Is your family ready for a change? Do you long for adventure and a chance to see the world? If you’ve always wanted to experience a different way of life and discover amazing places far from home, the best way to do it is by working while you travel, and teaching English abroad can be a perfect solution. As an English teacher overseas, you can have the best of both worlds – a rewarding career that allows you to make a difference and live in any number of fascinating destinations across the globe.
Can I Teach English Abroad With A Family?
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of hitting the open road in an RV or relocating to a far-flung destination where the culture and lifestyle are completely different. However, if you have children, you might think those ambitions are now out of reach. Well, it’s time to dust off those aspirations and start packing because moving your family overseas may seem daunting, but there’s no doubt that it can be a life-changing adventure, too.
At one time, working abroad as an English teacher was the preserve of young backpackers or gap-year students. But times have changed. Now, more people from all walks of life are choosing to teach English overseas, and many of those people have partners and children who relocate with them and have discovered the numerous benefits of this way of life.
What Are The Benefits Of Teaching English Overseas With A Family?
Living in another part of the world is an amazing experience for children of all ages. Not only does travel broaden the mind and enable youngsters to see and do things that would be impossible back home, but it also allows them to experience an entirely different lifestyle and culture. When they’re ready to apply for jobs, this international experience will give them advantages too, since living overseas always looks good on their CV.
When you travel as a family, you’ll also find that your bonds and relationships become stronger. While you’re sure to face some challenges, there’ll be plenty of rewarding and fascinating moments, too, and whatever happens, you’ll be experiencing it together.
Key Considerations For Teaching Overseas With The Family
There’s a lot to think about if you’re going to relocate abroad to teach English in any event, but if you’re taking the whole family with you, there’s even more to consider:
Money
Finances will always be a key aspect to plan for when moving abroad. Still, when children are added to the picture, it’s even more crucial to ensure you have sufficient resources to support everyone and cover all your key expenses. Make sure you choose your teaching job wisely – many will offer additional perks and benefits like health insurance coverage, free accommodation, or subsidised travel costs that can make your life easier and more affordable.
Education
Your children will likely need childcare or schooling when you’ve relocated, so it’s important to research before heading off. Find out about the local school systems and the options available, look into the possibility of international schools if necessary, or consider how homeschooling could work for your family.
Insurance
No matter where in the world you’re living, your children are bound to get sick from time to time, so making sure you’ve got appropriate health insurance couldn’t be more important. Find out as much as possible about medical care in your chosen destination and ensure you know where your nearest hospital or clinic will be.
Culture And Language
Your children may not be familiar with the language and culture of your chosen destination, so it’s important to prepare them in advance. Often, children cope very well when immersed in a new environment and pick up the language quickly, but planning to support them with this is key to a successful family move abroad. Make sure that social and cultural differences are also explained thoroughly to your children so they know what may or may not be acceptable in their new environment.
How To Get Started With Teaching English Abroad
The first step to becoming an English teacher abroad and taking your family on an exciting overseas adventure is to get your TEFL qualification. This certificate is crucial if you want to secure a good English teaching job anywhere worldwide, as it proves you have the skills and knowledge to perform your role to a high standard.
If you’re wondering how to become TEFL certified, you must choose a course with a minimum of 120 hours from an accredited provider. That’s the best way to ensure you stand out from the crowd and will be attractive to employers looking for skilled and committed English teachers. Armed with this qualification, you’ll be ready to start applying for your dream job anywhere in the world, and you and your family will be ready to embrace new and thrilling adventures.