Less than 20% of South Africans living abroad would ‘definitely’ return - survey

The TEFL Academy conducted an online poll of South Africans aged 18+ in September 2023. All respondents were alumni of The TEFL Academy. Picture: Unsplash/Ana Nichita

The TEFL Academy conducted an online poll of South Africans aged 18+ in September 2023. All respondents were alumni of The TEFL Academy. Picture: Unsplash/Ana Nichita

Published Sep 29, 2023

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Less than a quarter of South Africans currently living abroad are adamant about returning to the country, citing instability, safety and better work opportunities as the major reasons behind their decision.

In a world where opportunities are more global than ever, only 19% of South Africans currently living abroad have claimed they are ‘definitely’ going to return home.

A new generation of highly educated are fleeing the country in search of better wages and conditions for working.

A recent survey conducted by The TEFL Academy on South Africans currently living abroad revealed that 25% of respondents would ‘definitely not’ be returning, 43% claimed to be ‘undecided’, whereas only 19% were adamant about their prospects of returning back home.

A recent survey conducted by The TEFL Academy on South Africans currently living abroad. Picture: Supplied

The biggest reason many South Africans are choosing to live abroad is better job prospects.

A follow-up survey conducted by The TEFL Academy on 948 South Africans who currently live or have lived abroad in the past revealed that nearly 40% went overseas in search of better opportunities.

One individual when surveyed claimed: “Even if there are job opportunities, the money they offer is absolutely laughable.

“Not to mention how time-consuming it is. My degree taught me a lot and it helped me be a better teacher, but it didn't help me find work in my own country.”

The TEFL Academy conducted an online poll of South Africans aged 18+ in September 2023. All respondents were alumni of The TEFL Academy. Picture: Supplied