Many young teachers in their early careers find themselves asking a big question: Should I teach abroad?

Take for example a 23-year-old Filipino teacher who is currently in his second year of teaching high school English. He’s passed the licensure exams, works at a school that supports him well, and enjoys stability. Still, despite all of that, he’s considering the option to teach abroad—just like many of his colleagues, and even his girlfriend, who is trying to land a teaching job in Singapore.

This isn’t a rare case. More and more young teachers are thinking about working overseas as a teacher, especially as opportunities open up in countries that offer better pay and global teaching experience.

Pros and Cons of Teaching Abroad

For teachers considering a move overseas, it helps to list down both the advantages and the possible challenges. Here’s a breakdown that’s simple and honest.

✅ Benefits of Working Overseas as a Teacher

1. Higher Salary

Let’s be real—teachers in the Philippines usually don’t earn enough to build serious savings. Teaching abroad often means getting paid two to three times more. This can make a big difference in someone’s financial future.

2. New Life Experiences

Living in a different country allows teachers to experience new cultures, learn new systems, and grow personally and professionally. It opens doors to independence and maturity.

3. Better Career Opportunities

Having international teaching experience can improve a teacher’s résumé. If someone chooses to return to the Philippines later, having taught abroad may help them get promoted or qualify for better teaching roles.

❌ Challenges of Teaching Abroad

1. Teaching Lower Levels

In some countries, new foreign teachers might have to start with younger students or teach at the primary level—even if their background is in high school teaching. For some, this is a deal breaker.

2. Being Far from Home

Leaving family and friends behind can be tough. Birthdays, reunions, and simple everyday hangouts are harder to attend. Even with video calls, the physical distance takes a toll.

3. Extra Requirements

To teach abroad, teachers might need to take extra training or pass exams that meet another country’s standards. This can require time and money.

A Real-Life Example: One Teacher’s Thought Process

The young teacher mentioned earlier thought hard about the idea of teaching abroad. He read stories online, asked others, and made a list of pros and cons. After learning that many countries prefer at least 3 years of experience, he decided to stay in his current job for a couple more years while preparing certifications on the side.

This balanced approach gave him peace of mind. He didn’t have to rush into a decision, but he also didn’t want to close the door on future opportunities to teach abroad.

He also considered starting somewhere close—like teaching in Singapore—because it’s only a short flight from the Philippines. That way, if he missed home, going back wouldn’t be too difficult.

Stories That Inspired His Decision

He came across a post from someone whose cousin moved to the U.S. to teach SPED (Special Education). Within a year, her life improved greatly. She was earning enough to support her family and even offered to pay for her cousin’s plane ticket.

Another person told him, “Comfort is the enemy of progress.” That one sentence stuck with him. Even though he was comfortable in his current job, maybe it was time to think about growth.

What Young Teachers Should Keep in Mind

For other young teachers thinking about working overseas, here are a few tips:

• Set clear goals. Ask, “Why do I want to teach abroad?” Whether it’s for better pay, experience, or personal growth, the goal will help guide the decision.
• Do proper research. Different countries have different rules for hiring foreign teachers. Some require more documents or teaching experience.
• Ask others. It helps to speak with teachers who have worked abroad. They can share what the experience is really like.
• Start small if needed. Places like Singapore or Thailand are easier for Filipinos to adjust to. Once comfortable, a teacher can later move to bigger countries like the U.S., Canada, or Australia.
• Prepare slowly. It’s okay to wait and prepare. Getting certified or saving money before applying makes the transition smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Teaching abroad isn’t for everyone. It takes planning, bravery, and a clear reason. But for many young teachers, it could be a life-changing opportunity.

This 23-year-old teacher chose to wait and prepare—gain more experience, take extra courses, and watch for opportunities. But the most important part? He stopped saying “maybe later” and started saying “maybe soon.”

If teaching abroad has ever crossed your mind, maybe now’s the time to start asking the right questions.