that I better do it or it would never happen. I’m so glad I did it. A few years later I went to live and teach in mainland China. The best job of my life. Everyone is different but I wasn’t happy living and working in Canada. But I love Asia. I’ve lived in a few countries and traveled to many. It’s so interesting. And I like the culture and food and many things. It’s very safe. I’d recommend going. You can always go back to the rat race in Canada if you want to
Wow, this video was so helpful. I'm in the exact same position- I'm 24 and a friend introduced the idea of doing a TEFL to travel. Loved hearing your perspective on this as someone else who doesn't have a passion for teaching or wanting to pursue it as a career. It's been such a tough decision but hearing your thoughts was so helpful. Thanks for sharing.
I think it makes sense to get an online business going BEFORE going abroad to teach English. You teach English to get the Visa and then make most of your money from private lessons/online business.
John I agree! This is the way. I did it backwards. 3 years in South Korea. Now 2 years teaching remote online. And starting other online businesses.
How do I find my clients if I teach private English lessons online?
I don't understand I'm confused. I teach online now and make about R25 000 a month. It's not enough after all the bills. So now I'm planning on teaching in Singapore, Dubai or Taiwan next year. The job vacancies I've seen are way more money than 25k a month?
@Amber Sharman An online business not related to teaching
I really appreciated your balanced video! I am looking into it as I dont know what career I would like to go into, however, would love if 6 month contracts were more readily available, so if i dont like it i am not bound to stay a very long time. 1 year feels very committed!
Thankyou for this video, so many other people only talk about how fun and great it is in a way that feels like Im being sold an MLM, your honesty has made me more interested in looking into doing this
I’m 33 . Tried quite a few things and feel a lack of adventure and don’t connect with partners here well. Luckily I have a BA. So I’m going to get a tefl and head to Vietnam and Thailand , travel, work on music and be around a new culture !
Did you end up going? If so, how are things going for you?
Thank you very much! That's exactly what I needed 😌
So glad!
Your video is really helpful for me as a Taiwanese who majored at Spanish in the college and want to teach Chinese aboard and practice my Spanish at the same time .
As China become more powerful day by day, more and more foreigners start to learn Chinese and this is a great opportunity for Chinese native speakers just like me.
This is a very trustworthy and insightful video. Thank you for shearing
Once you leave for more than a year or two just stay cause moving back here is HELL. I left for 7 years and it's so miserable trying to get back on my feet here. If you leave keep your bank accounts active, pay somebody's phone jbill every month and have them send you the cash back. Do not let your credit history/credit score go years without any transactions because for all the money you save being abroad people won't rent to you or give you a loan for a car if you don't have established credit. No matter how much down you can pay.
I def agree with this! I've been back a year in the US a year and it did take the entire 12 months to fully get back into the swing of things. Wasn't prepared for that but all is well now and better than before I left abroad. I also knew I'd come back eventually so still paid bills back home. Def helped when going to get a new car and approved for apartment!
Is 24 the age for confusion? Everything you’ve said is spot on for me! The reasons and just everything. I started doubting myself because I thought “oh but teaching isn’t a passion of mine so maybe this wouldn’t be a good option”. It’s always been a part of me tho to see the world, experience new cultures, and learn new languages. Seeing this video and the other comments has actually inspired me :)
Aww I'm glad this could give you another perspective. I think it's ok to try something new and you should go for it! 24 is a great age to do so :)
@@NneniaYasmeen thank you for the encouragement and insightful advice!
😂😂😂sameee we are all confused
I really hear this and can relate so much to what you were feeling before you went abroad to live.
This is a very insightful video. It articulated a lot of concern I couldn't find words for, and allows me a moment to evaluate "what am I trying to get out of this." It confirmed some the things that I am looking for too! Specifically the "dread of coming to work" in the States. Cost of living, and a respite from the dread are in my pros 😅
Thanks for the video. Although I understand your frustration and your point of view it looks like you have achieved a lot of good things during this time living there as well. Having quality time for yourself and extra time to do things like the ones you mentioned are amazing. For example, I feel trapped myself here in the US, all we do in this country is work our a$$es off, all americans worry about is to have a big fat 401K and take a short vacation once per year. We dont even get enough vacation time. I will not take any money with me to the grave, for me life has to be experienced. I gave my everything, dedicated my time to my last employer and they just laid off my entire department, took our job positions to another estate, no warning, and caught us off guard... Have a great day and stay positive
I had a great time personally when I was in Japan. Made a good amount from teaching, also moonlighted a few nights as a bartender which paid better than my teaching gig.
