What 13 Years of Teaching Abroad Have Taught Me
I've been teaching English for over 13 years now, and for the past 14 years, I’ve been living in Turkey , a country  diverse and rich in culture, warmth. Throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of learners from all walks of life. And if there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Teaching is not a one-way transfer of knowledge , it’s a deeply emotional, two-way journey.

In this post, I’d like to share some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from my students during my time teaching English abroad. 

1.  Every Student Learns Differently
Some students need visuals. Others need repetition, movement, storytelling, or just real conversation. Over the years, I’ve realized that no two learners are the same. One of my greatest responsibilities as a teacher is to observe, adapt, and customize my approach for each individual. That kind of attention doesn’t just make learning more effective , it makes students feel seen, and that matters.

2. Motivation Looks Different for Everyone
Not every student wants to pass an exam or get a job abroad. Some just want to talk to their grandchildren who live overseas. Others want to feel confident in meetings. Learning their “why” helps me shape lessons that matter to them. When lessons feel relevant, progress comes naturally.

3. Making Mistakes Is a Crucial Part of Learning 
One unique thing I’ve observed in Turkey is that many learners are afraid of making grammar mistakes. This fear often comes from an education system that focuses heavily on accuracy and rules, not on real communication. Many of my students tell me they were taught that “mistakes are bad,” so they hesitate to speak, even when they know the words. But once they realize that communication — not perfection — is the goal, something shifts. They relax. They try. They speak more freely. This mindset change often begins when we create a safe, encouraging, and warm space together in our lessons.

And because I, too, am currently learning a new language, I completely understand how it feels to struggle for words or make a silly mistake. That shared vulnerability builds trust, and trust builds progress.

4. Learning Is an Emotional, Two-Way Journey
As a teacher living abroad, I don’t just teach my students, they teach me. Thanks to them, I’ve learned to navigate Turkish culture more easily, understand local humor, appreciate different worldviews, and even discover new ways of thinking. They’ve helped me see that language isn’t just grammar and vocabulary. It’s laughter, frustration, curiosity, courage, and connection. Learning — at its best — is deeply emotional. We remember what makes us feel something. That’s why I always aim to connect first, and teach second.

5. Safe, Warm Spaces Make All the Difference
In the beginning, many students are shy, afraid of making mistakes, or convinced they’ll “never be fluent.” But when we build a space together that feels safe and relaxed, they begin to blossom. They stop waiting to speak “perfect English” and start expressing who they are. That’s when real learning happens , when language becomes a tool, not a test.

Final Thoughts
Over the years, my students have taught me patience, empathy, flexibility, and the value of connection. Teaching abroad has not only made me a better educator, it’s made me a better human. Although I’ve spent many years in Turkey and have worked closely with Turkish learners, I’ve also had the chance to teach students from many other countries both online and in-person. Every culture brings a unique perspective to language learning, and I’ve found great joy in discovering those differences and learning from them.

So wherever you're from — whether you're in Tokyo or São Paulo, Istanbul or Berlin — you're warmly invited to join me. Let’s learn together, grow together, and share more than just language, let’s share stories, laughter, and understanding.