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Your Exclusive Guide To Teaching English Abroad Alone

10th August 2022

Many believe that moving/traveling abroad will be a life-changing experience. Certainly, it will be! By traveling alone, you will be able to explore your inner self and find out your true spirit in life. Solo travelling gives a sense of independence and freedom. Plus, there are work overseas programs all over the world.

Solo traveling offers sufficient opportunity for self-reflection and evolution with the joy of unlimited freedom. As COVID-19 travel restrictions continue to fade away, this guide will give you a detailed study about teaching English abroad alone successfully.

Important Things To Consider While Teaching English Overseas Alone

Here are the top tips we need to share if you are considering teaching English abroad alone ---

1. Safety First

No matter what, safety comes first irrespective of gender. Also, the belief that women shouldn’t travel unaccompanied is a belief that’s simply wrong. No country in this world has positively removed gender violence. By following some important safety tips, solo traveling is safe. Furthermore, picking the correct destination can make all the difference! Of course, there are some places more appropriate for solo travel than others.

We would also suggest to make sure to check ahead of time with the country's embassy online to confirm you're up to date with their COVID-19 testing and vaccination procedures. Do your research well before you go, save some of the crucial phone numbers like emergency services, police station numbers, ambulance contact details and so on.

2. Pack Light

Another important thing to consider is avoiding huge luggage. Packing light will definitely make every part of your trip smoother. Fewer as well as lighter suitcases mean an easier time at check-in and baggage right! Try to be a minimalist. Remember, inexpensive items can be easily bought at your journey's end.

3. Learn the Local Language (Basics)

At least learn some of the basic local language terms of your chosen destination. By making some effort to learn a few of phrases in the native tongue can make a vast difference. This will immensely help you especially when you don’t have anyone with you to depend on for translations. Learn how to say ‘Hello, thank you, excuse me, sorry and please’ at least.

4. Learn Money Management

Needless to say, there will be some places which are expensive while others are cheap. The exchange amount between your new country and your home country may be static, or it may differ over time.

Always try to exchange rate to the nearest whole number so you can estimate the “real” cost of acquisitions. There are many countries where living expenses are very low. Be open to common accommodation choices, because a single-occupancy room can be both expensive and lonely at times.

5. Talk To the Locals

Don’t be hesitant to talk to the local people. In a restaurant where there are lots of locals, you will get the opportunity to start the talk. Strike up a conversation with the bartender or staff. You can even ask for some advice on what to see, and you will get great inside tips. The key to having an exclusive and memorable experience when taking any kind of trip is the will to stray from the typical path and side-step the traveller spots.

6. Bring Basic Medication

Most people generally get some kind of traveller’s bug or food poisoning when they travel for a long time, but it is typically not life-threatening. Many place also have more affordable healthcare. If you work for a reputable school fortunately, they will naturally offer some form of international health insurance for you.

But if you work online, there are numerous travellers’ insurance choices accessible for you, and you can also get insurance in the country you visit. Check well what countries your international insurance will cover! 

7. Identify Your Strengths

Needless to say, pre-solo-travel apprehensions will depend on what you want from your trip, and what type of person you are. Are you someone who enjoys being outside your comfort zone? Are you a sociable person? On the other hand, if you're travelling solo and you are more of an introvert, forget the language block.

Exciting cities are perfect for people watching, particularly if those with a flourishing café culture. Also, learn how to say "no, thank you" in the local language because sometimes, the attention that you will get travelling solo can be a little penetrating.

8. Find Your People

Try to use Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to make new connections where you're travelling. Also seek out your interests in your destination. You can offerto take local friends of friends out for dinner, and you'll be amazed how many people take you up on it. A win-win situation. The real bonus of solo travel is much greater: pure freedom.

The Bottom Line

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. With a TEFL certificate, teaching English abroad alone is an exciting life-experience. It also goes well without saying that travelling requires having the right documents, and keeping them safe. While it's certainly challenging, but it allows you to be whoever you want to be!