Do you like your partner so much you want to become co-workers? Would you like to see the world, but lack the trust fund to do so? We ticked “yes” to both of these questions. The obvious thing to do next was teaching abroad with our favorite person. Teaching abroad as a couple can be challenging and may take some navigating, but it is definitely worth the reward. We have learned a lot along the way, and we would like to share our tips for couples thinking about teaching English abroad together.
1. Do your research.
The first step is; to do your due diligence. It is important to speak to others who are already teaching on-site and get their experiences to see if it suits both you and your partner. Communicate with your partner about whether it would be a good fit for you. Build a wishlist of must-have qualities that the country should have. For us it was the safety to enjoy our lives with peace of mind, the climate should be something we’re comfortable with, and how difficult learning the language would be. We opted for Latin America because we felt that it fit everything we were looking for in life. Latin America has beautiful places that all share these characteristics, and we have the opportunity to get a change of scenery easily as travel between Latin American countries is simple and they offer great variation. Choose a country that is a good fit for both of you. Consider your interests, teaching styles, and cultural preferences.
2. Get certified.
Most countries require teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. There are several different TEFL courses available, so you can choose one that fits your budget and schedule. We did our certification through Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru. The course was fun and our instructor, Sean, was a friendly South African who was able to teach us all the principles we would need to be successful in a way that we hardly knew he was teaching us, expertly guiding us through the program while having fun and making life-long friends in the process.
3. Be organized.
While juggling being in a different country and settling in, you will also be required to teach! This can be stressful if you do not manage your time. Disorganization is a quick way to ensure tension in your relationship, so avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety and be organized. Having a well structured plan takes the pressure off of your relationship and helps you to enjoy the beautiful moments you are about to experience.
4. Be flexible.
When you are teaching English abroad, you need to be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to adapt to change. If you are not a person that deals well with change you might need to reconsider. While there are many resources available, change is a constant especially if you choose to travel or country hop after you receive your certification. You and your partner need to keep in mind that sometimes unexpected things happen while abroad. Being flexible helps you to be there for your partner when they need you.
5. Finding an apartment.
As a couple living in a host house or a hostel is possible, however not ideal for many as most are only fit for single individuals. Communicating with your company and ensuring that they are aware that you are a couple is very important as they can provide you with some options. Finally keeping an eye on local newspapers and talking to locals has been beneficial for us as we have been quite lucky with finding apartments. As a couple it is essential to have your own space where you can unwind and unpack after your days at work.
6. Be supportive of each other.
Teaching English abroad can be challenging, so it is important to be supportive of each other. It takes time to adjust to a new culture and a new way of life. This means being there for each other when things get tough and celebrating your successes together. It takes time to adjust to a new culture and a new way of life. The biggest advantage is that unlike single travelers, you will never truly be on your own in a foreign place. You need to be a team, ready to face the challenges that might come your way.
7. Enjoy the experience!
Teaching English abroad is an amazing experience. Make sure to enjoy it! Explore the country you are living in, meet new people, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to help couples who are teaching English abroad. In our experience our time abroad has brought us closer together, and at the time of writing this our wedding is less that three months away, so I would say it was a very good decision to take on this adventure.