I'm almost finished with my 120 hour TEFL certification. I also have a history degree. I'm 33 and still lost in life, feeling like you were when you were young. I think Taiwan is where I want to go because I'm interested in Asian culture, I want to learn Mandarin and most importantly my fiancé is from the Philippines and Taiwan is close to it so we can bounce back & forth. I think what you're doing with YT and learning new things, developing side hustles etc is the way to go with the path you've taken. I'm also trying to create a few CZcams channels. I wish you the best of luck in your life and thank you for being honest about the situation. Now I'm going to watch more of your videos because Taiwan is where I want to go. Truly, best wishes and thank you again.
I'm 33 too and feel just as lost. I find comfort in learning languages.
I love to learn Mandarin and Korean myself, but I keep getting recommendations for Japanese ventures. I was also told that Japanese would be the first best place for black people to teach English, too many times, then Korea and china would be the absolute worst.
The thing is, I love the Chinese language. I just can't stop learning it. I'm already attached to it. I did sop for a while because I dealt with a lot of racism from more Chinese people than Caucasians in America and that's weird to me 😂
Like, huh ?
But, after watching a few more Chinese dramas, my favorite learning channel, Chinese Zero to hero, and finding a good Chinese friend on Hellotalk ( not an advertisement), I started learning again.
So, I'm here because my TESOL teacher thinks I can actually succeed with this and she mentioned Japan, so I just want to take a peep.
In what ways do you learn Chinese? How long have you been learning? I'm attempting to master HSK 3 right now.
Don’t go to Taiwan China is literally about to invade
Thank you so much for tuning in! I think Taiwan is an AMAZING option! It changed my life but yes I had to honest about the future as well. There are a lot of options out there and everyone's journey will be different. If you haven't made the move yet....GO! I pray it brings you clarity even in ways you would've never imagined. Best of luck to you!!
Come to vietnam . Demand is higher !
thank you for sharing your perspective! I'm currently in a similar situation, I'm feeling stuck in my country, with no job opportunities that excite me. I have considered teaching English because I would love to live abroad as an experience and have a decent job that won't be too demanding. but mainly, I'm in it for the travel.
Even after one year, if I hate it I can come back, so there's no big damage.
I'm currently doing my final year in SA, and all my life I've been dreaming to teach abroad. Thanks for sharing your experience. Its very helpful to people like me.
Good luck!! Thank you for watching.
This is really inspiring. I’ve been working as a teacher here in Saudi Arabia for 7 years now and my school rarely provide professional development programs, only in the pandemic i decided to finish my masters degree and publish research articles in order to add something out of my professional work. Right now, because of the pandemic i was able to continue to take EdD through remote classes from universities back home. Truly it feels like a trap esp when we do not do much of our free time. Thanks for you inspiring words.
I'm also KSA but no idea how to advance because there is no professional development.Where do you go to be able to publish research articles?
@@tmc1373 i collaborate with peers from philippines to write research. and I am glad to have published a few.
Some great points.... What's tough is doing this lifestyle as a couple where one is passionate about it and the other is not. 😬🤭
Yess that sounds like it would be tough. Thank you for watching!
Great video! In my view though the real trap is getting into a career in your own country where employers expect so much from you that you don't have the mental bandwidth or energy to focus on anything outside of your work. Even if TESOL isn't your career focus, at least you still have enough left in the tank at the end of the day to pursue other things. You could always work online teaching English back in America, so you can be with family and still pursue your passions.
Great comment and perspective!
I think it basically comes down to what your goals are and your perspective on ESL teaching.
