Teaching English as a foreign language abroad safely

Many gap-year students find travelling around the world and partying with friends to be satisfying; however, increasing numbers of young people are seeking a more meaningful experience through volunteering or working during their gap year. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a rewarding way to give back to your host country as well as a good way to make some money.

It’s relatively easy to find a TEFL position in Asia, South America or sometimes even the Middle East. Most young people from the UK end up teaching English in Asia, with countries like Thailand, Korea, Japan and Malaysia providing ample opportunities. Student insurance ensures that your family back home can rest easy while you’re enjoying your gap year abroad.

While teaching English abroad does not present any high risks to your safety most of the time, it’s helpful to be aware of your surroundings. Fully investigate the country where you will be spending your gap year. Do your research on the schools you are applying to and ask plenty of questions during interviews. You’ll want to know how many hours you will be required to teach as well as the location of the school and its safety regulations. You should also gain some insight into the types of students you will be teaching. Ask if the school provides security and if you will be required to teach night classes.

If the school provides accommodation, ask them how safe the quarters are and if you will be required to share them with other teachers. If you have to find your own room, request assistance in locating a safe apartment that suits your budget and make sure that secure transportation is available. It’s best to find out if there are any dangerous parts of town and the crime levels in the areas surrounding the school, so you can best gauge your travel insurance needs. Avoid walking alone, especially at night in unfamiliar areas.

It might take time to adjust to the food of your host country and you should watch what you eat so as not to risk getting ill at the same time you start your new job. Only drink bottled water and make sure all the food you eat is well-cooked and served hot. You may choose to keep some medicine handy in case you get food poisoning, while it’s also useful to know where the nearest pharmacy is to your place of employment. Good student insurance will take care of any hospital stays, if required.

Even if you are cautious and attentive to your surroundings, it’s still possible you might run into some trouble or become ill. It’s during these times that you’ll be grateful that you purchased travel insurance before leaving home. Travel insurance can assist you with hospital bills, reimburse you if you have items stolen, or in extreme cases, evacuate you if necessary. You won’t want to be stuck in a foreign country without good travel insurance, and if you’re concerned that student insurance is not within your budget, you can visit travel insurance discounts for discounted rates.

TEFL jobs can be rewarding and give you insight into the people of your host country which you could not otherwise get by just holidaying there. It’s no doubt you’ll return home with lots of fun stories and memories to last you a lifetime. Student insurance will help put your mind at ease so you can enjoy your travel experience even more. Don’t risk being caught in a bad situation without a safety net while spending a year in a foreign country.

Former English teacher Andy Burrows has travelled the world, working as he goes. He never leaves home without Travel Insurance
Another option: Vayago Travel insurance