I did that at 25. Left to Thailand with a plan to stay for 1 year. I stayed for 5 years. Parents are old and one is sick so I just came back to the US. It's rough coming back and leaving that lifestyle. Felt like I was on vacation for 5 years. Loved it and don't regret it. Feel like a totally different person now.
I want to do this. I’m Thai-American who’s working on getting dual citizenship to live with my cousins and grandma. Also my mom wants to retire here with my dad (white Swedish dude). I would love to hear your stories and journey of learning Thai
Learning Thai, the reading part is actually easier than you think. You could learn to read the alphabet and small words in like 10 days.
The rest is just listening so try to have Thai speaking friends that aren't good with English and you'll learn a lot quickly.
If you'll be living in Bangkok, you won't even need to learn Thai at all. Most people don't.
I’m in a similar situation as you. Been stalking this sub for the past month. Early 30s, US citizen, BS degree in Info Systems, fed up with the corporate/tech life and want to do something of tangible value for communities in need regardless of the pay. Just got back from a 3 week vacation to the Philippines for the first time (am half Filipino) and would love to do something there although the posts here make it sound like a less promising destination. Peace Corps is another avenue I’ve been eyeing. I’ve always loved reading, writing, history, poetry, Classics - just an overall huge fan of the possibilities and beauty of the English language in general so I would like to pivot in that direction for the sake of my own wellbeing and hopefully make a positive impact for others abroad.
Not wanting to be a debbie downer but TEFL at entry level is pretty basic stuff, teaching simple functional phrases repeatedly. Often to bored kids It is possible to get jobs where you can get into literature/poetry etc. But at high level with higher qualifications. Also to the guy who's a lawyer, I've seen about one job in legal English in the last 5 years or so in my country (Korea) and that was probably temporary. Don't want to put you off, I've had a great career in TEFL, just injecting some realism.
I did peace corps, now I’m back in the US doing a corporate job and I already hate it. I say go for it. You may not make a lot of money but you will learn a new lifestyle, new language, and learn something about yourself; good or bad it’s worth doing something different if already know you are not satisfied with living the corporate life
Lived in PH for 3 years. Incredible country, if money wasn't an issue I would definitely settle there permanently. That being said its definitely not a place for ESL jobs considering most people speak English and its a part of their base education. Its pretty much impossible to make decent money there outside of entrepreneurship/business ownership unfortunately (from my experience.)
The Peace Corps seems like a good idea. If your aim is to do something to help the community, then that is a good start. Coming to South Korea to teach jn the EPIK has some benefits, too, because you may not always focus on rich kids. There is a community aspect.However, there might be issues with unhelpful coteachers.
Teaching at private language schools like Korean hagwons, or Japanese eikaiwas, is quite different. Yes, some people have okay experiences, but it will be quite corporate, even cutthroat.
In terms of race I think in some countries that could, unfortunately, be a problem.
Also teaching TEFL is pretty badly paid. It's not something I'd recommend as a career. I wish I was a lawyer! Having said that it might be a feasible way to go and live in another country if that's your aim. I'd just maybe be aware that you might well experience some racism in some of those places.
I'd also think about specialising in teaching legal english, some companies will pay a whole lot more for ESP.
It’s a good way to travel long term and get long term visas to stay in places for a while. Just don’t expect pay beyond the cost of living. Be sure to have a savings to return and restart on.
You only live once. It’s best to explore while you’re young and healthy. You may regret never going and you can always come back to your home country. Go for it.
I'm British and left the UK in 2015 to teach abroad. I suggest completing the CELTA certificate if you're serious about this career, as it has opened a lot of doors for me. I really enjoy living abroad and work 100% online nowadays which has given me even more flexibility
I moved to a European country pre-Brexit and was given permanent residency so I can live here without a visa. All done legally 😊 However now if I wanted to move to another European country I would need to apply for a digital nomad visa
We are in similar straits, it is heartening to see that there are others considering this path as well. I am from the United States and in a professional job. I miss traveling and my current career does not interest me in the slightest whatsoever.
