Teaching abroad has lots of ups and downs. While it can be rewarding, the experience also comes with challenges and surprises. The good news is, you can plan for these bumps!
I’m Jamie, and I’ve been teaching abroad since 2010. In this post, you’ll learn my biggest teach abroad mistakes so you don’t make the same ones. Whether you’re preparing for your first year abroad or planning your next teaching adventure, these lessons can save you time, money, and stress, and help you make the most out of your international teaching experience.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to create free content for teachers. Thank you!
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Teach Abroad Mistake #1 – Not Doing A TEFL/TESOL Course
One of my biggest teach abroad mistakes was not getting TEFL/TESOL certified BEFORE I started teaching abroad. A quality TEFL or TESOL course ensures that you feel prepared for the classroom, both in person and online.
When I began my teach abroad journey in Costa Rica in the summer of 2007, I was studying teaching at Lawrence University. However, I wasn’t specifically studying ESL, and therefore didn’t know the best methods to help my students learn.
Even if you already have a teaching background like me, you’ll learn skills that are specific to ESL instruction. This includes lesson planning, how to teach grammar and vocabulary, activities to work on the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), and classroom management techniques.
How to Get a TEFL Course
There are SO MANY different brands of TEFL certificates out there. It can be difficult to know which is best for your unique teach abroad (or online) journey. You can click here to download my free TEFL/TESOL Course Guide to access reviews of courses I’ve taken, my discount codes, links to video reviews, and a blacklist of courses not to take.
TIPS for choosing your TEFL/TESOL course:
- A TEFL certificate lasts for life. Do it before you start looking for jobs.
- Not all TEFL courses are equal. Avoid super cheap ones that aren’t accredited or have no practical component.
- Get at least a 120-hour TEFL. This is the minimum required to teach abroad (although if you are a new teacher, a level 5 course is best!)
- Choose a course with real teaching practice. You’ll feel so much more confident when you enter the classroom. Examples are CertTESOL, CELTA, and International TEFL Academy.
Teach Abroad Mistake #2 – Not Standing Up For Myself
Another one of my first teach abroad mistakes was not standing up for myself at work. When you’re a new teacher in a foreign country, it can be intimidating to assert yourself, especially in a culture or even language that isn’t your own.
Of course, it’s important to respect your new co-workers and admin, but do not let them take advantage of you being a foreigner. However, it’s equally important to stand up for yourself when something feels uncomfortable.
For example, in Spain I was asked to cover classes when my co-teacher went on maternity leave (she didn’t leave me any lesson plans, and I was an assistant at the time and not allowed to be alone with the class). Likewise, in Costa Rica, I arrived to teach at a language school located in a cultural center, and the American woman who ran it decided to take a 2-week vacation the week I started and essentially had me run her business for free.
Here’s what I learned:
- Be respectful, but firm. You can say “no” diplomatically.
- Cultural differences matter, but your time and boundaries matter too.
- If something makes you uncomfortable, speak up early. Waiting only makes it harder.
Teach Abroad Mistake #3 – Expecting Schools to Have Materials
A common teach abroad mistake, especially for new teachers, is assuming that your school will have everything you need.
In Costa Rica, I worked at a community center with almost no materials. There was just a whiteboard, a few books, and some paper. There was no printer, no projector, no tech tools. I had to get creative fast.
Later, when I worked at an American school in Spain, I experienced the complete opposite: smart boards, classroom budgets, and an endless supply of materials. It really depends on the type of school and the country.
What you can do:
- Bring a digital library of resources for easy access. Save lesson ideas, worksheets, and games on Google Drive.
- Invest in a ready-made curriculum like ESL Brains.
- Use Canva or similar tools to make reusable printables.
- Be ready to teach with minimal supplies. Learn low-prep games and no-material activities.
Flexibility is key when teaching abroad. The more adaptable you are, the smoother your classroom experience will be.
Teach Abroad Mistake #4 – Not Dealing With Problems Right Away
Another teach abroad mistake I made was not addressing problems immediately, especially when it came to student or co-worker issues.
For example, I had an adult student in Australia make an inappropriate comment during a speaking activity. I initially ignored it, hoping he would stop. Unfortunately, he continued to disrupt the class with other comments, so I eventually brought it up to my Director of Studies. Finally, the student was kicked out of my class.
If I had addressed the behavior right away, I could’ve prevented weeks of tension. Being proactive about classroom management and boundaries helps create a more positive and respectful learning environment.
Here’s what I now recommend:
- Address issues early and calmly. Don’t let them build up.
- Document incidents and involve your admin when necessary.
- If it’s a student issue, talk privately after class unless it’s something that needs immediate correction.
Teach Abroad Mistake #5 – Not Having a Solid Retirement Plan
When you’re a young teacher, it’s easy to overlook your retirement. Many teachers feel the excitement of traveling or working in a different country, but they often overlook the importance of managing finances or saving for the long term.
When I first taught abroad, I had no plan for retirement. All my money went towards traveling. When you teach abroad, or even online, it’s often up to you to set up retirement accounts.
