By Sara Beth Baxley, International Living
It’s true. Here I am, barely out of the proverbial nest and already taking vacations most people would only dream of. After graduating university, I began teaching English in a Hong Kong kindergarten during the week to fund my adventures. I just returned from a vacation to Malaysia, three days after a weekend jaunt to Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok.
Whenever anyone back home tells me they would like to travel like this for free, I simply ask—”what’s holding you back?” I’m snorkeling with sharks in turquoise water, exploring wild jungle and ancient rainforests on a rented motor scooter. That may not be to everyone’s tastes…but you can do whatever you like over here.
Moving away from everything you know to a place you have probably never been is a scary, once-in-a-lifetime roller coaster ride. It can also be the best decision you ever make.
Teaching English abroad is the perfect “trial run” to experience life as an expat. I am very fortunate to have plenty of disposable income, while my friends back home are struggling in entry level positions in a floundering economy.
I had no teaching experience, so I was offered a basic package given to first-year teachers—a flight from home to Hong Kong, health insurance, a furnished apartment provided in the heart of the city, a stress-free job singing with young Chinese children, and many weeks of paid vacations to travel some of the world’s most exotic corners. It’s a 12-month contract, no strings attached.
This is the most fun money you will make. My background is in Spanish and business, not education, but even I am able to teach English! If you can read this, you have a very valuable gift that people are willing to pay to learn. Do you need to speak the language of the country you are studying in? Absolutely not! The subject you teach is so easy, you dream in it!
I guarantee that you will be amazed by the different walks of life international English teachers hail from. All kinds of people feel the tug to leave their old lives for a while and enjoy the freedom teaching brings!
Whether you are like me, wandering this awesome Earth with eyes wide open, or looking to retire without touching your nest egg while having your life’s grand adventure, you will find the answer by teaching abroad.
Editor’s note: “TEFL” can be a great way to cover some living costs when you spend time abroad (and Hong Kong is one of the best-paid places to teach English).
Tags: expat, Hong Kong, teaching english, traveling