For some, traveling—especially moving overseas—is an intimidating thought. It sounds difficult and frightening to be in a place where you don’t know anyone, you can’t speak the language, and the list goes on. But what if I told you most of the things on that list are actually the reasons you should go?
Let me show you what I mean.
I Don’t Speak The Language
First of all, you don’t speak the language yet. And jumping in the deep end to immerse yourself in the world of a language is easily the best way to become fluent. ELIC teachers make language learning a priority, and they’ve got the methods figured out. Local tutors, language schools, and even intensive study programs help teachers tackle the communication barrier.
Language study does more than just allow you to communicate, though. Too often, English speakers don’t bother to learn local languages because we already speak a prominent world language. By making the effort to learn, you’ll stand out as someone who is willing to invest in communicating with the people and the culture of your host country.
The challenge of language learning earns you a unique opportunity to care for others. This wouldn’t be possible without the language barrier.
I’ll Look Like A Foreigner
This is true, and it will get you some attention as you travel where few people look like you. But being recognized as a foreigner can be a beautiful thing. In many of the places where we teach, there is an unmatched culture of hospitality. Welcoming guests can bring honor to the hosts in an honor/shame-based culture like many in Asia. And in cultures like many in the Middle East that value relationships over productivity, people go out of their way to make strangers feel welcome and included.
Our teachers talk about another benefit of being foreign—it makes you a safe place to vent. Local friends may perceive you as being outside of the social rules that make it hard to share their struggles for fear of being considered ungrateful. Because you don’t know all the same people they do, they can share questions and thoughts that may conflict with the culture they were raised in without worrying that word will get around.
Looking foreign gives you a chance to be a helpful listening ear for your overseas community.
It’s Too Hard
Too hard for what?
Too hard to be comfortable? Most likely, but that’s actually a good thing. Growth comes almost exclusively from doing uncomfortable things.
Too hard to be possible? No way! Every one of our teachers started traveling and teaching for the first time at some point. And you’re not going to be doing it alone. You’ll have help navigating the visa process and receive thorough training before you leave the States. Then you’ll join a team that already knows the ropes—how to get around, where to buy groceries, culture tips, and classroom advice. You can start building on the foundation of what they’ve already learned from day one.
Tackling a challenge with a supportive community will make you a more confident and capable person than you could become by staying inside your comfort zone.
Ultimately, someone like you—with little travel experience—has the most to gain from heading overseas. With experienced support both from our home office and those on your in-country team, you’ll be equipped to succeed and even thrive on this new adventure. The “obstacles” that look like walls standing in your way are often doors to the kind of opportunities that can change lives—both yours and those around you.