If you go into it just as a gap year job, want to travel, etc then yes that's also what employers are going to see. There's still a lot you can learn from it, but ultimately you'll need to frame your experiences in a way which highlights transferable skills or take the opportunity to pick up in-demand like languages. But this is where you risk that trap of being stuck in an entry level ESL job, without the skills / qualifications to really progress within teaching (and it's not your goal anyway), and not making progress towards your long term plans.
For me, I'm a qualified science teacher in the UK and decided to teach ESL abroad as a stepping stone into an international teaching career. Then my longer term goals are to return to the UK and pivot into language teaching. So my ESL teaching experience will be directly relevant to future medium term goals (I'll be better able to support students with English as a second language in international schools) and long term goals (I'm working more on my language skills and building language teaching experience).
Similarly, if you continue in the ESL industry there ARE opportunities for progression. It's an issue with teaching in general that teachers tend to get stuck in the classroom and it's hard to progress into management without losing touch with the job you were actually passionate about. But yes, teachers can move up into leadership roles within a school, set up education businesses (e.g. after school language centres), move into curriculum development, work in educational policy, etc.
Yes to everything you said in the first paragraph! That was essentially the point of the video. To remind others to be mindful of what they during their time abroad if it's not a long term goal because the years FLY by! Unfortunately some people took offense to it which my no means did I intend to do.
Those are amazing goals you have and I hope everything works out for you! I also agree with your third paragraph it just really comes down to each individual and how they play it but goals and intentions are important! I don't think people realize how fast the time passes so although that's their plan years pass by before they know it.
@@NneniaYasmeen absolutely! It's always important to have your longer term goals in mind and make sure you take advantage of opportunities which help you progress towards this goal 😊 Thanks!! Best of luck to you too!
You're not missing anything in America. There is just more of everything, like, drugs, crime, poverty, racism. Whatever it was here when you left, it's worse. If there is no food shortage there, at least for now, you should stay there or go somewhere else. Make that Money.
I usually work in nonprofits and youth/student support services which I still prefer over teaching no matter how good of a teacher/mentor/coach I am. I taught in Korea, China, and now Taiwan. Unlike most people starting off, I have a lot of teaching experience but I rather move onto something else in the next few years even if I'm not stressed out and can cope with teaching in a more laxed environment. I get the saving money and travel mindset won't blame anyone for wanting to pursue that. However, definitely you won't have much opportunities to grow career wise and pay wise you won't get much after a certain year. The honeymoon phase can die out quickly. Also you might receive some kind of respect but you won't necessarily fit in--which I'm not trying to do at all but teaching English can become very mudane/dull with very little excitement later so that could easily bored you. You could enjoy it for a few years but if you're not looking to be a teacher for life cap it at 5 years and do something else. My two cents based on experience.
Yep I agree!
I’m moving Malaysia or Singapore to work as primary teacher. Do you think it’s worth it bc you’ve worked in Asia and could possibly have some suggestions
I went to live in a foreign country just because I married a foreigner. I have watched many in the same situation turn to teaching english just because they couldn't find another job right away. They end up trapped- often not being paid enough by companies that take advantage of the expat spouses, and soon being too far from their previous education and experience to get back into it. They also end up not developing their skills enough in the local language, because they are using english most of the time. I had a lot of pressure on me for years to teach, but refused to do it. After 30 years here in France, I finally decided to go into it, and found I love it. But I am still glad that I didn't earlier. I was able to be completely immersed in the local language, do other jobs, and even eventually go to school here and get a degree entirely in French. I am fluent in french, which I honestly don't think would have happened if I'd just turned to teaching english during my first few years.
I love this perspective and that you naturally found your way to teaching instead doing it out of pressure! I was in a similar situation and went into teaching because it was the easiest way to get a working visa and I couldn't afford to go without working and rely on a tourist one. I agree, it was hard to learn Mandarin because most locals and my students wanted to practice their English when I was around. I took some private lessons to learn but I could get by with speaking English so easily that I didn't really immerse myself in the language. That's amazing to hear you've been in France 30 years and everything worked out! I'd love to live abroad again but definitely will take the time to set a better foundation beforehand so I can afford to explore and really see what other opportunities are out there!
