The Teacher Trap - Teaching English Abroad Pros and Cons
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- Опубликовано: 17 июл 2024
- So you want to move abroad and are considering teaching English? It's a great way to move to another country and an excellent way to make a difference as well as learn some valuable soft skills in the process. More ➡ www.edgeofdavid.com/teacher-t...
You can teach English abroad in many different countries in SE Asia, the Middle East as well as South America. Going abroad to Thailand in 2011 literally changed my life for the better. It enabled me to lay the foundation of where I am now. It was not easy, it took years but it was totally worth it.
Just one word of warning, don't get stuck. Have a plan and keep moving forward. It's easy to get comfortable where you are. Particularly if you end up somewhere dynamic and fun like Bangkok. The years fly by and all of a sudden you may realize you're not better off than where you were 5 years ago.
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00:00 Backstory
05:00 Tiers of Teaching / Make a Career / Have a PLAN
09:45 Pros and Cons
14:46 Conclusion / Thailand / Do your Research
#teachenglishabroad
IG/Twitter: edgeofdavid
Here's a writeup for you - www.edgeofdavid.com/teacher-trap/
“Your ideal self and your real self are out of alignment” hits hard. I was looking to teach for a few years before going back to do my masters but you said it beautifully. You’re pretty good at reading people ngl
I’m in Cambodia and have transitioned into music, performing and teaching drums and piano as this is my major. Initially I just used English Teaching as a stepping stone
I worked 10 years in a 9-5 office job and met my French partner. Later I moved to France and discovered that ESL teachers are underpaid with flimsy contracts. Unfortunately the industry isn't made for actual career progression. It's a tough game, you need a plan and to keep motivated.
not any career progression unless you do managmenet
I don't consider them being stuck. I'm sure your friend working at the same school for 15 years could move if he wants. He's probably happy with his Thai wife and kids. Also, I'm sure its great to have passive income but i would way rather work 40 hours a week for VIPKID and be in Thailand or Vietnam than be stuck in Canada in the rat race. I can't wait to move out there after the lockdown and teach english. I do agree getting a masters in education is a great idea.
Great points. Thanks for the comment.
Totally agree with the sentiment here. I’m thinking of moving abroad, most likely to teach English since that seems like the best way forward for me. But also want to get clear on what my goals are to achieve while abroad before I set off and find myself 3 years in still trying to figure it out 😅
you're exactly the type of opinion i was looking for, your honesty and transparency answered a lot of my questions. also just looked at your blog and found the "If Freedom is Your Reward, You Are Living in Prison" post to be quite hilarious and relevant haha
As a 20 year old from Connecticut who’s also interested in the Air Force and teaching English abroad to further my travels, this video was scary similar.
Great video and straight to the point. Thank you!
Thank you for the video. Lot of good info and perspective.
This video is very inspirational. Thank you
Great advice david-having a plan in life in general is essential-I should know from experience. Time goes by and you can end up in a dead end in life. so good advice thanks
Thank you for sharing.
Good looking out my brother, DO NOT GET STUCK!! message received loud & clear😊, just flew in Thailand 4days ago & your advice is well appreciated my bro🙏🏿
How has your time been?
@@eridiance9818 , It could have been better but all things considered it's good, I'm learning a lot about teaching the students here in Thailand 💯
@@judebenjamin6805how is it going now?
What could have been better?
Being very sincere makes it more fun watching your video
Thank you!
invaluable, so deep, we all get trapped, deep vid, thanks yo!
Great video!
I find it informative since I plan to retire from work as a physician in the Philippines and teach English in Thailand taking note about not "getting stuck".
I see the vid is from 3 years ago but there is still a lot of currently relevant tips and advice n this. good stuff.
Thank you!
Hi David, I'm currently 27 and working at PWC South Africa as an External Auditor and I'm moving to Vietnam next year Jan to start teaching English - Its crazy coz I also want time to make video and do online stuff.... Thank you so much for this video
Good luck and thanks for the comment.
Congrats dear..
Please, can I chat you up on Instagram?
what if the country youre stuck in is better than the country youre from? is it really stuck?
he is from the US, and he is teaching in Vietnam.
what a stupid question you have asked.
❤
Teaching English is a sweet deal if it suits your personality. Plus the contract is a year, which is a perfect time to spend in a place. In my opinion.
