Teaching English abroad is probably one of the most rewarding experiences for teachers. Before jumping on such an opportunity, remember that it's also a great challenge. Teachers of English as a second language in a foreign country face anything from misunderstandings to classroom culture clashes. Still, the experience is definitely worth the risk. Prepare for some hard work ahead and make the most from your time abroad with these 10 key tips to help you teach English in foreign countries.

1. Don’t get discouraged if students seem unresponsive

As an American teacher, you're probably used to participatory classrooms where students are in constant dialogue with teachers. In other countries you might find out that students are usually silent, but listening closely to what you're saying and memorizing material on spot.

Passive students are hard to deal with, but once you understand the teaching models of other countries, you'll feel far less awkward when facing a sea of perfectly blank faces. To spice up your lessons, try to introduce role-play and discussion gradually. Students will surprise you with their ease when embracing the change.

2. Dress for the role

While informal attire is fine back home, in foreign countries you simply must abide to the degree of formality required by local culture. Neat appearance is key and sometimes will be just as important as your credentials. For instance, in Korea teachers like to wear dark clothes because they build an air of authority. Avoid flashy colors like red or orange. Make sure that your clothing is appropriate and learn local rules of etiquette. In Morocco for instance, female instructors generally don't wear trousers and avoid sleeveless blouses or very short skirts.

3. Have faith in your students

Be optimistic and greet them with a smile. It's likely that they’ll be serious about learning English since it's a condition for economic mobility. Don't allow them to get discouraged and show full support – this is how you motivate them and help them to face new learning material with a healthy dose of enthusiasm.

4. Avoid asking “Do you understand?”

This question bring more trouble than benefit. In some countries like Japan or China, students will politely nod in order to save teacher's face, regardless of their understanding of the topic. In other cases, a yes might mean a no (think Turkey). Don't expect students to ask questions when they don't understand something – they might be afraid that they'll look bad in front of the class. How to check whether students get your point? Ask them to write questions they've got in groups or summarize the learning material in short paragraphs.

5. Be fully aware of different communication styles

While in some countries fiery debates and witty repartee are very much appreciated, in others you'll find students taking lots of time to think after being asked a question. Japanese students are used to having a long moment to properly formulate their answer – blurting out the first thing that comes to their mind causes discomfort. Know what students expect from you and what class dynamics they're used to – you'll be able to prepare for it beforehand and make the experience more enjoyable.

6. Behave appropriately

Another important point about the required degree of formality. While in the US informality is considered an asset to the learning process, other countries have different education traditions. It's your job to respect them and adapt to new circumstances.

One educator asked 250 students at the Szechuan Institute of Foreign Languages in China what they liked and disliked about native speaker English teachers. As you can imagine, they main problem was the informality. Students considered this kind of behavior as undermining their authority by acting in 'undignified' manner. All in all, what doesn't make you lose prestige in the US, in other countries might cost you a lot.

7. Choose your topics with care

Be fully aware of the country’s taboos and problematic topics before launching a debate. Unfortunately, there are still many countries in the world where individuals are discouraged from expressing (or even having) their own opinion about political or ethical matters in fear of reprisal. Conducting a debate, make sure you understand the local dos and don'ts.

But you also need to consider debate dynamics. In Japan it's considered offensive to try winning the argument by presenting stronger proof. Middle-Eastern societies don't appreciate Western-style argumentation strategies either. Americans aren't comfortable discussing their religious beliefs, the French will consider any questions about family life simply rude and Japanese might not feel up to discussing their feelings.

8. Don't single out students

You might be used to students competing with each other and eagerly showing off their knowledge, but remember that this is a local attitude. Teaching abroad, you'll soon find out that in other countries conforming to the status quo and showing solidarity with classmates is more important that showing off to the teacher.

In some countries, even answering teacher's questions too often might become a reason for attracting peer envy. This is true for countries ranging from Montenegro to Japan. Competition is best achieved between groups, not individuals. If a student needs to be disciplined, make sure to do if after class and in private.

9. Offer an explanation for class activities

Assume that whatever you do might be completely different from what students are used to. That's why it makes sense to explain your every step so students understand your reasoning and approach new exercises with more enthusiasm, fully aware of their benefits.

10. Just enjoy teaching English

Just relax and start enjoying sharing your knowledge with the class. Happiness and optimism are contagious – if students see you smiling and relaxed, they're bound to feel more at ease as well.

Teaching a class of foreign students, you'll inevitably make mistakes and commit social gaffes. But don't let them discourage you – in fact, make the most from them by showing your students what cross-cultural communication means and how people from two different worlds can exchange their views and experiences in a non-ethnocentric way.