03 May 10 Things to expect as a foreign TEFL teacher in Asia

1) People will want to take your photo. Don’t get a big head about it; it’s because you’re not Asian (IBYNA)

2) Strangers in the street will want you to hold their baby. And then take a photo.

3) Ticket offices will try to rip you off. Don’t get upset about it; IBYNA.

4) Students will think you know everything there is to know about English and the world in general. They expect you to know everything, but they are willing to accept any answer you give them.

5) You will be paid well in relation to local teachers. This is not because you’re amazing; IBYNA.

6) People will assume you are fabulously rich, BYNA.

7) People will tell you you are beautiful/good-looking. You could be but more likely IBYNA.

8) You will be required to act as a VIP at school functions. Fear not, you do not need to do anything besides dress nicely, smile and act foreign.

9) Your students will give you pointless, unnecessary and sometimes extremely ugly gifts.

10) People will love you if you can speak even one word of the local language. One sentence and you’re considered a linguistic genius and people will have a conversation with you like it’s your first language.