Also, when I was teaching I wasn't broke
Cool, good to hear you had a good experience. In part I'm kind of thankful I did not have a the same experience because it ended up being something to work hard and get away from.
what country did you teach in?
Korea, China and now Vietnam
@@ESL-O.G. Awesome! Just curious did you get a CELTA or TEFL certification? I am trying to decide which one to go for. Also is landing a teaching job in Europe more difficult than in Asia?
Great video. I taught English in vn between 2011-2015 but after a few years of teaching, drinking, wasting time in coffee shops etc in VN I realised I was heading into career wilderness. I decided to become and skydiving instructor and then after started a stage building company so travel with that (and I make way more). I went back to VN last xmas and some of the guys I worked with had stayed, but seemed worried about transitioning into working back home if ever they return. Such good advice from you, essential to have a long term plan. A big thing that has changed to is in 2011 earning 50million vnd afforded a great standard of living but now everything has gone up, but wages for teachers haven't risen that much.
100% need a plan for the future! Get the paper qualifications like an MA TESOL to go along with the experience if you want to keep teaching. Or, study online to prepare yourself for a job back home. Get a teaching cert if your home country. Something like that. Otherwse, it's a trap for sure.
Wish I was as smart as you back in the day. I was the stuck guy. Not anymore though, good food for thought, thank you.
Enjoyed your video dude but remember there’s no right or wrong in this life … just different paths 😉
If someone is happy being stuck at the same job in the same place doing the same thing, then so be it ! That’s 100% their deal 😎
Thx so much
I am glad that you're able to discover your thing. I travel non stop and have been blessed. I see your video is 3 years old, by now I hope you have learned that not everyone is after cash. You lost last me when you judged your friend who has a family and he's not making lost of money. Money is not everything, maybe your friend is happy. Stop doing that bro! Judging or comparing what you're doing to others. Everyone is not after the almighty dollar. I have met and lived with enough of "rich" people with cash who're poor in life. Everyone is on their own journey. But thanks for the insight about teaching English abroad. Good luck to u!
Actually I do agree with you. I regret saying that, being blessed to have a family. Yea that's really important.
Getting stuck is in the mind. I'm not sure this is about geography. I know people who have traveled the world, and they're boring to talk to. Their mind is stuck. Freedom comes from within, not without. Walking around a busy Vietnam street, where the noise is unbearable, I'd feel stuck there. It is a good idea to leverage your time, and leverage your salary so that you are not on a treadmill, as you say, but being stuck is truly all in the mind.
what's wrong with being 33 and teaching English in Thailand?
I agree with that part about not having a plan. I read several stories of people working abroad where they were basically just taking an extended vacation, partying, drinking. One guy had less than $1000 in his account despite working for a long time, another person came back and had no opportunities so he just worked in construction at a minimum wage $20/hr. All those years wasted which proves this uploader's point.
$20/hr is not that bad, and definitely not minimum wage
I watched a channel that interviewed the Thai students, admin and the foreign teachers. Global visions3. I used to teach in the private sector and public schools. Worst experience was the Thai public schools.
Hi mate thanks for the video
What would your advice be to someone without any degree, studying a TEFL course??
Thanks for your video. So, what would be your advice for making the initial jump please?
The EPIK program in South Korea is the best. You'll make money and see a great country. Vietnam has gotten very strict with teachers so it's not an option anymore unless your bachelors is in education, Thailand is always good first choice but the pay is low.
As I said in the video, go for 2 years max with a plan. Either figure out how to be self employed or get a masters after those 2 years and come back and work at a proper international school.
What's your idea about working for a professional institute like idp or British Counsil in another country? or becoming a private tutor for the ielts or toefl exam?
As long as it's a long term career option I would go for it. Just make sure you work on any educational requirements you need to get a job in your home country.
Nothing worse than being stuck having to teach ESL abroad because you have no options. The dream can become a trap.
Yes people get trapped in the rat race working 8 - 8 without a way to exercise in their home countries, but also can get trapped teaching English overseas. I came back to UK after teaching in South Korea, 2012 - 2017, and prior to that in Taiwan 2010-2011. I have been working in SEN schools and hospitals as a heath care assistant. I am currently doing my nursing and HATING it. I'll end up back abroad teaching and probably enjoying life again LOL. The main issues are not developing deeper relationships with people because of potential language / culture differences. Also not having your family around if your health declines can be tough. You need good support structures put in place for if things get tough. Qualifications are important for higher wages, even in healthcare two people can be doing exactly the same day to day tasks, but one may have a much higher salary or hourly rate. I have always tended to think in the long term, (5 years +)however now I tend to think in the shorter term and just focus on, health, happiness and money- And in no particular order! I have burned out from study / placement now I just want to work in a job I enjoy, which was basically teaching English overseas. One issue is finding somewhere to live and work surf where it's possible to swim or surf in my time off.