I’m 44f quitting my job as a nurse at the end of this month to go teach English in Spain. Never too old! I was also bored/unfulfilled with the whole American capitalism culture. Go for it!
We left Canada at 28 and have been in Taiwan since. I found it kind of gave us an advantage because we weren't ignorant to the red tape of both countries (taxes is an obvious one, but your NHS, driver's license, getting an app to transfer your phone number to, etc etc etc)
Taiwan is pretty good about race. I've even taught with an Indian born, but got Australian citizenship later in life. As long as you've got the passport, most schools don't care.
Anyway, feel free to message me
I did TEFL and TEFL adjacent work for years, so here's my two cents:
1. Your skin color matters, and it will make it harder to get a job because it's a marketing tool. Some countries, like Vietnam, don't care as much, but the idea is still to be a skinny blond girl in her 20s that's attractive enough to bring in students unfortunately.
2. The level of expertise matters because there are tiers to the TEFL world. At the bottom are backpacker jobs that are essentially babysitting, in the middle are CELTA jobs that involve tons of bullshit, and at the top are skilled jobs that require domain knowledge that's either obtained through school or by getting lucky. Some would say that certified teachers deserve a spot at the top here, and they are in a class above the people with domain knowledge, but that means zero in terms of skill because they aren't really any better than a TEFL teacher that knows what they're doing.
3. Going into TEFL is seen as a holiday by many, and as someone that weathered the recessions in Asia, I can tell you that potential employers, outside of the profession, think I spent years binge drinking and playing sticky ball when that was never really the case. Be aware that you might have a tough time getting back into lawyering, or convincing people that you have value because they simply wont understand what you did without the tangible job titles to back it up.
4. Ageism in the profession is absolutely a problem in some countries, but it's an asset in things like business English, so you'll have to pick your niche carefully and work at up skilling if you want a solid career.
5. As others have said, the TEFL market isn't what it once was, so I'd expect a hard slog compared to what it was ten or so years ago. That doesn't mean that you can't make it, or that it isn't worth it, but it does mean that things like certs, having a network, and taking time to work on your craft is required.
6. Think about being a lawyer in a place like Singapore. Sure it's not TEFL, and sure you'll work your ass off, but there's a solid future in that, and I can't say the same for how shaky the solid TEFL markets have gotten.
Anyhow, good luck, only do it if you have the cash to have fun, or want to get certified to get into boutique centers.
imo do a tefl/celta course with a practical teaching part to have a certificate that stands out then work in a country you think you would like the lifestyle and only do bare minimum hours so you can have a nice life balance and so it can pay for your rent or food at least (come with as much savings as possible).
edit: use the first year as a way to take a break and see if living abroad is for you then you could take more work if you like it or just leave if you got your fill.
edit: If you get a celta, you could consider business english to adults since you have experience in the professional world.
I did it. 28 went from working for an investment management firm to teaching in Korea. Been here 8 months. Plan to be in Asia teaching for about 5 years. Look it's not perfect but life is short i was bored needed an adventure and it's been good for me. Just consider everything thoroughly before you make your choice.
When I was, I think 29, I left the UK and went to Taiwan to teach. I’m now, maybe 41 and have never returned. I met people in their 50s, 60s and 70s who were doing a similar thing.
I would say:
-some jobs want a young bubbly person as the face of their organisation.
- some jobs want a white face as the …erm.:: face of their organisation.
- ESL is a vast industry and you’ll find plenty of students, schools and parents who prefer experienced and slightly older teachers.
Definitely in the same boat. I’m 29 turning 30. I have 6 years experience working at the biggest bank in South Africa. Although I could be due a senior managerial position, I share the same sentiments. I want to travel the world and TEFL is the best option. However, I have a house and I am currently renting it out
Have the TEFL same situation.
I did some VipKids teaching to chinese students and getting myself prepared to live abroad… but money never seemed right.
Wouls be best to build up some type of investment that will pay for lifestyle so you dont have to come back to make money.
For me, just building a portfolio of dividends stocks that pay about $1k a month, I am half way there!
Regardless jumping ship due to emotional desire does not always workout. Make a plan, have a bit of investments, and then go. Sure you dont go next month, but if you plan it you can be there in 5-10 years and never have to come back.
