Why Not Teach English Abroad?

By Courtney S. Ries
Although we think TEFL is great, it certainly isn't for everyone. Here are a few reasons to consider not teaching abroad.

• You don't have any patience with kids - Chances are you'll be teaching both kids and adult in your TEFL career. Although you can get an adult-only posting, most teachers have interaction with the kiddies at some point or another. If you an't stand children, this may not be the job for you.


• The idea of living abroad is too terrifying to contemplate - Those that consider moving to another town a traumatic life experience probably won't enjoy moving across the ocean.


• You're only in it for the money - Yes, some programs do offer nice cash (Japan's JET program gives its teachers approximately $34,000 U.S. a year), most do not. While it will be sufficient enough to live on - and hopefully travel - chances are you won't get rich teaching English.


• You only have a two week holiday - TEFL programs require a month-long, full time commitment to receive certification, or intensive Saturday/Sunday classes spread over a larger amount of time. Teaching assignments are at least a month, but more commonly three-to-twelve months. If you were thinking about picking up certification and teaching while on your two-week annual vacation, this isn't the thing for you.


• You do not have a command of the English language - TEFL programs require a native or near-native level of English fluency. This includes knowledge of both formal (i.e. spelling, some grammar) and informal (i.e. slang, non-proper) language skills.