I love your video. You just landed another subscriber. What do you think about a person (me) whos worked for the past 20 years, have already contributed to a 401K with enough to retire once I turn 65. Im 43, and thinking about spending my pre retirement years abroad teach English, and live modestly. What are the potential traps for me? I thank you and appreciate your insight and input.
Oh wow, sorry I missed this comment. The only trap teachers run into is as I said not having a plan and being your age (late 30s and 40s_) making $1400 a month with no assets to their name.
For you I would just make sure not to get stuck abroad with no options to move back.
Very cool! I am in the same situation as you. I maxed out my retirement all these years and can now just let it grow and it will be enough when I retire at the age of 60. I am currently 38 and have 1 year and 3 months left, before I graduate with my Bachelors Degree. Then I will be relocating to Asia to work as an ESL teacher, until I retire.
Hey, when you mentioned the different tiers at around 5 minutes and your friends that went back to england to get the required certs, what certs where you refering to specifically? And did they have any qualifications before that?
Sure, to work at an UK international school, you need specific education equivalent to a master's degree in education. Before they simply graduated from Uni.
Which reputable training organization can I get a tefl/tesol certificate from?
Can you explain where to apply? So that way we have a good start at where to look at ?
I might be late but would love to know if you think a lvl 5 tefl would be worth it (I have no former theaching knowledge
This is my destin y :-) Any advice on getting a visa? I'm investigating agencies now.
Teaching getting stuck isn’t stupid just a diff lifestyle than you
What do u think about Japan or korea? I went backpacking across thailand and vietnam, loved it. But want a different experience for when i go teach english abroad. Have any experience in either of those countries?
From the teachers I've met, the the ESL scene is bad. Unless you get into the Jet or EPIK programs, you'll be working nights and weekends at some language center. If you have a master's in education you can avoid these centers and apply for university positions.
To be clear, I never taught in Japan or Korea, my experience with these two countries is anecdotal only.
What's the shortest contract I can get teaching with my TEFL certification?
If you don’t have a degree in English what other certificates are acceptable to teach. ?
good video im from canada, wonder if i know that 15 year guy 🤣. can you teach or tutor if you have no degree or TESL but speak perfect native english like yourself and simply nail the interview proving your ability?
Hey David I just turned 19 and i’m considering teaching abroad I’m kinda nervous about the experience but i’d really love to get out there and teach and get experience would I be wasting my time going out there. I really want to start learning martial arts going to the gym reading more and meeting new people
At 19 getting as far away from your family and friends is probably the best thing you can do. At your age the biggest thing to avoid is a self inflicted catastrophe.
At least visit the country first bro
Same I'm 18 and I also want to teach abroad...
Having a Thai wife with kids and makes 2000 dollars there seems like a good thing to be 'stuck' with imo, whats wrong with that?
I have a bachelors in communications is that all I need or do I need an actual degree in English/education?
Depends on the country. Thailand that's fine, Vietnam requires your degree be related to the work you do.
Can you make a video of how to search for a job at an international school. I’ll be graduating college in may and would love to teach abroad
Or briefly give tips on the chat. I’m 22 and really want to teach abroad with CIEE in Thailand, what are ur thoughts?
Do you think its possible to transition to being an Art teacher in Thailand (with a design-related degree and an online TEFL) after starting out as a $1000-a-month English teacher? I guess technically you'd still need a Masters in Education or a proper teaching degree...
Since you don't have a bachelors in education, you can only get a temporary teaching license good for 3 years. To get a full license you'll need to attend a program in Thailand or get a masters in edu.
If you don't do this, then whatever school you're at can't continue to hire you after 3 years. As for being an art teacher sure it's possible. I was the computer teacher at a school for a year. You'll need to find a school with a dedicated English program or an international school.
Thai schools tend to not have art programs unless you're working at an international school though. Honestly, if you're going to be a teacher here, you really should just suck it up and get that masters as it will help you.
