What to Expect When Teaching English to Young Learners Abroad

When you’re working as an English teacher with young leaders abroad, you can expect the unexpected, from cultural differences to unusual environments. However, you can also expect to enjoy a unique, immersive experience of living and working in another country.

If you’re eager to become an English teacher abroad and have obtained your Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification from a reputable provider like The TEFL Org, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your new career path overseas. However, knowing what to expect from your new role will ensure there are no unwelcome shocks along the way.

How Will The Culture Overseas Be Different From Home?

Depending on where you’ll be living and working, you can expect local attitudes to working and learning to be different, the pace of life to vary, and traditions and customs to be unfamiliar to you.

While initially it may feel overwhelming to be fully immersed in a place where the culture feels so entirely alien to you, many experienced TEFL professionals report that having the opportunity to get up close and personal with the way of life in other countries is one of the best and most exciting elements of teaching English overseas.

Some of the differences you may encounter include:

Levels of Respect Towards Teachers

Local attitudes towards teaching professionals. In some countries, like Japan, students treat you very formally, and not only will you be highly respected, but you’ll also be expected to show respect to your colleagues. Meanwhile, in other locations, such as some countries in South America, teachers are viewed more informally and can be more casual with their students.

Workplace Cultural Differences

In different countries, workplace expectations may vary considerably. Sometimes, for example, in Thailand, you’ll find a relatively relaxed atmosphere in schools, whereas elsewhere, for example, in Germany, you are likely to be expected to be formal and punctual at all times.

Furthermore, you may find that in your new country there’ll be an expectation to work long hours or to participate in out-of-hours events and activities after school. Alternatively, you may discover that you’re based in a country where flexible scheduling or shorter hours are standard practice.

Will I Experience Unexpected Challenges?

It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll experience at least some unexpected challenges in your new role that could range from transportation issues to power cuts and from last-minute changes to your schedule to lesson plans that don’t suit the needs of your learners.

Depending on where you’re living and working, you could find a host of surprises throughout your teaching year. However well you think your TEFL course from The TEFL Org prepared you for your new career, you can be sure that something will pop up out of the blue.

Some English teachers overseas experience problems like:

• Complex or unreliable transportation systems cause travel delays.
• Power cuts or wi-fi outages resulting in improvised lesson resources.
• Lesson plans that are too hard or too simple for the class.
• Changes to the teaching schedule at the last moment, meaning you have to teach a  class at short notice or adjust the topic of your lesson.

The key to success is never to panic and to go with the flow. Staying calm while approaching each challenge will help you to get through even the most difficult situation, and you should view each one as a chance to learn and grow as a teacher.

What Will My Classroom Experience Be Like?

Your TEFL classroom teaching experience will involve encountering learners at all levels of ability, with different preferred learning styles and, of course, varying personalities.

No matter the age of the young learners you’ll be teaching, you will probably encounter those who are shy and require encouragement to speak in lessons. In contrast, others will be loud and lively, constantly asking you questions and offering opinions.

At first, you may find managing your classroom a challenge too. Being consistent will enable you to build up trust amongst your students while creating a learning environment that is positive and calm through clear routines and expectations. Using a range of different teaching techniques will keep your learners engaged, and you’ll find that incorporating games, visual aids, group work and even outdoor activities into your lesson plans will ensure that all learning preferences are met.

Use a variety of teaching techniques to keep lessons engaging. Incorporate games, group activities, and visual aids to cater to different learning preferences.

How Will I Feel Living And Working Overseas?

It’s likely you’ll experience a range of feelings when living and working overseas, from excitement and positivity to homesickness and uncertainty.

Missing home is only natural, especially when everything from the weather to the local food is different from what you’re used to. Many TEFL professionals find that scheduling regular calls with their loved ones helps them stay connected to home, while decorating your new living space with favourite items and photos of loved ones will make home feel closer. It’s also important to build a support network locally with other expats, teaching professionals and people in the community.

Remember, too, that teaching English abroad isn’t only about working, it’s also an opportunity to explore and experience new countries, attractions and experiences. Plan some excursions to nearby landmarks and towns, try some local cuisine and remember to take plenty of photos so you can reflect on the experience later.

Is Teaching Young Learners Abroad Right For Me?

If you’re enthusiastic about teaching English and are eager to live and work overseas, you’ll find teaching young learners abroad an excellent experience.

Evidence shows that for those who want to get ahead in their careers, having command of a second language, and particularly English, can make an enormous difference in their lives. As an English teacher with a TEFL qualification from a trusted organisation like The TEFL Org, you’ll be best placed to help young people live their dream of enjoying the best possible quality of life in the future.