Teaching Abroad: Lessons Beyond Borders 

By Rashawn Davis

On 29 June, just three days after the end of the school year, I embarked on a journey to partake in yet another school year. With my bags packed, I boarded my one-way flight to San José, Costa Rica. As the plane climbed through the sky, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. While this was not my first rodeo outside the country, it definitely was my first experience being a teacher outside the country. I had left my classroom of 30 high schoolers, to take on a classroom of 30 primary schoolers, and to be prepared mentally was an understatement. In the States, I actively avoided working with the lower grades. I always found them too messy, or too needy. I liked the independence that high schoolers carried with them. Yet here I was, on a plane to a Spanish-speaking country, having agreed to spend the next 10 weeks of my life working with first to sixth graders, helping them learn English. A dream come true or a nightmare waiting to happen?

My plane touched down Sunday afternoon. I got a tour of the school grounds on Monday afternoon, and by 7 AM Tuesday morning I was in the heart of the action. Technically, my official title was ‘Teacher’s Assistant’, however; I was still given the opportunity to make my own lessons and teach classes, and the role gave me something even more valuable—the chance to collaborate with three inspiring English teachers and to truly connect with the students.

Most days, I worked alongside the 1st and 2nd second grade teacher, co-teaching lessons that balanced fun and learning. One of my favorite projects was helping connect students to technology through ABC Mouse, which introduced digital learning activities to the younger students. Every Wednesday we would line up all the students and walk them to the library where we had set laptops for every student. Such a daunting task was rewarded with bright faces and echoes of students repeating words and phrases in English.

It reminded me of why I had come—to witness growth. Not just in my students, but in myself.

Building Relationships through Representation and Celebration

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship, however, wasn’t tied to a lesson plan or a holiday—it was the relationships I built with the students. From day one, I was introduced as “Teacher Raúl,” and the students were thrilled to meet a “gringo” who spoke English and Spanish. What surprised me, though, was how my presence as a Black teacher resonated with many of them. While the school itself had employed a few Black teachers in the past, for most of the students this was a new experience.

That representation mattered. I could see it in the way some of the Black students lit up when they realized I was their teacher, and in the quiet pride of parents who were excited to see someone who looked like their child standing at the front gate during dismissal. On my very first day in a kindergarten class, one little boy hugged me and called me tío—uncle. That moment has stayed with me because it showed how much simply being there meant.

By the time my last day came around, I realized the impact ran both ways. Some of the sixth graders cried, and more than a few students asked if the principal couldn’t just hire me permanently. Teaching is not always about the content of the lesson—it’s about showing up, being present, and reminding students that they are seen. Representation is part of that. When children see someone who reflects a part of who they are—whether through race, culture, or background—it tells them that they, too, belong in spaces of leadership and learning.

That experience reaffirmed for me that teaching abroad isn’t just about language acquisition or academic outcomes. It’s also about connection, visibility, and the unspoken lessons that students carry with them long after the bell rings.

Another highlight was preparing with the students for Costa Rica’s Independence Day on September 15th. Though I couldn’t attend the actual day of celebration, I got to witness the actos cívicos — ceremonies where students carried the flag, sang the national anthem, and performed traditional folk dances. The energy and pride were infectious as students practiced for desfiles (parades) alongside their teachers. It was such an enriching experience to see how deeply Costa Ricans celebrate their independence; unlike the U.S., where the Fourth of July often centres on fireworks and barbecues, the Costa Rican approach is rooted in cultural expression, music, dance, and national unity. Being part of those preparations gave me a window into the heart of Costa Rican identity, one that I’ll carry with me always.

Why Teaching Abroad is Worth It

Teaching abroad isn’t just about changing your workplace—it’s about changing your perspective. For educators, it’s a chance to step outside familiar routines and see how students learn in different cultural contexts. It pushes you to be creative, patient, and adaptable while offering experiences that go far beyond lesson plans and grading.

For younger people or those early in their careers, teaching abroad is an opportunity to build independence, confidence, and global awareness. It’s one thing to read about different countries, but living and working in one immerses you in the language, culture, and rhythms of everyday life. You learn skills you can’t get in a classroom: navigating unfamiliar systems, communicating across language barriers, and forming relationships in new cultural contexts.