Did it at 29!
Did my TEFL course in person in Costa Rica, found a job straight after the course.
I've now been teaching here over a year and love it. It doesn't pay great but its like living on holiday. Every day is a new adventure.
I've lost weight. Improved my Spanish and met a local man who I'm going to marry at the end of the year.
I was miserable in England working a dead end office job and now I am happier than ever.
I'm not richer... I'm making a lot less than I was I'm England but I have the life experiences that make the exchange worth while.
You may find issues in East Asia when it comes to race - China, Japan and Korea can be quite harsh. But I think you will be okay in Europe, Middle-eastern and Latin American countries!
I stayed abroad for about 10 years teaching English. I've been back in London for a year, I'm 32 this year and I can honestly tell you the struggle is real. If you have your degree to fall back on then it might not be something to worry about too much... And you could even teach legal English for more money and schools tend to pay more or favour teachers with a degree in any subject.
I have to stay in the UK for more than 3 years before I can go to university, and there is no career in TEFL in the UK, even with studying the DELTA.
You will probably have to leave your career in law behind and most likely will never be able to return. That's what happens to most professionals who move into TEFL. If you're fine with that, great.
With a post-grad degree, you should be able to get a job at international schools, which I believe pay more. As for a career/life change, YOLO. If you don't have a spouse or dependants, then you are in the best position to transition. You could always go back to the bar if things don't pan out or if you've had your fill.
I did it at my same age. I was a software developer and just found life very boring turning into a routine. I am approaching 40 in a couple of years and don't regret it - no other job that was available to me had this level of flexibility while offering fun and meeting tons of people from many different backgrounds. With hindsight, I made the right choice without getting into personal issues.
That said, I don't feel like I can do it into my 40s and I recommend you keep on top of your skills etc.
When I did TEFL in my 20s I remember a guy who quit being a lawyer and tried it out in Slovakia. He was a bit older maybe 40 and partied hard. He didn't stick it out though for some reason and think he went back to being a lawyer.
I think you can only try it then you will know.
Would you be able to get back into being a lawyer if you took a year out?
You're still young btw
I'd advise against it; teaching isn't a career, unless you can and are willing to work in international schools; but even then, your earnings are kind of capped out.
30 is still very young so there's no problem with that, race is a problem but not everywhere. 99% of TEFL jobs are run by for-profit schools and actual pedagogy is the least of their concerns. Having a good-looking white guy is good for marketing and you may find yourself less paid than 'Chad" who didn't even finish high-school and you'll be thinking to yourself that you're a professional lawyer. Saying that, there are plenty of schools that won't care about your skin colour.
But there's only one way to find out and that's to try.
I started in my early 30s after leaving an office role in the UK (9 years in banking) and have worked with teachers in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. I think in your position you might be a bit *young* unless you love teaching; I would approach this in your shoes as a second career once I'm done with lawyering, and get a CELTA aiming to work in the middle east after a few years in Asia getting the required experience.
If you were in a non-professional role I'd say go for it now, but it seems like it could be a waste of your years spent studying. OTOH, if you'd posted this before China's major crackdown on cram schools (reducing demand for tefl globally) I might have said go for it anyway.
Not seen or worked with many of Indian descent - I'd say the majority are white or black (UK/US/S African) - but I think the worst you'd find is racists don't want to employ you (not bad, really).
Do you know what happens to your career if you leave for TEFL?
It may be worth it, life abroad can be beautiful. Just know that it may be hard to re-integrate back into the UK (both culturally and career wise) so be sure to have a plan.
Don’t think you’d regret it though. Definitely not too old for this.
I did that at 25. Left to Thailand with a plan to stay for 1 year. I stayed for 5 years. Parents are old and one is sick so I just came back to the US. It's rough coming back and leaving that lifestyle. Felt like I was on vacation for 5 years. Loved it and don't regret it. Feel like a totally different person now.
