The rationales behind opting to teach English in another country, such as Korea, exhibit considerable variability among individuals.For some, it constitutes a component of a career trajectory, while for others, it represents an invaluable experience. For those not envisioning teaching as a lifelong vocation, the profession serves as a stepping stone for accumulating work experience, coupled with the supplementary advantages of living abroad, saving opportunities, and abundant travel prospects.

Denis Poden, a 29-year-old educator with teaching stints in Thailand and Vietnam, currently in his second year in Korea, spoke about his decision to teach overseas. Teaching. “I started teaching in my early 20s. I wanted to travel and work ― this was the best option. I think that's the case for a lot of people who come here.”

A discernible demographic pattern emerges among those opting for overseas teaching, with a significant portion falling within the age bracket of 22 to 30.

This option proves feasible for individuals with travel incentives, unencumbered by responsibilities such as children or mortgages. These considerations, coupled with prolonged travel restrictions and obligatory lockdowns during the pandemic, have prompted individuals who had not contemplated teaching previously to venture abroad.

Ellen Cornforth and Nastasia Dentwon, both 23-year-olds collaborating at a public kindergarten, exemplify the diverse motivations within this spectrum.

Cornforth says "I wanted to live in a foreign country and I want to travel but I was nervous and stalled my decision  ."

In contrast, Dentwon articulated her frustration with the pandemic disrupting her longstanding aspirations. "It was so annoying. I’d planned on moving to Korea for a year. Then I graduated and COVID hit - but being stuck at home just made me want to do it more."

Kieran Wright expressed a similar viewpoint. "I always wanted to travel after university - I always remember thinking, if not now - when"

Graduation marks the conclusion of years in the education system, ushering in the beginning of professional careers. Often, students possess the time but lack the financial means to travel, while working professionals possess the means but lack the time. Teaching abroad strikes a balance by providing the opportunity to both travel and earn. Financially, it stands as a more prudent choice compared to alternatives such as bar or farm work.

Zaki Lew, a Canadian, elucidated his decision to transition to teaching abroad in his early 20s, a choice that has resulted in a six-year career to date. ""I used to work on the farms in Australia and I'd pick vegetables and fruits. It helped fund my travels but I was always breaking even. I can travel and still save money by teaching.""

Eleanor Baumber, 27, articulated a sentiment shared by many. "Traveling was a part of it, but the fact that I have no idea what I want to do with my life career-wise also led to me being here."

The uncertainty regarding career choices has become a collective sentiment rather than an isolated one.

"Teaching isn't my dream job ― I have no idea what my dream job is, but I know that I enjoy teaching, I'm good at it and it will help me in the long run when I do decide what I want to do," she added..

The pursuit of a "dream job" is a goal instilled in us from a young age, reinforced throughout our education. For the undecided, teaching abroad offers numerous transferable skills that will prove beneficial in the long term, even if the profession itself may not be the ultimate goal.

Delilah Usher, a former teacher turned self-employed recruiter, concurs that the advantages of teaching abroad extend beyond travel opportunities. "Most of the teachers I recruit have graduated within the past five years ― the extent of their work experience is mostly a weekend retail or bar job. Teaching does wonders for a resume ― tailoring communication skills, developing creative thinking as well as organizing and prioritizing heavy workloads and schedules ― that's just listing a few." She added that dissatisfaction with one's home country often drives individuals to teach internationally. ""Many of the teachers I've recruited say that there are few opportunities in their home country ― they feel that it has worsened since the pandemic."

Issues like inflated utility bills, the housing crisis, and mounting student debt are prevalent socio-economic challenges in Western countries, albeit with varying degrees of severity. Teaching abroad offers an appealing lifestyle without the need for frequent financial compromises.

"Why would I live in the U.S. at the moment? Getting a job is so difficult and competitive ― any job I could get would be entry level. The salary would barely cover rent, gas, bills and basic groceries," said first-time teacher Grace Paige."In Korea I travel, eat out at restaurants, spend money on noraebang and I still have a decent amount left over."

The already prevalent decision to teach abroad has undoubtedly been accelerated by the social and economic repercussions of the pandemic. Teaching will persist as a popular career move, proving sustainable even in cases where it may not be personally fulfilling.