I still like teaching children. My major was elementary education I was struggling with my certification and running out of time if I wanted to graduate on time or take a semester off. Teaching English abroad has been goal of mind since high school. I switched my major to general studies to graduate on time and if I ever want to go back and do education again or just take the certification since I only had 10 classes left I can later. Right now I really want to teach in another country and do that for awhile im not dead set on teaching in America
Thanks for sharing!! I'm glad you are able to have money to do what you want to do. Also I'm glad you have found a stress free teaching job. I've been working in Education for 15 years and I'm finally getting the chance to teach in another country in August.
Thank you so much for watching!! Congratulations on your new opportunity 🥰 that's sooo exciting! Where are you headed?
@@NneniaYasmeen Abu Dhabi!!
@@dennaesmith415 That sounds incredible!! I hope you have the best time.
@@NneniaYasmeen Thank you!! I think it will be a good experience for me. I can't wait to experience another culture!!
The fact that you put yourself into the world the way you did is very eye catching on a CV
Traveling is such an important thing. Really builds a different perspective mentally. I traveled to Canada for Uni, I'm originally from the US, and I currently feel a little of that "starting all over" from a career perspective as I moved back to America. This is a completely normal feeling for human beings. Nothing is given to you in life. Life can be lonely and scary at times. But get back up, focus, and build something!!
Thank you for the video!
My pleasure!
Thanks i needed this for my travelling abroad in English
Teaching ESL in Asia in the past few decades are done by those who are in their 20's and 30's who aren't quite sure what to do with their lives. You don't want to be teaching ESL when you are in your late 30's. I used to teach ESL but I have moved on to a better career. Living abroad is an opportunity to learn and experience new things, and it's an opportunity people shouldn't let it go to waste. Learning Mandarin is a no brainer. My Chinese teacher used to say, learning a new language allows you to rearrange the furniture in your head and allows you to think and reason differently. It has been proven that learning new languages improve your overall IQ and various types of cognitive functions. So when people go back to the States, being fluent in Mandarin is something they can add to their resume and will open doors for many things.
I agree! Thank you for that.
@@nicetightsize8jeans Go for it! Ignore the age comment this person made, I know people in their 50’s that have gone to Asia to teach English :) Even if it’s just for a change of scenery and pace, don’t let small things like this stop you
@Joseph studley This is a lie. I met teachers of all ages when I was in Vietnam. There were teachers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s teaching English. I bet you haven't taught abroad for more than a few months if at all. TEFL is definitely a career and people make bank when they take it seriously.
@@nicetightsize8jeans it’s just an opinion, you don’t have to listen to it. Do what you what to do with your career! 35 is young anyway not that it matters though
I think you're presenting an utterly limited worldview on the degree that teaching/educating can alter one's life experiences (and potential for future success) solely based on age.
I could listen to you speak english to me all day 🥰
Great points to point out all sides!
Thank you!!
I am finishing my law course soon and in ireland we have to take 8 fe1 exams that you can complete online. I was thinking of moving to spain and teaching English while completing these exams. The gap in my resume would be solved because of that and it would be a great experience.
nice video!! i think i resonate a lot with what you're saying. i lived in spain teaching english for 3 years and have just moved back to the US this past june. i absolutely adored it and life abroad however at the beginning of my third year i realized i wasn't passionate about teaching and thus i want to explore what i want to do. that's hard to do in a country abroad especially when you come via TEFL. so like you said i feel like after some years of life abraod (through TEFL opportunities) it comes to a point where you either decide to dig your heels in the teaching profession and maybe get a masters in tefl so you can get a worthwhile position teaching abroad or have the courage to move back and figure it out from there. i 100% plan on living abroad again one day but i want to do that doing something i feel passionate about and and with more experience under my belt. also making a more comfortable salary too (the most famous spain program pays 700 to 1000 euros a month for langaue assistants-- enough to live comfortably in spain if you're frugal but hard to save real money for american cost of living and/or future needs)
Yep, my sentiments EXACTLY! After 2.5 years, I had the same conversations with myself. I briefly considered caving in and just getting a masters in education but essentially it wasn't out of passion but for the opportunity to make more money. 😬 I figured I'd be back in the same spot a few years later so I decided to leave. I also LOVED living abroad and have plans to do so again one day but like you said for something I'm more passionate about and with more experience. Moving back to the states after that kind of experience takes a lot of courage so kudos to you!! Many of my teacher friends thought I was crazy for coming back ( I agreed to a certain extent) but only some will see the bigger picture. Sounds like you got it and I know everything will play out perfectly for you. Best of luck!!
