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 is one of those experiences that can change your life, but it’s not without its challenges. If you’ve ever thought about teaching in a different country, you’ve probably heard all the amazing things that come with it: the travel, the culture, and the chance to make a real difference in students’ lives. However, there are also a few things I wish I had known before I took the leap. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, here are some things that could help you prepare for the adventure ahead.

It’s Not Always Glamorous

Let’s be honest – the idea of teaching abroad is often portrayed as an exotic, Instagram-worthy experience. The truth is, while teaching abroad can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not always as glamorous as it seems. Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to travel and explore new cultures, but there will also be moments when you’re frustrated, tired, or just plain homesick. Sometimes, you’ll find yourself working long hours with a heavy workload, dealing with difficult students or adjusting to new systems. It’s important to go into teaching abroad with realistic expectations.

That said, even the tough days have their rewards. The experience will teach you more about yourself than you might expect. Whether it’s overcoming language barriers, navigating cultural differences, or learning how to handle the unknown, these challenges will shape you as a teacher and a person.

Don’t Expect Everything to Be Like Home

One of the biggest surprises I encountered when teaching abroad was realising how much I took for granted back home. Whether it’s the availability of certain foods, the structure of your school, or the expectations of students and parents, things are often very different in other countries. You may find yourself struggling with everything from getting your teaching materials to understanding the local customs. Don’t expect things to always run smoothly, and be prepared for a learning curve. It can be a shock at first, but it’s part of the journey.

Be patient with yourself and the process. Understand that you’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. Every experience, good or bad, is a chance to grow. Embrace the differences and use them as an opportunity to learn more about the culture and the people around you.

Cultural Differences Will Impact Your Teaching Style

When you teach abroad, you’ll quickly realise that teaching methods that worked back home may not always work in your new environment. Different cultures have different attitudes towards education, and this can affect everything from how students behave in the classroom to how they respond to discipline and feedback. For instance, in some countries, students may be more reserved or reluctant to speak up in class, while in others, they might be much more outspoken.

Take the time to learn about the local culture, and try to adapt your teaching style to suit the needs of your students. In some cases, you might need to become more flexible or creative to meet their learning preferences. Be open-minded and experiment with different techniques, but also be ready to adjust when things don’t go as planned. Flexibility is key when teaching abroad.

Homesickness is Real

Even though teaching abroad is exciting, it can also be emotionally challenging. Homesickness is something I wasn’t prepared for, and it’s something a lot of teachers experience when they’re away from their families and friends. The first few months can be the hardest, as you adjust to a new country, new people, and a completely different routine.

I wish I had known that homesickness is normal and something you can’t just “push through.” The key is to acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to miss home. Stay connected with family and friends through regular calls or messages, but also make an effort to meet new people and immerse yourself in the local culture. Over time, you’ll build your own support system and start to feel more at home in your new environment.

You Need to Be Adaptable

One thing I’ve learned is that teaching abroad requires a huge amount of adaptability. In addition to adjusting to the cultural differences, you’ll often face unexpected challenges that will require quick thinking and flexibility. Whether it’s last-minute changes to your schedule, unexpected holidays, or classroom issues, there’s no way to predict everything that will happen.

Being adaptable and ready for anything will make your life a lot easier. It’s important to stay calm when things don’t go according to plan and find creative solutions to problems. This is something that will not only help you in your teaching career but also in your personal life as you adjust to living abroad.

Build a Strong Support Network

Teaching abroad can sometimes feel isolating, especially in the beginning. That’s why building a strong support network is so important. Make an effort to connect with other expats, local teachers, or people who understand what you’re going through. Whether it’s a casual coffee with a fellow teacher or joining a local expat group, having a support system will make a world of difference.

Having people around you who understand the challenges of living abroad can help you stay grounded. They can offer advice, share experiences, and even just be there for a friendly chat when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to reach out and build those connections.