Teaching Abroad: For the Young & Young At Heart

“You should travel abroad right after graduating from college,” is a common phrase I hear from friends, family and professors. People constantly tell me that will be the only time I will have to travel.  After that comes jobs, family and “adult responsibilities.”

As a senior at Quinnipiac University, I plan on taking their advice and traveling around Europe this summer.  But do my travel adventures really have to stop there?   According to Steve, who prefers not to share his last name, the answer is a strong- no!

Steve's students in Thailand

Steve currently lives in Arizona, and has been traveling to Thailand for 35 years.

“I fell in love with the country.  I’ve always gone to Thailand with a mission,” he says.

In 2013, he participated in the Teach in Thailand program, teaching abroad with the help of GeoVisions.  He taught 18 classes a week, with up to 55 students in each class.  Steve says he enjoyed being able to help others learn English, and share his American culture with them.

“It takes a special type of person to do what I do.  You have to have a service heart,” he adds.

Along with teaching abroad, Steve also loved learning about the Thai culture.  He says he learned that “cultural barriers do exist, but understanding a country's culture is what makes the experience worthwhile.”

Now at the age of 65, Steve still continues to travel, loves working abroad, and considers Thailand “a second home.”

He has this advice for anyone interesting in teaching abroad - whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between.

“I think if people like to help others and have the ability to teach others, GeoVisions is perfect for them, regardless their age and even their inexperience in traveling. As long as you're healthy, don't let anything stand in the way of pursuing your dream of teaching abroad.”

Sneak Peak: Be sure to check out Tuesday's blog when one GeoVisions tutor tells us why he believes traveling and teaching abroad can open your eyes to new opportunities!