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.

Teaching abroad often looks glamorous from the outside: new cities, new cultures, adventurous Instagram shots, and stories that make you sound like the most interesting person at a dinner party. And yes, it can be all of those things. But let’s get real for a second - it’s not all sunshine, cheap street food, and weekend getaways to neighbouring countries. Like any big life decision, teaching abroad comes with its fair share of disadvantages. And if you don’t walk in with your eyes wide open, those downsides can hit you harder than jet lag.

Homesickness Is Real

No matter how independent you think you are, sooner or later, homesickness will sneak up on you. Maybe it’s triggered by missing your best friend’s wedding, your niece’s first birthday, or just the familiar comfort of your local café where the barista knows your order. Teaching abroad can be isolating, and while video calls help, they don’t replace being physically present with your people. It’s worth asking yourself how you’ll handle being far away - do you have a strong support system online? Will you plan trips back home? Homesickness is manageable, but only if you acknowledge it’s part of the package.

Bureaucracy and Paperwork Headaches

Let’s talk about visas, contracts, and the never-ending forms stamped in triplicate. Every country has its own maze of bureaucracy, and navigating it can be exhausting. You might find yourself spending whole afternoons at immigration offices, trying to explain in broken local language why your middle name doesn’t appear on your passport the same way it does on your contract. And when you’re just trying to start your job and focus on teaching, that kind of stress can feel overwhelming. Having patience, good organisational skills, and maybe even a local contact to help can make a world of difference.

Financial Frustrations

Not every teaching job abroad is a golden ticket. Some countries pay well and offer excellent benefits, but others… not so much. Depending on where you go, you may find your salary barely covers rent and groceries, with little left over for savings or travel. And if you’re sending money home or paying off student loans, things can get even tighter. It’s crucial to do your homework in advance: what’s the actual cost of living where you’re headed? Will your school help with housing or flights? Teaching abroad can be financially rewarding, but it can also be financially draining if you don’t go in prepared.

Loneliness in the Classroom

Even if you love your students, teaching abroad can be surprisingly lonely. Adults and children alike can be engaging, but sometimes you’re the only foreigner in a school full of locals, and that can make it hard to form connections with colleagues or staff. You might find yourself grading papers or prepping lessons at your desk while everyone else chats in a language you don’t fully understand. Practical tip: try to schedule social activities with colleagues, join teacher meetups, or find online communities for expat teachers - even small gestures like sharing lunch or attending a local event can help break the isolation. Remember, it’s easy to underestimate the emotional toll of being “the outsider” in your own workplace until it hits.

Cultural Friction and Misunderstandings

Even the most culturally open teacher will hit a wall sometimes. Maybe your students are quiet when you expect participation, or your colleagues have a totally different approach to deadlines and punctuality. What feels “normal” to you might not line up with the norms in your new country, and that can be frustrating. These moments aren’t deal-breakers, but they do take emotional energy to navigate. The challenge is finding ways to adapt without losing yourself - learning when to flex, when to stand firm, and when to just laugh it off.

The “Expat Bubble” Trap

Here’s a sneaky one: it’s easy to fall into the expat bubble. When you’re abroad, you naturally gravitate toward other foreigners who share your language and experiences. And while that’s comforting (and sometimes necessary for your sanity), it can also keep you from really engaging with the local community. Suddenly, you realise you’ve been abroad for a year but barely scratched the surface of the culture outside of restaurants and tourist spots. Breaking out of that bubble takes intentional effort - like learning the local language, joining community events, or making local friends - and not everyone is up for that challenge.

Is It Worth It?

So, with all these disadvantages, is teaching abroad still worth it? For many people, yes - because the rewards outweigh the challenges. But the downsides are real and shouldn’t be brushed aside. Going in with realistic expectations will save you from the disappointment that comes when the “dream” job abroad feels more complicated than the glossy version in your head. Teaching abroad is not for everyone, and that’s okay. If you’re prepared for the not-so-glamorous side - the homesickness, the bureaucracy, the financial juggling - you’ll be better equipped to decide if this path is the right adventure for you.