@@NneniaYasmeen omg that's exactly where i was last year hahah. i really thought i saw a future in teaching and i started thinking about a master's in tefl but like you said i realized i was more motivated by money and to a secure in easier track to live abroad than the profesion itself. but this last school year made it more and more clear to me that tefl isn't my passion (and turning 25 also made me realize life is too short to spend your time doing thigns that you don't feel passionate about). i feel like a lot of ppl also get trapped bc they become stuck on staying abroad at all costs. i almost felt like that too but realized i can have a beautiful life anywhere even if it's gotta be in the us for a while lol. which i lovee what you say, the big picture is key!! i feel it's worth moving back now and doing the things we mentioned so one day we can settle outside of the us in better ways vs just getting by in a redundant job where your lack of expeerience keeps you in a subordinate position.
anyways, i really really appreciate your kind words and good energy that you've sent me. it means so so much!! i wish you the absolute best too and that your heart leads you to accomplishing your goals and living out your dreams 💓💓
I've been teaching in Japan for 12 years. It's changed a lot since I first started. You used to be able to make for $1,800 a month teaching 24 hours or so a week. Now you'd be lucky to earn that much and you're working 40hrs a week with 10 days paid holiday a year. Even university jobs are terrible. You earn about $3,700 a month, which is good for Japan, but there's not job security and people are often let go after a year and have to find a job in a different university. They let foreign teacher's go after 5 years max to avoid having to make them a Shaiin, or a proper, full-time employee. And yet you need a masters or a PhD and published research papers to get this kind of work. I went for a job interview the other day for a high school, which paid over 250,000 yen a month, which is like the barrier many teachers find hard to break. The interviewer told me other candidates included a PhD and a lawyer. Wage inflation is rife here, as it is everywhere I guess. But in Japan you get a lot of well qualified people who get married and they're stuck here, all running after the few jobs that aren't McTeaching. And if you do get a managerial position you'll be worked like a dog and have to pander your Japanese paymasters who have a Victorian attitude to boss/employee relationships. Alternatively I taught TOEFL iBT test prep in Bangkok for 2 years which paid relatively well at $1,250 a month, my apartment, which had a swimming pool and a gym and great views of downtown Bangkok, only cost $192 dollars. In fact I could save $1,000 a month if I'd wanted to. As it was a went out all the time, spent loads of money and got my teeth done and still managed to save. But Thailand is changing now too, you have to go to immigration every 3 months, I believe, and the cost of living is increasing while wages are not. I have a degree in finance and read, write and speak (nearly) fluent Japanese so I've been getting into translation. But it's difficult getting sponsored as a freelancer and when software like deepl.com can translate most texts to a very high standard it disheartening. I don't think anyone who wants to make money decides to teach English abroad, but at least it was fun. Now it's not even that anymore, not in Japan anyway.
I’m leaving japan in 2 months, been here for 5 years teaching.
@Brandon Hiller Hey I'm currently researching teaching in japan. Could I message you somewhere else? If not, can you give me some tips and also some things you did not like working in japan as a teacher?
How can I get into Taiwan? I want to go there but It seems you need at least 2 years experience.
I agree. I got stuck near Shanghai with COVID, for three extra years. When I returned to America, I couldn't get back to my Los Angeles because I had been gone so long, my driver's license, bankcards, technology all had to be replaced, this took months and was expensive and almost dangerous. Then I imagined that teaching online would be OK, and it's terrible and low-paying. Schools in America all seem corrupt or just uninspiring and low-paying. I finally have an idea to do corporate training in another industry I know about, but who knows if that will work out either. I've tried to go to other countries, but each country has some problem or other.
Thank you girl ❤️
Thank you for watching ♥
Thank you for the video. I have been applying to teach abroad with no luck. I have a degree and a TEFL certificate but that doesn't seem to help at all. I hope I can get something soon because I really need a job.
