Deciding to Teach ESL Overseas...

Having been one with a zest for adventure since a young age, a year and a half ago I decided to leave my life in the United States behind and move to Asia. Specifically, Taiwan.

There are of course, stereotypes sometimes associated with people choosing to become ESL teachers overseas. I've heard/read things like "ESL teachers are losers. These expats just couldn't make it back in their own countries so they decided to come over here, abuse the system, and take advantage of the women."

While in some cases this may be true; there are many, many people teaching English overseas for numerous, interesting reasons.

I'll admit I had been having a difficult time finding a job in the states. As an English major, the job prospects were very slim. The economy in the states, as we all know, is extremely rocky right now.

However, the true reasons for leaving go much deeper than that. Tired of living in a box (cubicle) and being a slave to others, I desperately needed a change. I needed to conquer some personal fears and I wanted to see the world. More often than not, people lose sight of how big the world really is. We are all guilty of believing at times that the universe centers around our own countries. We tend to live in a world with a narrow view. I needed to expand this view. I knew great experiences and new insights were out there if I had the courage to leap into the unknown.

I'm now going on my second year living in Taiwan. I've grown fond of the country, though of course there are moments where the cultural differences can be uncomfortable or even infuriating (take for example the insane amount of traffic in certain cities and the way the crowds can sometimes get too pushy).

I've pretty much developed a love/hate relationship with the place but for some reason I can't yet pull myself away. I've met many colorful expats ranging in age from twenty to sixty and I have to say that very few of them are losers. They are people on amazing journeys, searching for themselves, trying to see the world through new eyes.

For some people, like myself, teaching English overseas is a means to an end. I enjoy working with children but I also want to travel and this occupation makes it possible. I know I won't do this forever, but for now I'm having wonderful and unique experiences.

• Most countries in Asia require at least a BA and English as your native tongue. Your BA can be in any field.
• Due to the surging number of people coming over to teach, obtaining a CELTA, TESOL, or an actual University teaching certificate many be in your best interest. There are still jobs available without these qualifications but having them makes your chances of obtaining employment that much better.
• Avoid finding work through headhunters (agencies) if possible. I suggest coming over first and then attempting to find a job. One of the best places to look for employment is at Dave's ESL Cafe or Tealit. If you are interested in coming to Taiwan, check out www.forumosa.com for a blacklist of schools.
• Most expats want to work in big cities but the big cities are of course often more expensive and in my opinion, less authentic. If one wants to learn the language and the culture of a place, it's better to move closer to the countryside.
• Working conditions- You may get lucky like I did (after one bad stint at a shady school) and find employment at wonderful places where you are treated like an actual teacher. However, be forewarned that in many language schools in Taiwan (and other parts of Asia as well) the foreign teacher is seen as the entertainment and is expected to jump around and play the clown most of the time. It's kind of a joke really.
• Teaching ESL can be tough and takes a person with a lot of patience. However, the rewards are worth it. Some of the perks are feeling as if I'm making a difference in the lives of these children and also being able to get up close and personal with a foreign culture. My attempts at learning the language are also sometimes exciting.:)
  
• Have fun!!:)