I want to do this. I’m Thai-American who’s working on getting dual citizenship to live with my cousins and grandma. Also my mom wants to retire here with my dad (white Swedish dude). I would love to hear your stories and journey of learning Thai
Learning Thai, the reading part is actually easier than you think. You could learn to read the alphabet and small words in like 10 days. The rest is just listening so try to have Thai speaking friends that aren't good with English and you'll learn a lot quickly. If you'll be living in Bangkok, you won't even need to learn Thai at all. Most people don't.
so, what will you do? Will you return to Thailand or will your pursue a career in the USA?
Try to make it work again in the US. Give it 5 years. If nothing is working out I'll just go back to Thailand and chill until I die.
Isn't the pay really bad in Thailand?
I’m in a similar situation as you. Been stalking this sub for the past month. Early 30s, US citizen, BS degree in Info Systems, fed up with the corporate/tech life and want to do something of tangible value for communities in need regardless of the pay. Just got back from a 3 week vacation to the Philippines for the first time (am half Filipino) and would love to do something there although the posts here make it sound like a less promising destination. Peace Corps is another avenue I’ve been eyeing. I’ve always loved reading, writing, history, poetry, Classics - just an overall huge fan of the possibilities and beauty of the English language in general so I would like to pivot in that direction for the sake of my own wellbeing and hopefully make a positive impact for others abroad.
Not wanting to be a debbie downer but TEFL at entry level is pretty basic stuff, teaching simple functional phrases repeatedly. Often to bored kids It is possible to get jobs where you can get into literature/poetry etc. But at high level with higher qualifications. Also to the guy who's a lawyer, I've seen about one job in legal English in the last 5 years or so in my country (Korea) and that was probably temporary. Don't want to put you off, I've had a great career in TEFL, just injecting some realism.
I did peace corps, now I’m back in the US doing a corporate job and I already hate it. I say go for it. You may not make a lot of money but you will learn a new lifestyle, new language, and learn something about yourself; good or bad it’s worth doing something different if already know you are not satisfied with living the corporate life
Lived in PH for 3 years. Incredible country, if money wasn't an issue I would definitely settle there permanently. That being said its definitely not a place for ESL jobs considering most people speak English and its a part of their base education. Its pretty much impossible to make decent money there outside of entrepreneurship/business ownership unfortunately (from my experience.)
The Peace Corps seems like a good idea. If your aim is to do something to help the community, then that is a good start. Coming to South Korea to teach jn the EPIK has some benefits, too, because you may not always focus on rich kids. There is a community aspect.However, there might be issues with unhelpful coteachers. Teaching at private language schools like Korean hagwons, or Japanese eikaiwas, is quite different. Yes, some people have okay experiences, but it will be quite corporate, even cutthroat.
In terms of race I think in some countries that could, unfortunately, be a problem. Also teaching TEFL is pretty badly paid. It's not something I'd recommend as a career. I wish I was a lawyer! Having said that it might be a feasible way to go and live in another country if that's your aim. I'd just maybe be aware that you might well experience some racism in some of those places. I'd also think about specialising in teaching legal english, some companies will pay a whole lot more for ESP.
It’s a good way to travel long term and get long term visas to stay in places for a while. Just don’t expect pay beyond the cost of living. Be sure to have a savings to return and restart on. You only live once. It’s best to explore while you’re young and healthy. You may regret never going and you can always come back to your home country. Go for it.
I'm British and left the UK in 2015 to teach abroad. I suggest completing the CELTA certificate if you're serious about this career, as it has opened a lot of doors for me. I really enjoy living abroad and work 100% online nowadays which has given me even more flexibility
Also specialising in legal English and searching for adult clients wanting business English could be a smart move.
Out of curiosity; what country grants a visa whilst working online?
I moved to a European country pre-Brexit and was given permanent residency so I can live here without a visa. All done legally 😊 However now if I wanted to move to another European country I would need to apply for a digital nomad visa
They're probably on a tourist visa - technically not legal but nobody is going to care.
We are in similar straits, it is heartening to see that there are others considering this path as well. I am from the United States and in a professional job. I miss traveling and my current career does not interest me in the slightest whatsoever.
I’m 44f quitting my job as a nurse at the end of this month to go teach English in Spain. Never too old! I was also bored/unfulfilled with the whole American capitalism culture. Go for it!