You got this! I'm honestly not sure how the job market is looking currently but the pandemic heavily impacted it. Stay up to date as best you can!!
18 months was enough for me. I found that the foreingers that had been teaching ESL for 3 plus years were all a little bit odd and probably unable to pursue a career in their home country.
Haha I came across more than a few that fit that description. Lol
I’m actually teaching abroad after graduating with my masters, I’m not concerned about the timeline of my career path, everything will work out the way it’s suppose to!
Hello Nnenia, i stumbled on your profile and I wish i did earlier Lol. i am Nigerian and I have dreams of moving abroad to further study Public Health and Biotechnology. But someone suggested this temporary detour or route to that end goal. I would like you to guide me through
hey girl can you provide the website for application ?
Hi, Nnenia! Although I’m encountering it three years after you posted it, I really enjoyed your talk. As someone who spent 12 years teaching English in Taiwan 1994-2006, I would echo all of your advice.
My story in brief: I traveled to Taiwan at the age of 28. After college, I had sort of gotten stuck and didn’t know in which direction to go career-wise, with little obvious options having graduated with an Arts and Humanities degree. I considered law school for a while, but my heart wasn’t in it. So I decided to try my luck teaching abroad for a couple of years, with the goal of paying off my student loans then returning to the U.S. and figuring out what to do with the rest of my adulthood.
As it happened, I fell in love with teaching pretty instantly. I also met my future wife, a Taiwanese English teacher. I gradually got sucked into the entire Taiwanese way of life and, with it, a new collection of personal and professional aspirations.
Fast forward a bit more than a decade, and concerns like the ones you mention were mounting. I was getting too old to teach young children anymore, and the hustle and bustle of a career as a cram school teacher (this was years before stable public school jobs in Taiwan became available for English speakers) was not conducive to raising our own two children in a healthy manner. So I returned to the U.S. with my wife (Hawaii, specifically), put myself through a Secondary Education certification program at the University of Hawaii, and became a high school English teacher (though I now teach Psychology primarily…my wife is a Chinese teacher).
To everyone out there considering teaching abroad for a few years, the concerns that Nnenia lists are very real and very serious! The longer you stay out of your home country, the more challenging it will be to break back into the workforce at home. And the more expensive it will be. I burned up well over 100K (USD) in Taiwan savings getting us and our possessions back into the U.S. and remaining unemployed for 18 months in order to go back to school to get certified as a high school teacher. In retrospect, if I could do it all over again, I would have completed an online teacher cert program while still working in Taiwan. But that was in the early days of online degree programs, and I wasn’t aware that it was an option.
I would also suggest to those who are teaching abroad and really enjoying it but do not have bona fide teaching credentials: Get online, find an online university, and get those credentials. Then consider transitioning into international school teaching. International schools provide employment opportunities that are far more robust and stable, offer far better compensation and benefits packages, and lead to career paths that can take you pretty much anywhere in the world. And you can age comfortably as an international school teacher, which can’t be said for other types of teaching abroad such as cram school and pre-school teaching. If, on the other hand, you don’t see yourself teaching as a long-term career option, have a solid “exit plan” for when you feel the time has come.
I absolutely loved my life in Taiwan and have no regrets about the twelve years I spent there (and my wife and I are considering retiring there in the future). But if I could do it all over again, I would have planned things out so that I could obtain my teaching credentials and transition into the more comfortable and ultimately more satisfying world of international school teaching…though I cannot say I have any regrets about having taken the opportunity to raise our two children in the incredible state of Hawaii, which never would have happened if I hadn’t spent a decade’s savings in the move and stayed in Taiwan instead.
Hi there! Thank you sooo much for sharing your story and such great advice. I agree, had I decided to stay longer the best option was to go back to school and become a certified teacher and work my way into international schools. I personally opted out of that but it's a great plan long term for those who have no intentions of returning to the US.
I've been back stateside three years and have definitely paid for the short sighted decisions I made in my early 20s. No regrets but still worth sharing. Similar to you, had I not made the decision to live in Taiwan I probably wouldn't be working in fashion in New York City.
