I have little to no experience travelling and I'm a young woman. Is it a bad idea to go alone to Bali, Kathmandu, or La Paz and teach English?
I'm graduating high school this year and will be taking a gap year. I'm in the process of getting my TESOL-TEFL Certificate so I can teach abroad. I know barely any languages apart from English, but I learn fast. I've stayed in a hostel before in Vancouver alone. I don't want to go to a developed nation, though, I want to see Kathmandu, La Paz or Bali. I can't go with friends though as I am a major loner and I can't get close enough to people to travel with them (not to mention I'd rather go alone). Is this a really bad idea for someone with my experience?
Reply to this There is always a first time for everything and while it might seem daunting now, things will look different once you have settled at your chosen destination.
I did inquire about a teaching job while I was in Nepal and while the people are wonderful, the salaries are very low and the hours can be quite long.
Most people go to SE Asia to teach, being as the job opportunities are vast and the pay is relatively good. The only problem is that you are usually expected to commit for at least 3 and more often 6 months if you want to get a half decent job.
It might be best to travel about a bit and see how you feel before settling and deciding to commit to a teaching job, especially if you are not too happy about mixing with other people. Teaching and a solitary lifestyle, unfortunately, do not go hand in hand.
Hope this helps 😊
Reply to this My son is teaching in Thailand. He took the CELTA course there. To get a Thai visa and work permit, you must have a college degree. You need to check whether the country where you wish to teach has a similar requirement. I agree with Nick that you should travel a bit first. Traveling alone is fine; I've done that right out of high school. But be open to meeting other people even if you are an introvert.
Reply to this There isn't much TEFL work in Bali, and as Bob says, the visa requirements for many countries ask for a degree. You can sometimes get by with 'life experience', but you may have problems finding a well-paid gig at 18.
You could volunteer though. There are lots of projects all around the world that welcome volunteers teaching English. Would you be interested in that?
Reply to this Hello Awyr 😊
I think you should go, since you seem to want to, and I see no reason why you shouldn't especially since I myself started travelling at 19 years old, and have been doing it on and off and often alone for 24 years since.
I never came to any real harm, and you likely won't either if you follow the rule I make for my personal safety, which I follow most of the time. Physical attacks, muggings... rarely happen in daylight hours in places where there are lots women and children, unless you are in a country at war. So, if you are alone, try to do most of your wandering around during daylight hours, in places where there are plenty of families, and stay out of countries which are at war.
I am a major loner...
I also would prefer to be alone, than just be with people I don't want to be with, just for the sake of being with people. I like people, but really I don't mind being alone. You can certainly travel without being with others, if you want. In fact, it is more complicated to to travel with people, because you might have to do things you don't want to do a bit too often.
I know barely any languages apart from English, but I learn fast.
Most people can learn languages faster than I can, and I have been in many countries where I can't speak a single word of the language. You can certainly do better with languages than I do. I get the impression you have aptitude for learning languages from what you say, and I would certainly learn a few if I had that aptitude. I learned some Spanish in south America, and it certainly enhances the travel experience to be able to talk with people, even when it is just to ask for something in a shop.
Mel
[Edited: 2012 Aug 21 15:37 - Mell:49612 ]
Reply to this I know what you mean, traveling alone can be really scary at first. Trust me once you find your feet, you won't want to stay in one place. There are so many places to visit and so little time.
Reply to this I would say there is nothing to worry about in traveling alone. You just need to take some cautious steps while traveling and avoid avoid eating and drinking with strangers. Always stay in the hotel which has good reputation and leave the details of your itinerary with your friend or family member. Traveling alone is a fun activity if you stay in your limits.
Reply to this I second Peters comment about drinking with strangers...a meal with a glass or two in a well lit restaurant is one thing...deciding to grab a bottle and go and wander down to the beach is a very bad idea. Just do as you would at home and be mindful of your personal safety..I dont drink at all when im travelling, other than perhaps a dacquiri with my evening meal. I have seen too many girls (and guys) in a total state of oblivion wandering down laneways with the best friend they met a few hours earlier and im sure it doesnt always end well.
Keep your wits about you and you will be fine.
Reply to this i"m a doctor with a busy life, and i needed a real break and a time for my self .. so last june i went alone to France for one month.. it was so easy to move around free from any obligations.. i used trains most of the time, i even booked tickets a day before i would decide the next city to visit .. i visited so many beautiful cities.. planning the trip and what to see every day kept me busy from noticing that i was alone .. it was a nice quite adventurous trip .. i don't mind doing it again.. so go for it with a strong heart.
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