@@Edgeofdavid Thanks for the reply. A 'Masters in Education' in Aus/NZ doesn't actually qualify you to be a teacher, so I am wondering if this is specifically the degree that would mean being able to be a proper teacher in Thailand, or if they actually want you to be a qualified teacher in your home country, which would require at minimum a 'Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching' - which doesn't sound as prestigious as the 'Masters in Education'. I would prefer doing the Masters as it can be done online as research or coursework (no mandatory in-person classes or teaching stints at schools).
The best way to not. Be stuck in life is to build net worth. It doesn't matter if you stay teaching in the same place for 15 years. If you're happy with your wife and children, that's cool, your advice should be to build your net worth. I advise my daughter to buy a condo Rent the condo out and put the rental income back into the condo until it's totally paid. When you finish buying one condo, you buy another 1 until you have several period at that point, you can live on your rental income.
What certificate/program did you go through?
I forget, it was 10+ years ago. I did a TEFL in Chiang Mai then got placed at a school in Ratchaburi Thailand.
Better to make sure your income from teaching is a second income so you don't feel the pinch
Ah good point, that's something I should have mentioned in the video.
What city is this that you were in in Vietnam??? The city you are walking in is beautiful!
Saigon!
Know if any opportunities to teach in Spain?
I had a few friends get their masters in Spain, then start working at a school. Not really sure how it works.
Did you have time to do a side hustle ? That’s my plan!
What's wrong with doing something you love for 15 years?
genuine question is getting a college degree a must to be a teacher?
For Thailand and Vietnam, yes.
@@Edgeofdavidi heard I don’t need one unless I want to teach in the west is that true?
I think it’s a little bit of a victim mentality for people to keep saying that you get “stuck abroad” unless you are literally being trafficked.
You weren’t stuck you chose to be there and see where it took you …and now you don’t like where it took you - SO LEAVE!!!
It’s that simple.
Semantics, I mean one thing by stuck, you mean something else.
Define stuck?? you make it sound negative. there are worse jobs that you can be stuck in and i for one think being an english teacher in a foreign country would be a fantastic life time career. im from Ireland and european and almost 60 and about to partake on a TEFL course and go to eastern europe. hopefully i will be stuck there forever . lol much better than being stuck back home getting fat in a job i hate
Where in Eastern Europe are you planning on going to?
How do you stay so young looking?
I've always looked younger than I am. When I was 24 and getting out of the air force people thought I was a high school student.
@Edgeofdavid I am thinking teaching English abroad. Why? The politics here are getting scary. Yet I think it would be better if I could do something else then that. Advice or ideas?
How much can gringo make 🇺🇸 teach English max pay
Gringo is for South America, I have no idea how much a gringo makes in South America. In Asia you can make 850-1000 USD a month. Unless you work at an international school.
wuts wrong with just staying an english teacher
Nothing if you're a teacher at an international school with a good salary.
pls pls make the videos in a quite place not on a motocycle road, I got headache watching the video with all that noise for the sake of learning something and now I am heading up to doctor
So many motorbikes.
“I used to work at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an internal auditor working 12 hour days” 🤮🤮 oh fun lol I also live in the U.S. and I’ve been thinking about doing something different besides joining the corporate rat race, the work culture here in America is just terrible for someone’s health.
So you need a degree to get teacher job
What’s wrong with being an English teacher until you retire. If you go to Thailand to teach, it means you have given up the rat race. You can’t expect to come back to the US and buy a middle class house and an expensive car and live large.
Once you take the plunge and move to a developing country, it means you have given up and you don’t have material ambitions. I think you just want a relationship with a woman and live simply and cheaply. Nothing wrong with that!…lol
You still want to invest for your retirement before you go to Asia. Your social security won't be much if you don't have a good paying job. My neighbor just turned 62 and barely paid in, so his social security is only $900. Not enough to live in Asia.
wow they have circle K there
A lot of CT people are unmotivated and complacent.
Bro you are literally Sammy from John Updikes A and P🙄
Thanks?
Considered subscribing. I’ll pass
I don't care Jay Bee. Be on your way.
You care enough to comment. I met plenty of guys like you out there. Coasting on your unearned privilege.
Please practice your presentation before you get on camera. Way to much repetition.
Hi! Love the video, I am looking into teaching in Thailand and would love to connect with you more about your experience. Do you have an email or instagram I could contact?
Yea edge of David on insta