Why Teach Abroad?
- Finances ~ This was one of the biggest reasons for us. I just graduated with a law degree, but there aren't a lot of legal jobs available. Looking at my personal and legal expenses, I would have had to make $100,000 to break even. With my teaching abroad job, I have free housing, utilities, insurance, transportation, food, etc. Plus, I only pay 3% in taxes. I have no car or house insurance, I'm not paying for astronomical health insurance costs, and I'm making enough to pay on my college loans. It's a financially sound decision.
- Opportunities ~ The chance to travel means a lot to me, and I really want to continue traveling the world in the future. Since I don't have an inheritance to fall back on, teaching abroad gives me a chance to follow my interests without breaking the bank. Without this chance to fund my trip, I wouldn't get to travel at all. Furthermore, I get to meet interesting people, and learn more about the world. I get plenty of vacation time to move around and spend time working on my research, etc. I even get to hit the awesome beaches over there!
- Language Learning ~ The University I am working with actually offers college-level Chinese courses to its professors, so I get to study up on the language. As someone interested in Ancient Chinese History, Chinese Law, and Chinese artifacts, knowing the language can be highly beneficial. Plus, it is required for the grad program I'm interested in. Knowledge of foreign Languages can add thousands of dollars to your income if you ever want to go back home, sometimes hundreds of thousands by the time you retire. And it is often easier to learn a language if you are immersed in the culture, without English to pull you out.
- Cultural Exposure ~ I'm a cultural heritage attorney; culture is my thing. So the chance to visit different museums, travel to the shrines and temples, or talk to the people from different parts of the world is very important to me. I believe that people cannot truly understand the world until they have traveled away from their own shores. I know that visiting Asia in college really opened my eyes to the world at large, and I want to continue that learning process.
- Resume Development ~ Travel always helps your resume, as I remind students interested in Studying Abroad. It shows that you are intelligent, capable, and adaptive. It lets them know that you can handle high-pressure situations, and that you are a problem-solver. It also tells them that you have a passion and are willing to pursue the things you care about. Then there is the fact that I'm adding on teaching experience, language experience, international experience, and other elements that will boost my resume as an international cultural heritage attorney.