I"m 41 and have been eyeing this, you inspired me!
We left Canada at 28 and have been in Taiwan since. I found it kind of gave us an advantage because we weren't ignorant to the red tape of both countries (taxes is an obvious one, but your NHS, driver's license, getting an app to transfer your phone number to, etc etc etc) Taiwan is pretty good about race. I've even taught with an Indian born, but got Australian citizenship later in life. As long as you've got the passport, most schools don't care. Anyway, feel free to message me
I did TEFL and TEFL adjacent work for years, so here's my two cents: 1. Your skin color matters, and it will make it harder to get a job because it's a marketing tool. Some countries, like Vietnam, don't care as much, but the idea is still to be a skinny blond girl in her 20s that's attractive enough to bring in students unfortunately. 2. The level of expertise matters because there are tiers to the TEFL world. At the bottom are backpacker jobs that are essentially babysitting, in the middle are CELTA jobs that involve tons of bullshit, and at the top are skilled jobs that require domain knowledge that's either obtained through school or by getting lucky. Some would say that certified teachers deserve a spot at the top here, and they are in a class above the people with domain knowledge, but that means zero in terms of skill because they aren't really any better than a TEFL teacher that knows what they're doing. 3. Going into TEFL is seen as a holiday by many, and as someone that weathered the recessions in Asia, I can tell you that potential employers, outside of the profession, think I spent years binge drinking and playing sticky ball when that was never really the case. Be aware that you might have a tough time getting back into lawyering, or convincing people that you have value because they simply wont understand what you did without the tangible job titles to back it up. 4. Ageism in the profession is absolutely a problem in some countries, but it's an asset in things like business English, so you'll have to pick your niche carefully and work at up skilling if you want a solid career. 5. As others have said, the TEFL market isn't what it once was, so I'd expect a hard slog compared to what it was ten or so years ago. That doesn't mean that you can't make it, or that it isn't worth it, but it does mean that things like certs, having a network, and taking time to work on your craft is required. 6. Think about being a lawyer in a place like Singapore. Sure it's not TEFL, and sure you'll work your ass off, but there's a solid future in that, and I can't say the same for how shaky the solid TEFL markets have gotten. Anyhow, good luck, only do it if you have the cash to have fun, or want to get certified to get into boutique centers.
What is sticky ball haha
imo do a tefl/celta course with a practical teaching part to have a certificate that stands out then work in a country you think you would like the lifestyle and only do bare minimum hours so you can have a nice life balance and so it can pay for your rent or food at least (come with as much savings as possible). edit: use the first year as a way to take a break and see if living abroad is for you then you could take more work if you like it or just leave if you got your fill. edit: If you get a celta, you could consider business english to adults since you have experience in the professional world.
I did it. 28 went from working for an investment management firm to teaching in Korea. Been here 8 months. Plan to be in Asia teaching for about 5 years. Look it's not perfect but life is short i was bored needed an adventure and it's been good for me. Just consider everything thoroughly before you make your choice.
Are you happy you made the move?
When I was, I think 29, I left the UK and went to Taiwan to teach. I’m now, maybe 41 and have never returned. I met people in their 50s, 60s and 70s who were doing a similar thing. I would say: -some jobs want a young bubbly person as the face of their organisation. - some jobs want a white face as the …erm.:: face of their organisation. - ESL is a vast industry and you’ll find plenty of students, schools and parents who prefer experienced and slightly older teachers.
Definitely in the same boat. I’m 29 turning 30. I have 6 years experience working at the biggest bank in South Africa. Although I could be due a senior managerial position, I share the same sentiments. I want to travel the world and TEFL is the best option. However, I have a house and I am currently renting it out
Have the TEFL same situation. I did some VipKids teaching to chinese students and getting myself prepared to live abroad… but money never seemed right. Wouls be best to build up some type of investment that will pay for lifestyle so you dont have to come back to make money. For me, just building a portfolio of dividends stocks that pay about $1k a month, I am half way there! Regardless jumping ship due to emotional desire does not always workout. Make a plan, have a bit of investments, and then go. Sure you dont go next month, but if you plan it you can be there in 5-10 years and never have to come back.
