Research reveals that 56% of the travellers above the age of 40 are worried about their travel and 30% of the people aged below 40 are concerned about their safety.
You cannot be completely secure no matter where you choose to start your TEFL teaching career. To some extent, you may assure your safety, nevertheless, by developing wise decision-making skills and increasing your awareness of your surroundings. This includes visiting parts of the world where there is a higher risk of sickness or violence.
However, there are concerns that you should constantly be aware of and self-care rules that you should be aware of even in established, safe nations to ensure your health and well-being while teaching overseas. Here are some practical safety advices in this blog article so you may travel safely while landing TEFL jobs abroad.
Is Teaching Abroad Safe?
If this question circles through your brain, then the definite answer is, Yes! You will profit from the joint oversight of your foreign employer, the embassy of your home country, and the international organization you have chosen to teach abroad as an expatriate working overseas. For this reason alone, it’s wise to select a verified employer or organization, ensuring that all of these levels are covered. Having the safety net and certainty of resources to fall back on is beneficial when venturing out on your own.
Source: globalrescue.com
Having said that, you will primarily be responsible for your health and safety when you’re on the ground. Although there will be a safety net to support you, you still need to exercise independent judgment. The key to keeping safe when teaching abroad is to travel with grace, respect your host society, and remain aware of national and cultural limits.
Effective Tips While Travelling To A Foreign Land
Source: globalrescue.com
Here are some basic safety tips to ensure your experience abroad is nothing short of happy, healthy, and safe:
Do Your Research
You must conduct extensive research on the location where you intend to teach before packing your bags and setting out on your teaching adventure to your favorite spot. You need to investigate any potential health and safety hazards that your destination could present.
One option is to use an expat forum or other social media platform, since they may provide you with insightful information from foreigners who have previously relocated to your desired location.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Being alert and watchful at all times is one of the core life skills that may enable you to guarantee your safety at the place of your choice.
You must learn to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts no matter where you are in a classroom, on the street, or when on public transit. Distractions must also be avoided since they might divert your focus and endanger you.
Learn From Your Local Residents
It is advised that you make use of the prior expertise and experience of locals and foreign instructors while you are living and working in your chosen location to have a deeper understanding of the area in which you have chosen to instruct.
You will learn about the neighborhood and any potential dangers by doing this, as well as some useful advice on thriving in day-to-day living. You may also ask for guidance about the cost of food, public transit, and other everyday living issues.
Adjust Your Finances Accordingly
Our elders have taught us since we were young children that we shouldn’t store all of our money in one location. This might turn out to be one of the advice that saves your life when you travel overseas. Rather than carrying all of your cash and credit cards in one wallet or handbag, you may always carry a separate credit card and a record of your bank information.
This will help you get in touch with your bank right away in the event of an emergency. You also need to maintain a backup in cloud storage and additional scanned digital copies of your passport and other papers on your phone.
Wear Your Modest Look While Travelling
If you are traveling for any reason other than to go to business, do not show off expensive jewelry, digital devices, or other assets.
To avoid attracting undue attention and to avoid being a target for theft or robbery, you should also practice dressing modestly and avoiding wearing excessively showy clothing.
Steer Clear Of Friendly Strangers
It seems only natural to run across pleasant individuals when traveling to a new location. It’s best to avoid them, though, if they are overly kind and show an excessive amount of interest in your personal life and work schedule.
Never trust strangers with your items, and try to avoid exchanging any sensitive information, whether personal or professional, with them.
Reach Out To Your Embassy
Any nation may experience unforeseen political events at any time. You have to stay informed on the political situations going on around you. Political protests and rallies should not be attended by you as they may incite violence.
Make sure you register with the embassy or consulate of your nation as soon as you get to your destination. This will guarantee that they can get in touch with you and offer the assistance you need in the event of a catastrophe.
Get A Travel And Health Insurance
One of the worst circumstances someone may encounter when visiting a foreign nation is if they are experiencing a medical emergency or problem and they do not have health insurance.
While teaching English, many nations provide health insurance, so you may be sure you have coverage. We also advise getting travel insurance, which can shield you against any circumstances involving loss or theft of your personal property.
Be Responsible For Your Safety
Traveling to any foreign country can be a nerve-wracking, daunting, and exciting experience at the same time. If you are also having anxiety and looking for effective ways to ensure your safety when you want to embark on your TEFL teaching journey, then you are in luck. So, what are you waiting for? Complete your 120-hour TEFL course online, pack your bags, and embark on your TEFL journey safely and swiftly.
