What Does Life Abroad Really Look Like as an ESL Teacher?
So, you’re considering teaching English abroad and you’ve seen the TikToks and IG reels of sunset beach runs, scooters buzzing past rice fields and cafes with tropical smoothie bowls…
But what’s life actually like once you move abroad?
Today I want to take the filters off and give you a real (but still very exciting!) glimpse of what to expect as a teacher abroad.
1. Your Days Have a Whole New Rhythm
Forget your 9–5 office grind. Teaching English abroad usually means working around 20–30 hours a week, with evenings or weekdays free depending on your schedule.
That leaves you with a lot of time to:
- Explore temples, waterfalls, and local food markets
- Learn the local language (or at least a few phrases!)
- Catch up on Netflix or lesson planning at your favourite café
- Take up a new hobby (I’ve tried acro yoga, Muay Thai, motorbiking, tennis… swing dancing!)
- Attend social events or expat networking nights
- Start a side hustle or online business in your spare time
- Chill out with a slow morning, a long lunch or an afternoon nap
- Take long weekends away to nearby towns or even other countries
Yes, you are still technically working…
But you’re not sitting at your desk all day or having to do a long commute. Your environment changes everything and it’s one of the best things about living abroad.
2. Your Home Might Surprise You
Whether it’s a shared apartment or your own little studio, your accommodation abroad will be very homely.
Most expat accommodation is bright, spacious and comes with:
- Comfy beds and en-suite bathrooms
- Basic cooking facilities
- Air conditioning or fan rooms
- Balconies with leafy views (and often great views!)
And it’s often half the price of what you’d pay at home. I’ve never paid more than $500/month in my 12 years abroad.
When you move with Teacher’s Friend, I’ll help you find a safe, comfortable home in a good area that’s close to your school and also local life such as markets, cafes, shops etc.
3. Everyday Life Feels Like an Adventure
The extraordinary becomes the ordinary when living abroad! You’ll spend your days:
- Sipping street beer on a plastic stool
- Buying groceries at the local market (and practising your bartering skills!)
- Riding around on your scooter (or ordering a taxi scooter)
- Watching 5 people balance on one motorbike
- Spotting wardrobes, mirrors and even other scooters being transported… on scooters
- Playing badminton or chess in the park like a local
- Drinking bubble tea in cute cafes
- Watching monks walk past in the early morning
You’ll also get to join in with local traditions, like:
- Chinese New Year (Malaysia & China)
- TET holiday (Vietnam)
- Water Festival (Cambodia & Thailand)
- Nyepi (Bali’s Day of Silence)
Weekends are often spent hiking, cafe jumping, temple exploring or just relaxing by the pool.
Or better yet, you may have friends and family come and visit you and you can show them all around your new home.
You’ll build routines of course which make you feel grounded.
But even normal days can feel like adventures when you’re living abroad and everything is new and exciting.
4. Your Students Will Be the Best Part
Ask almost any ESL teacher who loves their job and they’ll tell you: it’s the students.
Whether you’re teaching tiny kids who shout “Teacher! Teacher!” and draw you stick-figure pictures or adults improving their English to land a promotion or a job abroad, the classroom is a place of connection and fun.
I’ve never laughed as hard in any other job. And I’ve had students:
- Write me love letters
- Get job offers abroad
- Graduate their university courses
- Get promotions they never thought possible
You’ll mess up sometimes. You’ll feel overwhelmed or a bit over it at times. That’s normal.
You’ll also see your students improve and it hits differently when you know you helped them get there. It really is the best feeling.
5. You’ll Build a Whole New Group Of Friends
One of the best parts of living abroad is the people who you will meet.
You’ll meet fellow teachers from all over the world, many of whom are also living abroad for the first time. You’ll bond over street food failures, travel plans, lesson ideas and your shared sense of “wait… is this really my life now?”
It’s not uncommon to make lifelong friendships… or even meet your partner. (No promises, but it happens.)
There’s a crazy connection that you can have with someone who has chosen the same career path as you, in the same country, in the same city. You made the same life choices to end up in the same place at the same time… not just a coincidence orf who you went to school with or what street you grew up in.
6. What About Money?
The best part of teaching and travelling is that you can earn a stable income, save a bit each month and enjoy a great lifestyle, especially in countries with lower costs of living. The best way I can describe it is that I earnt probably the same amount or less than my friends back home, but with much more sustainable income.
I am able to book flights home, book holidays for myself, eat out every night, attend events and go on day trips.
You might not be making six figures, but:
- Your rent is a fraction of what you paid back home
- Meals out cost less than a coffee shop sandwich
- You’re not stuck spending just to “escape” the work week
I have seen more of the world, saved more money and spent more money on travel and life experiences than most of my friends.
7. What You’ll Take Away
Life abroad as an ESL teacher won;t be the answer to all of your problems. You’ll need to deal with being away from home, culture shocks, visa renewals, power cuts, and days where you miss home but you’ll also feel more alive, more curious and more you.
You’ll gain skills, confidence and memories that will stay with you long after your teaching contract ends.
And, many teachers often end up with completely different career paths and life choices after their teach abroad experiences because it can change your whole perspective on life.
This may sound a little dramatic but in my opinion it is 100% true!!
Ready to Make It Happen?
Teaching abroad is for anyone. If you’re open, adaptable and ready to step into something new then I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. At least then, you won’t be left wondering “what if?”
Want help with getting TEFL certified, relocating abroad, making friends and lesson planning?
That’s what I’m here for.
👉 [Start your teach abroad journey here]