I appreciate you for watching and listening (I'm aware the title is click baity but that's part of social media marketing lol). I'm glad you received the message and can relate to it as the intention was not to offend any current teachers or derail hopefuls. Thank you again and best wishes to you and your family!
@@NneniaYasmeen - Thanks, and I hope your career is going well! One compensatory aspect of my early trajectory is that I was able to successfully pass on to my own two children advice about how to avoid the potential existential abyss of immediate post-college years that is so easy to fall into. Both have recently graduated from college, and my wife and I feel that one of our major successes is that each of them lined up robust, career-entry jobs within weeks before graduating. While I somewhat regret that neither of them have followed in my footsteps as an ambitious world traveler, I know that they can always do that sort of thing later in adulthood after having established themselves in a solid, stable career.
Looking forward to viewing some of your other videos!
P.S. I think your title is spot on rather than click-baity!
Another strong reason that just came to mind as to why people teaching English abroad without certification in Education should prioritize acquiring full Education credentials: You may very likely find that, despite the huge amount of genuine valuable teaching experience you’ve accrued through years of hard work in various types of schools, it won’t be honored by people in school systems in charge of hiring, and you’ll have to start at the bottom of the pay scale with recent college grads with no teaching experience apart from their student-teaching gig.
When I left Taiwan after teaching year-round 40-50 hours per week for twelve years, I had become a very good teacher of basic English and had also acquired a full set of skills that were easily and quickly transferable into other teaching areas such as high school English. However, I started out my first year of public high school teaching with a $40,000 salary in 2007-2008, a full twenty years older and earning the same salary as people coming right out of college. And this in Hawaii, the least affordable state for teachers. I’m very sure that my obvious chops that school administrators could glean through observations helped me land my first job. But they didn’t help place me beyond the rookie level salary-wise, and it took me 14 years of salary chart climbing and a leap out of public education into an elite private high school to finally earn what I felt was a comfortable teacher salary at the age of 56.
So, once again, get those teacher certs! If you are teaching in a fully recognized and accredited K-12, including public school systems and international schools, your years will be rewarded when and if you need to move back to your home country. And if you find yourself saying, “But no need, as I’ll never teach when I go back to my home country,” reconsider. I told myself the same thing. But when it came time to move back to the U.S. with a wife and two children at the age of 40, I realized that building on my teaching skills was the fastest and most realistic path back into the American workforce. I simply wasn’t going to be dropping out of life as a father and husband to attend law school at my own expense for three years…or anything similar.
Have you thought of joining Peace Corps and then using that to going any number of government/NGO/Nonprofit positions?
I haven't but that's great advice. Thank you!
Good. I'm learning here with you from Brazil.
Your version of "stuck" doesn't actually sound so bad compared to being stuck in a dead end job in America. Thank you for making this video! It is helping me as I contemplate if I want to live/teach abroad :)
Yes it was just a figure of speech but stuck can look different for everyone! It's an extremely fulfilling career if that's what works for you. No right or wrong way to decide what's best for you. :) Thank you so much for watching and hope my channel can be helpful in your decision. 😄
Fo you think it's the particular country? I'm thinking Bali or Costa Rica.
I really like how you ended the video by saying, "Is my purpose here not fulfilled? Or am I just staying out of comfort and fear, and I don't want to take another huge risk?" Even those who teach English in another country who originally planned to be here long-term can loose sight of "The Why". Such wise words! Life in short and we need to always be asking ourselves what our purpose is and if it it is aligning with our actions and choices. It's easy to let life move us along without taking life by the wheel and moving in directions we want to move in. Thank you so much for making this video!! :)
YESSS! My sentiments exactly. Thank you for watching and understanding :)
Just turned 25 this past month and graduated with a B.S in electrical engineering around a year ago but like you said in the video didn't feel the passion to really pursue it to this day. Been getting interested in the idea of trying out a year teaching English in japan granted Covid restrictrictions allow. Your story seems relatable so I just was curious as to what you graduated in?
Happy belated Birthday! I graduated with a bachelors in Biology. I think if you're interested it's definitely worth a shot! I've heard amazinggg things about Japan and hate I didn't get the chance to visit yet.
