The fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkein created the mystical world of The Lord of the Rings. And he is also remembered for a frequently-used quote about the real world: “not all those who wander are lost.” But sometimes those who wander might feel a little lost and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Where is it that we should be instead?
Not having a final destination doesn’t have to be stigmatized by uncertainty and lack of planning. The world is an excellent teacher. So if you feel lost or between locations sometimes, don’t be disheartened. The world is waiting to show you what’s next. And teaching English abroad is an excellent way to be a professional wanderer.
Living abroad as an English teacher is the perfect way to be both responsible and free. You’re never tied to one location forever, but you’ve also developed a skillset to support yourself wherever your next home may be. Don’t let cliches convince you that traveling should bring about an epiphany. It’s okay to simply travel where opportunities lead, and you will grow as a person as you diversify your experiences.
Choosing travel is a conscious decision to expand your worldview. It is very unlikely that anyone will become a worse or less tolerant person from seeing more of the world. It is one of many ways to live and learn. And if you don’t know where you’ll be next month or next week, that might not be the worst thing. You’re not limiting yourself with expectations or geographic locations.
Travel is often viewed as an escape, a way to avoid unpleasant realities. Older relatives might perceive it as irresponsible or unproductive. We hear stories about people quitting their office jobs, throwing all of their belongings in a backpack and hanging out in Costa Rica for a while. Or maybe they wash up on a beach in Guatemala and become a yoga instructor for a living.
And there’s nothing wrong with these stories. People should have the freedom to uproot and start over. We all have a lot to learn from traveling and to a certain degree it is an escape from the mundane. It is an undeniable way to upheave old routines and challenge accepted ideologies. But there is no reason for wandering the world to be looked upon as a jail break or midlife crisis move.
There are times in life to learn from conventional classrooms and workplaces and there are times to learn from the world around us. And people’s personalities will always affect what their travel plans look like. For some, extended travel is actually a very well thought out phase of their lives. They aren’t avoiding their plan because this is their plan.
Particularly for recent college graduates, interning or teaching English abroad can be a pragmatic first step in their professional lives. Rather than entering a competitive and somewhat saturated job market in the US, many grads figure that spending a few years working abroad and gaining valuable international experience is a better use of their time. The adventure aspect of traveling is only an added bonus.
Even financially, this may be a rational and responsible decision in the long run. There are so many places to live where your earnings go further than they do in the United States. And if you’re not sure what’s next, there’s no need to worry. Teaching abroad fills many roles in the lives of different people. It’s valuable as a gap year affair or as a full-blown career. And getting a little lost along the way could help you decide where you’re supposed to be.
Older people often take a stab at teaching abroad too. Those in their forties, fifties and beyond sometimes plan to teach abroad for six months or a year before returning to their normal careers. And this hiatus so to speak might be exactly what they need to develop a fresh perspective on a life that has become stale or unfulfilling. But for some, it may become a long-term endeavor. It could be a shot at a second life in which they do more for themselves and let themselves be taught by different cultures.
It’s illuminating to view traveling as part of a larger plan—a way to learn more about yourself and the world at the same time. And unforeseen experiences could show you what it is you really want to do. In this way, travel may accelerate your route from point A to B, not deter you from your goals. Living and learning in a new environment can help you clarify your values and strengths. Ultimately, you will come closer to what really matters to you in this life.
Living abroad doesn’t mean that you will spend the rest of your life drinking out of coconut shells on a remote beach or living in a hippy commune. Though you can if you would like to! Keep in mind as you consider your plans for the future that teaching abroad might fit right in. And if at times you feel lost, just know that this drifting feeling can turn into the best teacher. Don’t be financially irresponsible or careless about your own safety but also don’t be scared to let experience be your guide from time to time. You might just stumble upon exactly where you need to be.