Please keep in mind that the opinions posted on this blog are my own.

Everybody might have a different experience and opinions, and that's OK.

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen a teacher posing under cherry blossoms in Japan or sipping coffee in a Parisian café between lessons, you might think, Wow, must be nice. And yes, sometimes teaching abroad really does look like a curated travel blog. But let’s not kid ourselves - behind every dreamy picture is a very real, very human story about why teachers pack up their lives and move halfway across the world to teach English.

Spoiler alert: it’s rarely just one reason. In fact, most of us are propelled by a cocktail of personal, financial, and professional motivations. And no two teachers’ stories are exactly the same.

So why do people teach abroad? Let’s break it down.

The Personal Pull: Adventure, Growth, and Reinvention

For many, teaching abroad is about change. Maybe you’re stuck in a rut at home, tired of the same daily grind, or craving an adventure that goes beyond a weekend trip to a nearby city. Teaching abroad offers a chance to reinvent yourself in a completely new setting.

I’ve met teachers who moved abroad because they were fresh out of university and wanted one last big adventure before “settling down.” Others were in their 40s or 50s and wanted a career pivot, or simply a change of scenery. Teaching abroad becomes a way to hit the reset button - new people, new culture, new version of you.

And honestly? There’s something empowering about realising you can thrive in a foreign country, navigate a new language, and build a life from scratch. It’s personal growth with a side of passport stamps.

The Financial Factor: Making Money (and Sometimes Saving It)

Let’s not dance around it - money matters. Some teachers go abroad because teaching pays better overseas than at home. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and the UAE, for example, are known for offering competitive salaries, benefits, and even housing. Suddenly, you’re not just earning; you’re saving, travelling, and maybe even paying off those pesky student loans.

Of course, not every destination comes with a fat paycheck. Plenty of teachers move to countries where the salary is modest, but the cost of living is low - think Vietnam, Thailand, or parts of Eastern Europe. The financial incentive there isn’t about racking up savings, but about sustaining a comfortable lifestyle while still having enough leftover to travel on weekends.

At the end of the day, money might not be the only reason, but it’s definitely a factor. Few people uproot their lives without at least considering the financial picture.

The Professional Push: Career Growth and Global Experience

For some, teaching abroad isn’t just a gap-year adventure - it’s a strategic career move. Having international teaching experience looks great on a CV, especially if you’re interested in fields like education, linguistics, international relations, or even business.

Teaching abroad forces you to become adaptable, culturally aware, and resourceful - all qualities employers love. And let’s not forget: many teachers discover that they genuinely love the profession once they try it abroad. What started as “a year in Spain” turns into a 20-year teaching career (ask me how I know).

So while the personal and financial reasons get a lot of attention, the professional growth side of teaching abroad is just as important - and often overlooked until you’re living it.

The Cultural Curiosity: Living, Not Just Visiting

For a lot of teachers, the real draw is the chance to live in another culture instead of just passing through as a tourist. Spending a week in Rome is one thing - actually navigating the Italian school system, renting an apartment, and buying groceries in rapid-fire Italian is a whole different experience. Teaching abroad gives you front-row access to everyday life in another country, with all its quirks, frustrations, and joys. That cultural immersion is addictive - once you’ve had the chance to be part of a new place rather than just observing it, you’ll never look at travel the same way again.

The Social Side: Community, Friendship, and Unexpected Connections

Here’s something that doesn’t always make the job descriptions: teaching abroad gives you an instant community. From fellow teachers to curious locals, you’ll find yourself building connections you never imagined.

I’ve seen teachers land in a country where they knew nobody and end up with lifelong friends, a surrogate family, or even a partner. Teaching abroad opens doors to conversations you’d never have back home - sometimes literally across a dinner table, sometimes in the staffroom over instant coffee, sometimes while getting hilariously lost in translation.

It’s not just about the job. It’s about the people who come along with it.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

At its core, teaching abroad is about more than grammar drills or lesson plans. It’s about the exchange of language, culture, and perspective. You’re not just teaching students; you’re also learning from them. That mix of personal growth, financial stability, professional development, and social connection is why so many teachers take the leap.

And once you’ve experienced it, you can’t un-know it. Teaching abroad changes you. In small ways and big ways, it rewires how you see the world - and how you see yourself.

People teach abroad for all sorts of reasons - some practical, some personal, some deeply transformative. Whether it’s the lure of travel, the chance to save money, the thrill of reinvention, or the desire to grow professionally, the “why” behind it is never just one thing.

So if you’re considering teaching abroad, ask yourself: what’s your reason? Adventure? Savings? Career growth? A mix of all three? Knowing your “why” will shape your experience - and might just make the difference between a fun year abroad and a life-changing journey.