@@NneniaYasmeen Thanks! Appreciate the birthday wishes and the insight to your background. Even though the world is a bit closed off atm there is always time to visit in the future. Been there before for 3 weeks and fell in love everything is just so convenient would love to get a chance to explore more in depth. Well anyways good luck with the channel and your career endeavors!
@@tyooo8263 Yess it is still in the travel plans for the future. Thank you so much for tuning in & best of luck to you as well :)
I graduated with a B.S. in biomedical engineering. After working in industry for four years I came to Korea to teach. It’s possible! You just need to think about long term goals so that you can build the foundation before you leave.
I taught abroad in Taiwan while going with my old embedded eng. job. Made bank
Really helpful...Iam an English graduated and willing to continue my pg in English at Uk also iam not an English native so is it possible there to teach English to the English natives
Congrats! It's not impossible at all. There are cram schools that will hire non native English speakers but public and international schools usually want native speakers.
I currently have a full time job, is it possible to do the tefl course on the side? Ir is the course difficult?
Yes definitely! There's a lot of self paced ones so you can do it during your free time.
Does anyone have experience with teach Thailand SOS, are they a legit organization?
Great Video!
Thank u so much❤ I want to teach English abroad so bad am an English student and iam gonna graduate next year ❤ I hope my bachelor can help me to do it is it okay without master degree? Only my fundamental business license?
Best of luck! You can teach here without a masters degree.
For me if i want to live abroad i have two options. Teach English or work for an NGO. Most NGOs do not align with my interests as I do not want to promote democracy as that is one of the reasons I choose to live in Non-Democratic countries.( I like living in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia which are Communist countries) I also do not want to compel natives to become Christians or unionize. If i could find NGOs that promote anti-Western propaganda or are pro CCP I would be all for them. Main reason i teach English is if i went back to the USA i would likely have some boring job that would pay me enough to pay bills if i am lucky. At least with teaching English abroad I can stay for a year in one country and can move to another the next. Basically, I spend the weekdays teaching and my freetime playing pc games and cooking meals for the week.
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Who did you do your TEFL certification through?
Wise sharing. Thanks.
Thank you!!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic. To me, life in America is starting to feel like a trap.
i am 24 right now & i literally plan on enrolling in a TEFL course by the end of this year
Are there countries that don't require a TEFL or any other related certificate to teach English? I jist have a bachelor's.
The public school program I went through didn't require a TEFL. It did require a bachelors degree and substitute teaching certificate though.
@@NneniaYasmeen in what country?
The only things I'm really passionate about are languages and music, so I want to be an English teacher in China because I can speak Mandarin Chinese and I was born in America, so I can also speak English, I have litteraly zero friends I'm America, so I wouldn't be leaving much behind, and I just want to meet more people, to hopefully create a friend group, to hopefully get rid of my lonliness
I’m an expat in Bogotá teaching English. I wholeheartedly enjoy my no stress, purposeful job. I never thought I would teach especially coming from a real estate career.
Hey, I really liked your video. It was very informative. Did you have to get a TEFL certification first?
Thank you for watching! I didn't need a tefl for the agency I went through at the time. I think some schools require it though so it just depends.
Thank you for this video it really helped me. Umm I do have a question though when you get certified to teach in one state right well if you want to move to another state you have to get certified to teach there so if you travle abroad how do you get certified to teach over there is it the same way???
Hi! The requirements at the time I applied were to have a bachelors degree (in any field) & substitute teaching license, mine was issued from Illinois. Not sure if they've changed as this was over 5 years ago so I'd double check. Hope this helps though & thank you for watching!
How is everyone dealing with the high U.S.A. income taxes that us citizens still have to pay overseas? Federal (37%) + North Dakota State (5%) + Social Security and Medicare(15.3%)= 57.3%. I graduate next December. Are they using some type of foreign income tax exclusion loophole?
I filed my US taxes every year I was abroad and never owed anything. I was working and living in Taiwan and paid my taxes to them.
@@NneniaYasmeen Who do you recommend for filing taxes when working overseas?