Worldwide with Idalis

Costs/Finances

• Studying Abroad: When you choose to study abroad, there are various financial resources available, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans. Depending on your dedication to applying for these opportunities and your financial situation, you may receive full or partial funding for your program. If you don’t secure financial assistance, you can explore programs that match the cost of your tuition for a semester or year; consult the study abroad department for more details. One drawback of studying abroad is that your visa will likely prevent you from working, so it’s essential to save enough money and plan your finances.
• Teaching Abroad: When it comes to teaching in another country, financial assistance is quite uncommon. Each program varies in terms of costs, compensation, and whether they offer any payment at all. It may seem unusual to pay for a position, but this is often the case when going through a third-party provider. Some programs may not offer a stipend but will cover housing and flights, while others might provide a stipend without any accommodation or travel expenses. If you intend to teach abroad for an extended period (at least a year), it’s advisable to seek a position that offers a salary, or the program may not be sustainable.

Friends

• Studying Abroad: Making friends while studying abroad is quite effortless, even if you start without knowing anyone. Being in an academic setting means you’ll encounter the same individuals daily, which creates a small community, primarily consisting of fellow “Americans” from your home country. Some programs may also introduce you to international students, but many individuals prefer the comfort of connecting with those from their own nationality. Most people studying abroad are open to forming friendships and share a common enthusiasm for going out, traveling, and seeking adventures together.
• Teaching Abroad: Making friends while teaching abroad presents a slightly different experience. The ease of forming connections largely depends on the orientation process of the program you choose. Typically, programs (like mine) include a week of orientation and accommodations in a hotel. This period serves as your primary chance to meet other language assistants, so it’s crucial to maximize that week and gather contact information for future connections. Since everyone will be assigned to different schools, regular meetings will be rare, necessitating planned get-togethers. If you’re fortunate, you might find other language assistants at your school with whom you can develop friendships. To connect with locals and other internationals, you’ll need to explore opportunities through language exchanges, sports clubs, art classes, dance classes, and similar activities.

Location and Program Options

• Studying Abroad: When you begin your research on studying abroad, you’ll quickly realize the multitude of destinations available, which can feel a bit overwhelming. I recall my university offering more than 200 locations for us to select from. If you have a specific country or continent in mind, there’s likely a program available there. You can also choose an English-speaking country if that makes you feel more at ease.
• Teaching Abroad: Opportunities for teaching abroad as an English speaker may not be as extensive as those for studying abroad, and they often receive less promotion. Most teaching positions are found in Asia, with some options in Europe and a few in Latin America. Keep in mind that not all countries actively seek English-speaking assistants, so it’s important to remain flexible and appreciate the journey you are about to embark on.

Freedom and Responsibility

• Studying Abroad: When you opt to study abroad, your primary focus is on your education. Typically, you will have a four-day week, with a few exceptions of five-day weeks. Most countries outside the United States have different educational systems that you will need to adapt to, which often means less homework and more emphasis on studying and significant exams. In my experience, professors tend to be more lenient, making it feel easier than regular semesters at university. Your choice of accommodation can also impact your level of freedom; some programs may place you in student housing or homestays. If you prefer fewer responsibilities and more flexibility, I recommend choosing your housing option.
• Teaching Abroad: Teaching abroad inherently comes with greater responsibility, as you are engaged in a job. Your responsibilities, including lesson planning outside of regular hours, will depend on the grade level and school where you teach. It’s crucial to be punctual and to represent yourself and your home country positively. This is especially important for those looking to teach for several years and who want to extend their program. Any extensions must be approved by your supervisor at the foreign school. Days off can become complicated; based on my experience, you will need to have your days off approved and may need to make up for any missed days. The benefit of teaching is that it is often part-time, typically requiring only 16-20 hours a week, often within a four-day work week unless otherwise specified. This leaves you with ample time to enjoy life and travel, should that be your main objective while abroad.

Career Growth

• Studying Abroad: If you plan ahead, ideally starting your preparation during your freshman year of college, you can earn credits towards your major and/or secure an internship relevant to your field. Choosing a program that aligns with your major is highly beneficial, as your time abroad will not only be a valuable personal experience but will also contribute to your career development and enhance your resume.
• Teaching Abroad: While teaching may not be the first career choice for everyone, it is one of the few opportunities for Americans to live abroad. For those who are not education majors, this experience may have limited professional impact, focusing more on personal growth. However, many individuals find joy in being a language assistant and end up extending their stay in their host country. This could happen to you as well, possibly leading to a significant career change. My advice is to remain open to the possibilities; if you wish to teach for just six months or a year, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break from your career at home for a more relaxed “job.”

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Based on my opinions and experiences, I think studying abroad offers the best opportunity to spend an extended period overseas due to its benefits and freedoms. This is not to imply that teaching abroad or working as a language assistant is a poor choice; it certainly isn’t. However, when I compare the two, it becomes clear to me which option I prefer. Both paths are wonderful, and I feel very thankful for the experiences I’ve had with each. If you have any questions or thoughts to share, I would be delighted to hear them in the comments.