Geographic Arbitrage: Why I Live Abroad as a Teacher

4 months ago

Ever heard of "geographic arbitrage"? It may sound fancy, but it’s just about making money while living in a cheaper country. As an online teacher, it is very common to move abroad these days, especially among Europeans. 

I recently returned from a three year adventure across South America, traveling and teaching English in countries like Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. I found that living by the beach in these amazing countries is so much better than dealing with London’s grey skies and extremely high prices. Instead of being stuck in the rain back home, I divided my time between teaching and traveling to amazing places like jungles, deserts and volcanoes.   

Why do so many teachers move abroad? The adventure is a big part of it. I got to dive into different cultures, enjoy incredible food, and even learn some Spanish and Portuguese. Plus, the cost of living is much lower. In London, I would be struggling to save, but in Colombia, I lived comfortably and saved money. 

The lifestyle is another big reason. In many of these countries, life moves at a slower, more relaxed pace. I had more time to enjoy life, explore new places, and just chill out. Some places even offered free housing and other perks. Good luck finding that in London! 

Living abroad has also been great for my career. It shows I’m flexible and adaptable, which looks great on a resume. And who knows? It might lead to even more exciting opportunities in the future.  Living abroad allows me to live well, save money, explore new cultures and have incredible experiences. While moving abroad isn't for everyone, I feel very humbled and grateful for the chance to experience it. Swapping London's grey skies for the vibrant and diverse countries of Latin America has made a huge difference in my life.

What do you think is the best part about living abroad as a teacher?

a) Discovering new cultures and trying amazing foods?
b) Saving money and enjoying a lower cost of living?
c) A relaxing lifestyle with more free time?
d) Living away from home?