Depending on where and how you teach, some schools may offer retirement contributions. For example, I received “super” (retirement) payments with each paycheck in Australia. In Spain, however, I didn’t get anything because I was being paid a stipend.
Additionally, it’s best to set up retirement accounts while you are still in your country. As an American, I should have set up an IRA before I left because it’s now much more challenging to set up from abroad. For many banks and accounts, you’ll need to maintain an address in your home country. It’s helpful to have a family member with the Power of Attorney to help you manage your finances while abroad.
If I could go back, I’d:
- Set up a separate savings or investment account in my home country with a chosen family member to help me access and manage it.
- Talk to a financial advisor who understands expat finances.
- Make retirement planning part of my overall career plan, not an afterthought.
Teach Abroad Mistake #6 – Not Getting More Involved in the School Community
When I lived in Madrid, my school was in a suburb about 40 minutes away. After work, I usually headed straight home instead of getting involved in school events. Looking back, I really regret that.
Becoming part of the school community is one of the best ways to integrate into local culture, build relationships, and make your experience more meaningful.
You can:
- Volunteer for after-school programs.
- Attend school events or sports days.
- Tutor students privately (with school permission).
Getting involved helps you understand your students’ lives outside the classroom, and often leads to deeper connections with families and fellow teachers. I have several friends who taught abroad in small towns, and they had much richer experiences due to knowing their students and their families.
Teach Abroad Mistake #7 – Not Documenting Student Work
Documenting class activities with your students isn’t just about preserving memories. It’s also about building your teaching portfolio. I did so many fun, creative activities with my students (a fashion show, mini-movies, solar system projects, etc.) and I wish I had photos and examples to accompany the lesson plans.
Take photos (with permission) when your students complete essays, projects, or presentations. Always get written consent, especially when working with minors. By gathering student work, you can show your teaching style to future employers and preserve student examples to inspire your current students.
You can use it for:
- Future job applications and interviews.
- Performance reviews with your school admin.
- Blog or social media content (if allowed).
Teach Abroad Mistake #8 – Not Keeping In Touch With People Back Home
It’s common to lose touch with friends back home when you’re living abroad. I wish that I had put more effort into keeping in touch with family and friends back home.
Being away in your home country means missing out on important events and milestones. I missed so many weddings, baby showers, and holidays.
Fortunately, it’s much easier to stay connected with video calls and social media nowadays. Reach out to your friends and family regularly or send updates in a group chat.
It’s also worth mentioning that you shouldn’t be the only one putting in effort. While relationships can be more challenging to maintain when living in different time zones, your true friends and family members will make the effort.
Teach Abroad Mistake #9 – Not Creating a System to Reuse Lessons
Lesson planning and creating new ideas are among the most exhausting parts of teaching. I regret not organizing my lessons and materials from the start.
Since I didn’t have a system in place, I had to create new lessons for similar classes at different schools and levels each time. While I did save some lesson plans, ideas for games, and student examples, learn from my mistake and start as early as your first lesson!
Avoid this teach abroad mistake:
- Use Google Drive, and create folders for each level (A1, A2, B1, etc.) for better organization.
- Label lessons by topic, such as “Food vocabulary,” “past tense practice,” etc.
- Save worksheets, presentations, and games.
- Write reflections after you teach a lesson and make improvements each time.
Teach Abroad Mistake #10 – Not Starting My Blog and YouTube Channel Sooner
I wish I had started my blog and YouTube channel much earlier. Traditionally, teachers don’t have the best salaries. Relying solely on your teaching income can be limiting, especially if unexpected situations come up. Sharing and monetizing your expertise through a blog or YouTube channel can give you more financial stability.
An online presence can unlock more income opportunities, collaborations, and help you build a community of teachers or learners. Since starting my teaching blog and channel, I have set up additional streams of income, including passive income, such as affiliate links for products I recommend, teaching materials I’ve created, YouTube Adsense payments, paid coaching and workshops, and more.
If you enjoy creating lesson materials, offering advice, or sharing your experiences teaching abroad, consider starting a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account.
Summary
I hope that you have learned from my mistakes! Teaching abroad is an incredible journey, but hopefully your adventure is smoother knowing these tips.
If you need extra help with your teaching journey, join my Teach Abroad Insiders Email List for weekly tips, resources, and exclusive promos.
Happy teaching!
Jamie
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What’s the most important tip for teaching abroad?
Answer: The most important thing to do is get TEFL or TESOL certified. You will need to take an accredited course that is at least 120 hours. However, if you are a new teacher, invest in a quality course with teaching practice. For my course recommendations, check out my free TEFL/TESOL Course Guide.
Question: What’s the best way to make friends when teaching abroad?
Answer: Join local meetups, attend school events, take language classes, join expat groups, try new sports and activities, and try traveling through group tours. You can also live with locals like I did in Costa Rica and Spain!
Question: What lesson materials should I pack when teaching abroad?
Answer: You can bring a few books and light teaching aids like flashcards, posters, and small toys as props. Alternatively, you can design your own worksheets and presentations in Canva and have them printed once you arrive in your new country. You can also try an ESL curriculum subscription like ESL Brains.