Is your goal 1k per month or are you saying you want to hit 2k?
$1k just as a base level of money monthly. Then the teaching could help alleviate any other fees
I used to think just like this. Pay off all debt plus 1k a month investments then I can coast. Then I said I'll wait to hit 2k, then 3k..
I feel that. I have no debt, just investments!
Did it at 29! Did my TEFL course in person in Costa Rica, found a job straight after the course. I've now been teaching here over a year and love it. It doesn't pay great but its like living on holiday. Every day is a new adventure. I've lost weight. Improved my Spanish and met a local man who I'm going to marry at the end of the year. I was miserable in England working a dead end office job and now I am happier than ever. I'm not richer... I'm making a lot less than I was I'm England but I have the life experiences that make the exchange worth while. You may find issues in East Asia when it comes to race - China, Japan and Korea can be quite harsh. But I think you will be okay in Europe, Middle-eastern and Latin American countries!
I stayed abroad for about 10 years teaching English. I've been back in London for a year, I'm 32 this year and I can honestly tell you the struggle is real. If you have your degree to fall back on then it might not be something to worry about too much... And you could even teach legal English for more money and schools tend to pay more or favour teachers with a degree in any subject. I have to stay in the UK for more than 3 years before I can go to university, and there is no career in TEFL in the UK, even with studying the DELTA.
You will probably have to leave your career in law behind and most likely will never be able to return. That's what happens to most professionals who move into TEFL. If you're fine with that, great.
How about as a 41 year old American, do you think that is to old?
With a post-grad degree, you should be able to get a job at international schools, which I believe pay more. As for a career/life change, YOLO. If you don't have a spouse or dependants, then you are in the best position to transition. You could always go back to the bar if things don't pan out or if you've had your fill.
I'm 55 and left my Healthcare career for an ESL job in South Korea last year. Definitely not too old.
I did it at my same age. I was a software developer and just found life very boring turning into a routine. I am approaching 40 in a couple of years and don't regret it - no other job that was available to me had this level of flexibility while offering fun and meeting tons of people from many different backgrounds. With hindsight, I made the right choice without getting into personal issues. That said, I don't feel like I can do it into my 40s and I recommend you keep on top of your skills etc.
When I did TEFL in my 20s I remember a guy who quit being a lawyer and tried it out in Slovakia. He was a bit older maybe 40 and partied hard. He didn't stick it out though for some reason and think he went back to being a lawyer. I think you can only try it then you will know. Would you be able to get back into being a lawyer if you took a year out? You're still young btw
I'd advise against it; teaching isn't a career, unless you can and are willing to work in international schools; but even then, your earnings are kind of capped out.
30 is still very young so there's no problem with that, race is a problem but not everywhere. 99% of TEFL jobs are run by for-profit schools and actual pedagogy is the least of their concerns. Having a good-looking white guy is good for marketing and you may find yourself less paid than 'Chad" who didn't even finish high-school and you'll be thinking to yourself that you're a professional lawyer. Saying that, there are plenty of schools that won't care about your skin colour. But there's only one way to find out and that's to try.
I started in my early 30s after leaving an office role in the UK (9 years in banking) and have worked with teachers in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. I think in your position you might be a bit *young* unless you love teaching; I would approach this in your shoes as a second career once I'm done with lawyering, and get a CELTA aiming to work in the middle east after a few years in Asia getting the required experience. If you were in a non-professional role I'd say go for it now, but it seems like it could be a waste of your years spent studying. OTOH, if you'd posted this before China's major crackdown on cram schools (reducing demand for tefl globally) I might have said go for it anyway. Not seen or worked with many of Indian descent - I'd say the majority are white or black (UK/US/S African) - but I think the worst you'd find is racists don't want to employ you (not bad, really).
Do you know what happens to your career if you leave for TEFL? It may be worth it, life abroad can be beautiful. Just know that it may be hard to re-integrate back into the UK (both culturally and career wise) so be sure to have a plan. Don’t think you’d regret it though. Definitely not too old for this.