On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Career Connections Center hosted a virtual panel event on teaching English abroad.
The event recording can be accessed via this link: https://ufl.zoom.us/rec/share/irIpLwkeVzWp65kRqzJfDHR1oZo_sit3QAmd8-qACItX48YtdWPtOWpjs-MskLRy.gElE3ns_Ag_lTzxm?startTime=1730930753000
Event Summary
Sarah Blackman and Edwina introduced their roles and three panelists who shared their experiences and insights about teaching English abroad. The panelists emphasized the importance of early research, cultural knowledge, learning the local language, and financial planning for a successful teaching experience. They also discussed the benefits of teaching abroad, including the opportunity to travel and make new friends, and encouraged students to reach out to them for further information or resources.
Career Pathways and Teaching Abroad
In the meeting, Sarah Blackman, the career pathways coach for human services, consulting, and education at the University of Florida, and Edwina, the manager for experiential learning and campus inclusion, introduced themselves and their roles. They then introduced three panelists: Hali, who taught English in Brazil as a Fulbright English teaching assistant and now works for the Global Energy Alliance; Tramaine, who teaches in Qatar and has extensive experience in education; and Casey, who taught English in Korea and now works at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. The panelists shared their experiences and factors that influenced their decisions to teach English abroad. The conversation ended with Sarah and Edwina encouraging students to use the career connection center for professional planning and development.
Teaching English Abroad Experiences
In the meeting, the panelists shared their experiences and insights about teaching English abroad. Hali discussed her decision to teach in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of early research and preparation for such programs. Tramaine shared her experience with the interview process, highlighting the scenario-based approach and the importance of cultural knowledge. Casey detailed her application process, including her decision to teach in Korea, and the importance of cultural relevance in lesson plans. All panelists agreed on the importance of learning the local language and immersing oneself in the culture to enhance the teaching experience.
Importance of Learning Local Languages
Hali and Tramaine shared their experiences of learning the local language in Brazil and the Middle East, respectively. Both emphasized the importance of learning the native language for better communication and building relationships with locals. Hali noted that learning the local language allowed her to connect with people beyond the university community and even helped her navigate the town. Tramaine added that learning the native language also helped her connect with her students and their parents, and that it was appreciated by the locals. Casey also shared her experience of learning Korean while teaching in South Korea, highlighting the challenges of learning the grammar and the benefits of being able to communicate with locals. Sarah concluded the discussion by encouraging everyone to learn as much of the local language as possible to enhance their experience.
Expats Share Cultural Adjustment Experiences
Sarah led a discussion on cultural adjustments and challenges faced by expats. Tramaine shared her experience of moving to a conservative region in the Middle East, where she had to adapt to a modest dress code. She found it helpful to connect with other expats from America, who provided her with tips and advice on navigating the culture. Casey also shared her experiences of adjusting to the attire and cultural hierarchy in Korea. Both emphasized the importance of networking and finding support from other expats. Edwina suggested using the resource “Going Global” to find information on different cultures and cities, and to connect with Uf alumni groups.
Teaching Assignments in Foreign Countries
The discussion revolved around the financial aspects of teaching assignments in foreign countries. Tramaine and Casey shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of financial planning, understanding benefits, and negotiating contracts. Tramaine emphasized the need to save and invest money, as some countries may not offer social security or 401s. Casey shared her experience with the Epic program, which included housing, health insurance, and a pension plan. Both speakers stressed the importance of asking hard-hitting questions before signing a contract and doing thorough research on the financial aspects of the assignment. Sarah concluded the discussion by emphasizing the need for thorough research and financial planning before embarking on a teaching assignment in a foreign country.
Preparing for Teaching English Abroad
Sarah led a discussion on how students can better prepare themselves for teaching English abroad. Tramaine and Casey shared their experiences and advice, emphasizing the importance of networking, research, and preparation. They recommended using platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to gather information about potential destinations. Casey also highlighted the value of recruiters in the application process, as they can provide support and assistance with logistics. The panelists encouraged students to be open to the unexpected and to have a plan for when they return home. They also responded to student questions about certification options and the use of recruiters.
Teaching Abroad Experiences and Benefits
In the meeting, Sarah, Tramaine, and Casey discussed their experiences teaching abroad. Tramaine emphasized the importance of understanding the curriculum of the school in the region they are teaching in, and using American resources to structure lessons. Casey shared her experience as a conversation teacher in Korea, where she had to create lesson plans based on the curriculum of the English class. Both panelists highlighted the benefits of teaching abroad, including the opportunity to travel and make new friends. They also encouraged students to reach out to them for further information or resources.