At the same time, teaching abroad is deeply enriching for seasoned educators. Even for teachers who have spent years in the classroom, stepping into a different cultural and educational environment reignites curiosity and growth. You’re challenged to rethink familiar practices, question assumptions, and see teaching with fresh eyes. It can bring new energy into your career, reminding you why you began teaching in the first place.

During my internship, I realized that even as a teacher’s assistant, you have the power to make a meaningful impact. The students remembered small gestures, and that connection reminded me that teaching abroad is not just professional growth; it’s about building human connections that transcend borders.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Teachers Abroad

If the idea of teaching abroad excites you, here are some steps and tips to help you get started:

1. Research Programs and Opportunities

There are many paths into teaching abroad, from internships and volunteer placements to full-time teaching contracts. Some well-known organizations include the Department of Defence Education Activity (DoDEA), which hires teachers to work on U.S. military bases worldwide, and programs like the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship or the JET Program in Japan. Private organizations also connect teachers to schools across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Not all experiences need to be full-time or long-term. If you’re not able to “up and move,” you might consider shorter commitments such as summer internships, language exchanges, or volunteer programs that give you a taste of teaching abroad without a multi-year contract. My own internship in Costa Rica was just ten weeks, yet it left a lasting impact.

2. Prepare Your Documents Early

Applications often require transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and sometimes a teaching portfolio. Collecting these in advance will save stress later. Don’t forget about practical details like making sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. If visas are required, check requirements early, as processing can take time.

3. Budget and Plan Ahead

Even with stipends or salaries, there are upfront costs to consider, such as flights, visa fees, vaccinations, and a cushion for your first month. Research the cost of living in your target country so you can plan realistically. A small savings buffer will help you enjoy the experience without worrying about money.

4. Embrace Cultural Differences

Be prepared to adapt to different teaching styles, school structures, and social customs. In Costa Rica, for example, schedules and deadlines often flow more flexibly than in the U.S., which can be a learning experience in patience and adaptability. This flexibility is not a weakness but a reminder that education—and life—can function successfully in more than one way.

5. Get Involved Beyond the Classroom

Some of the most rewarding experiences come outside of teaching hours. Participate in school events, cultural celebrations, or local excursions. For example, during my time in Costa Rica I bought the Costa Rican national dress (made specifically for me by a parent) and went to one of the parades celebrating afro caribeño culture in Limón. I also attended an event where they had free dance lessons in the Plaza de la democracia, where I ‘learned’ how to dance swing criollo.

6. Build Connections

Your colleagues, fellow interns, and even students’ families can provide support, advice, and friendships that last beyond your time abroad. Networking in this context is both personal and professional—you never know when a connection will lead to your next teaching opportunity or a lifelong friendship.

7. Consider Where Teachers Are in Demand

If you’re looking for a full-time teaching job abroad, some regions consistently hire international educators. Dubai and other parts of the Middle East offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, especially for licensed teachers. Latin America (countries like Costa Rica, Chile, and Mexico) often hires English teachers for private language institutes, international schools and, even, public schools. East Asia (including South Korea, China, and Japan) remains one of the biggest markets for English teachers, offering a wide range of opportunities. And if you don’t teach English? That’s A.OK. Many countries abroad also have positions for other subjects, especially those related to STEM.

Whether you choose a short internship or a full-time contract, teaching abroad is more than just a job. It’s a chance to grow, to serve, and to see the world from a perspective you can’t gain at home.

Reflections and Encouragement

Looking back, my ten weeks in Costa Rica felt transformative. I grew as a teacher, but I also grew as a person—learning to navigate a new culture, adapt to unexpected challenges, and connect with students and colleagues in meaningful ways.

If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching abroad, let this be your encouragement: the experience is challenging, yes, but the rewards far outweigh the discomforts. You’ll return home with skills, memories, and a perspective that can’t be replicated by any workshop or seminar. Teaching abroad opens doors—not just to other countries, but to parts of yourself you might not discover otherwise.

So, whether you’re an experienced educator or just starting out, consider taking the leap. Pack your curiosity, your patience, and your willingness to embrace new experiences. The world is full of classrooms waiting for teachers who bring heart, enthusiasm, and openness to learning alongside their students. And trust me, the lessons you learn abroad will stay with you for a lifetime.