Teaching English to students abroad can be a rewarding experience. It can help change people’s lives, especially in countries where knowing how to communicate in English can be a key skill. According to Statista, it was the most spoken language in 2023, with close to 1.5 billion people speaking it.
However, this rewarding experience also comes with unexpected health challenges. Every country has different environmental conditions, healthcare systems, and cultural norms. As a TEFL teacher, understanding these differences can help prevent unnecessary stress and make your time abroad smoother and safer.
In this article, we will look at health issues that TEFL teachers teaching abroad should know about.
Table of Contents
Adjusting to a New Climate and Environment
Moving to a different country often means adjusting to a climate that’s quite different from what you’re used to. Whether you’re teaching in Southeast Asia’s humidity or the dry heat of the Middle East, your body will need time to adapt.
Consider climate change, which can drastically impact your body. Data shows that the world is only 1.1°C hotter than in the 1800s. However, this small change is causing consequences like increased droughts, rising ocean levels, severe storms, etc. Now, imagine moving from a country like the USA to Ghana. The average temperature in the former was 9.7°C, and that in the latter was 27.7°C in 2022.
Heat exhaustion and dehydration can become serious in hotter regions if you’re not careful. Teachers working in areas with poor air quality may also face respiratory discomfort or illness, especially during seasons when air pollution worsens.
Water safety can be another concern, particularly in countries where tap water is unsafe to drink. Contaminated water can lead to stomach infections or long-term digestive problems.
Even if you’re staying in urban centers, it’s worth checking if bottled or filtered water is the better choice. Some countries also have local parasites or bacteria in food that your digestive system might not be used to. This can result in frequent stomach upsets during your first few months.
How can TEFL teachers prepare their bodies before arriving in a country with extreme weather conditions?
Before arriving, it helps to gradually adjust your body by practicing temperature exposure, if possible. This can include walking in hotter or colder conditions than you’re used to. Staying hydrated, improving your physical fitness, and researching local clothing norms can also ease the physical transition once you arrive.
Common Illnesses in Different Regions
In tropical countries, mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Yellow fever is also a concern in some parts of South America and Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of the total infectious health problems. They claim around 700,000 deaths annually.
Meanwhile, flu and respiratory infections spread quickly in colder climates or crowded cities, especially during winter. Schools can be breeding grounds for viruses, and as a teacher, you’re in close contact with students every day. Some teachers also report catching colds more frequently in the first year.
Besides these common illnesses, it is also important to consider how the environment can impact your body. For instance, pelvic organ disorders like prolapse are common in women, and climate change can drastically affect the symptoms. Environmental factors like lifestyle, access to healthcare, geographic locations, etc., can impact how you can manage these conditions and their symptoms.
In such cases, it is important to be informed of treatment options like a vaginal mesh. It has long been considered an effective treatment option for pelvic organ disorders like prolapse. A vaginal mesh can help support weakened pelvic floor tissues, which can reduce the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
TruLaw states that while mesh can be effective, it is also known to cause numerous health consequences. Many patients who implanted vaginal mesh have complained about mesh erosion, infection, pelvic organ damage, pain during intercourse, etc.
With so many health problems, you might wonder what can be used instead of mesh for prolapse. Well, there are many other treatment options, such as:
- Native Tissue Repair
- Gynecare Prolift
- Sacrocolpopexy
- Vaginal Pessary
- Fascia Lata Graft
These methods can help reduce symptoms without the risks associated with mesh, which may be challenging to address if complications occur while abroad.
Are local remedies or traditional medicines safe to use for treating regional illnesses?
While many local remedies are culturally essential and helpful, it’s best to approach them cautiously if you are unfamiliar with the ingredients. Some herbal treatments can interact with prescription medications or cause allergic reactions, so it’s wise to consult a doctor first.
Mental and Emotional Health Challenges
Living far from home can be emotionally demanding. Even teachers excited about the move can experience homesickness, loneliness, or cultural fatigue. It’s not uncommon for the initial excitement of a new place to wear off, leaving behind feelings of isolation or confusion.
A lack of social support can make this even more complicated in smaller towns or rural areas. An NCBI study states that social support can offer a protective effect on key depression symptoms. This is more helpful in men’s networks but can also significantly help women. Building a daily routine, finding hobbies, and making local connections can help, but mental health still deserves attention.
Some teachers also feel pressure to perform well in unfamiliar work settings. Schools may have different expectations, classroom behavior may vary, and communication with local staff can be challenging. These factors can lead to anxiety or low confidence, especially during the first few months of settling in.
How can TEFL teachers find mental health support if local services are limited or not in English?
Online therapy platforms can be a helpful option for teachers in areas without local support or English-speaking professionals. Many licensed therapists now offer video sessions across time zones. Both online and offline, expat communities and peer support groups can provide emotional encouragement and practical advice.
Access to Healthcare and Medications
Health services differ widely from country to country. In some places, clinics are well-equipped and affordable. In others, you might have to travel long distances to find suitable care or rely on private hospitals that charge much higher fees.
The Commonwealth Fund has ranked healthcare systems across 10 countries in different categories. Some of these categories included:
- Access to care
- Care process
- Administrative efficiency
- Equity
- Health outcomes
You can access these factors based on where you are going to teach. Language barriers can also make explaining symptoms or understanding medical advice harder. Before you travel, it’s worth checking what health coverage is available through your employer or local government.
If you rely on regular medication, this area needs attention. Not all medicines are available in every country, and brand names may differ.
Some teachers bring enough medicine to last for months or arrange for shipments from home. However, this depends on each country’s legal and logistical limits. Local pharmacies may also carry unfamiliar versions or require a prescription from a local doctor, which can add an extra layer of complexity.
Staying healthy as a TEFL teacher abroad means more than just avoiding illness. It involves learning to look after yourself in a different setting and being aware of the risks and resources around you. Preparation makes a difference, but so does flexibility.
