If you’re looking for a way to travel long term and even live in another country, one of the top ways to do this is to teach English as a Foreign Language in another country. This was one of the first ways I started traveling long term, and it has been one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences I’ve had to date.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard work, and you’ll be tired at the end of a teaching day, but the time I spent in Asia marks some of the best travels in my life. I met lifelong friends, learned a lot, saw places I would never have seen, and made incredible memories. You can find teaching positions in China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Poland, and many more places. It offers a great way to travel long term and experience other cultures.

So here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect from the process, the journey there, and the experience, and why you should do it. Think you’re cut out for a class full of children every day? Read on to find out.

Get your documents together

This can be a long process, so you should start this first. Different countries require different documents, so research online first. Things you generally need are stamped college transcripts in a sealed envelope, a notarized copy of your degree, an FBI background check, and a copy of your passport. Probably, the employer might also run their own police check melbourne or for another location to verify your past records. Once your records are cleared by the database, an institute can decide to hire you based on your qualifications and experiences.

Apply for positions

Once you have all of these documents, or are most of the way done, start applying for teaching positions. Consider where you’d like to teach and what age you’d like to teach. Read each position very carefully, and ask for advice on websites such as Dave’s ESL Cafe, where people can give you good information on whether or not a school sounds like they’re asking for too much (which they sometimes do). The contracts are usually for a minimum of a year, so bare in mind if the conditions are insane, it’s no short term role.

If you’ve found one that sounds like a good fit, the next step is a phone interview. Speak with one of the foreign teachers if you can, so you can get an idea of what it’s like to work there. Ask questions you really want the answers to, and make sure you feel comfortable before accepting.

Wait for your visa

Once you’ve both agreed and signed the contract, send off your documents to the school for approval. When they’ve received them, you then send off your passport to receive a visa.

Pack and travel

After you have your visa, it’s time to start planning. Either you or your school will book your flight. Start packing and deciding what to take with you, bearing in mind there are things you can always buy once you’re there, like kitchen items and small furnishings. Pack for the weather and climate, and check about cultural norms in terms of clothing.

Arrival

It can be daunting when you arrive in the country, with so many new things. Not only will you be meeting a lot of people and learning a lot of new things, but you’ll likely be experiencing jet lag. Try to take in as much as you can, especially when sitting in on classes and learning about your school.

Teaching

Teaching is undeniably challenging and exhausting, yet it holds tremendous potential for fulfillment. However, teaching english in china or any other foreign place requires a combination of language proficiency, subject knowledge, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. Do not hesitate to seek ample advice and assistance, and make a point of observing numerous classes. These steps will enable you to truly connect with your students and glean invaluable insights from the teaching styles of your peers.

I want to emphasize that teaching is not simply a way to travel, and it is a difficult job in and of itself. Yes, it’s a great way to see the world and make money at the same time, but you must want to do both. Teaching is one of those professions where you can have really really good days and really really bad days, and believe me I’ve had both. But if it’s something you’re passionate about, it’ll no doubt be the best experience of your life.