Have you ever felt life is just passing by as you go on your morning commute, stuck in traffic on your way to your little cubicle and in the evening making your way back just to do it all over again the next day? The stagnant life of a traditional worker can make us feel insignificant and as if our lives are boring and devoid of adventure. The rise of the digital nomad and expat lifestyle has created a new demand for flexible and location-independent careers. English teaching is one such career that offers several advantages for those adventurous few who want to travel the world and live an unconventional lifestyle.
As a former cubicle slave, the freedom of teaching and traveling, while challenging, can lead to many opportunities. I went from my office building to walking the streets of Santiago Chile, relaxing on the beaches in Costa Rica, climbing volcanoes in Guatemala, hiking up a mountain to get a peek at Machu Picchu in Peru, and watching the opera in the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, all while earning a salary and making a difference. There are many reasons why English teaching is the ultimate career for digital nomads and expats:
Flexibility: English teachers can work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This means that you can travel to new places and experience different cultures while still earning a living. For some of us life can get boring and stagnant quite quickly, and teaching online can make it easy for you to move from one destination to the next.
High demand: Since the pandemic there has been a high demand for English teachers around the world, especially in countries where English is not the native language. This means that you will be able to find many opportunities to work easily and hassle free.
Good pay: English teachers can earn a good salary, especially if they have experience and qualifications. This means that you will be able to afford to travel and live comfortably. For those who are not highly qualified and do not have the prospects of a very high salary, you can easily relocate to a place where your salary gets you more bang for your buck. Why live in expensive New York when your salary has double or three times the purchasing power in Buenos Aires or Rio De Janeiro?
Opportunities to learn new cultures: As an English teacher, you will have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and meet people worldwide. This can be a very rewarding experience and can help you to grow as a person. The life of a digital nomad can be a lonely one, but as a teacher you have constant interaction with students and people from a variety of different places, and in the digital age we have learned to form connections and friendships through the internet. These friendships are a great way to learn about the world, its people, and their cultures.
Make a difference: Teaching English can be a very rewarding career, as you can help people improve their lives by learning a new language. Humans need more than just a salary, many of us feel the need to have a lasting impact on the world, to make a difference. This can be a very satisfying feeling and can give you a sense of purpose.
If you are thinking about becoming an English teacher, there are a few things you need to do:
Get certified: There are several different TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certifications available. Maximo Nivel has multiple programs from in-person at the fantastic institutes in Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica, or online. Not only do they offer guided assistance from real TEFL trainers, they also guarantee job placement upon graduation. This ensures that you can hit the ground running after you do your TEFL course and start earning a salary as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a flexible, rewarding, and location-independent career, then English teaching may be the perfect choice for you. With a little planning and effort, you can achieve your dream of becoming a digital nomad or expat English teacher. All you have to do is pick your adventure.