Gen Z Teachers Flee US Classrooms for Jobs Abroad: 1 Year Later, They’re Not Coming Back
A growing number of young American teachers are leaving the US education system to work in countries like South Korea, citing low pay, burnout, and a tough job market back home.
A year ago, Arianna Marie, 25, was struggling to control her students in a Florida elementary school. She lived with her parents to save on rent and felt her passion for teaching fading fast [1]. Now, she’s part of a wave of Gen Z educators moving overseas—where steady salaries, lower living costs, and engaged students offer a fresh start [1].
The shift comes as education funding is cut in many home countries and recent graduates face a weak job market [1]. For many, teaching abroad is a practical response to economic pressure: with fewer entry-level jobs and rising costs, an international post provides financial stability that’s hard to find at home [1].
Marie says the move revived her career. She now teaches in a supportive environment where students are engaged—a stark contrast to her first job [1]. Experts say this trend may ease teacher shortages in some countries while creating a new generation of globally mobile workers [1]. For now, it’s a personal solution with professional benefits [1].