Making the decision to move abroad and work in another country isn’t an easy one to make. While it can be exciting and new, it can also be scary and confusing. A year and a half ago, I moved abroad to teach English in Korea and I’m so thankful that I did. This experience has had way more positives than negatives and it’s changed me in many ways. Here are some of the reasons why I’m thankful I moved abroad to teach English.

Why I’m Thankful I Moved Abroad to Teach English

It’s Allowed Me To Try Many New Things

Moving abroad to teach English in Korea has allowed me to take part in many new experiences. Not only is teaching children new to me, but so is lesson planning, working with individuals who speak a different language, and speaking in front of large groups of students everyday. I never thought I’d part in these experiences, or that I would do them well.

I’ve also had the chance to try new things outside of teaching – eating new foods, visiting new cities and towns, and exploring new hobbies like hiking – since moving abroad to teach English, I’ve had the chance to step outside of my comfort zone and I’m so thankful for that.

It’s Allowed Me to Travel All Around the World

Teaching abroad has also given me the opportunity to travel to new places around the world. I always assumed that travel was impossible back home. I got caught in the busy everyday life and I never took the time to set aside savings. In Korea, it’s a lot easier to save money for travel due to the difference in the cost of living. I also get a great amount of vacation and public holidays, on top of that Korea so close to many other amazing countries. Teaching abroad has fueled a big love of travel in me.

It’s Allowed Me to Pay Off Debts More Quickly

Thanks to teaching abroad, I’ve been able to make a significant dent in my student loan debt. Back home, the cost of living was a lot higher; it was hard enough to find extra money for date night after paying rent, loans, and regular bills. In Korea, I have been lucky to save a big portion of my income to pay towards my student loans. For this, I am incredibly thankful and appreciative.

It’s Given Me Time to Focus on Other Passions

Back home, I always felt overworked. By the time I worked my full weekly load, I was exhausted and just wanted to relax and enjoy all of my weekend. While teaching abroad, I have had a lighter work schedule. I also have some free time during my workweek after I’m done with my planning, and use it to focus on my other passions. This has allowed me to build another business and work on things that I truly love.

It’s Allowed Me to Meet People from All Over the World

Since I moved abroad to teach English in Korea, I have had the chance to meet wonderful people from all over the world. Before making this big change, it was so easy to stay in my normal comfort zone and hang out with the same people. I now have friends who are from different places and who have different interests and beliefs. I will always be thankful for the friends I have made while on this journey.

I’m so thankful that I move abroad to teach English. If you’re thinking about moving abroad to teach, I highly recommend it. You will likely experience so many good things and will wonder why you didn’t take this chance sooner!

Written By Natasha Gabrielle

Natasha is a travel blogger, ESL teacher, adventurer, and sometimes runner—currently living abroad and teaching english in South Korea. She blogs about living and teaching in South Korea as well as her travel adventures. Find out more about her and her travels at www.livelearnventure.com

Photo By Brad Hammonds

Brad has spent the past 6 years traveling the world and taking photos of the beauty there is to discover. Here are his photos https://bradhammonds.eu/

Living and Teaching English in South Korea

We Teach Korea is the best site for finding information on TESOL in South Korea and Asia and TEFL jobs in South Korea. English teaching jobs in South Korea are posted daily, as well as featured articles written by experienced teachers and passionate locals.

Featured Articles, Living in Korea