If you love travel and you’re a teacher, chances are you’ve given teaching abroad some serious thought! It can be a fantastic opportunity to travel the world and develop professionally at the same time, but there’s also a lot to consider. What are the salaries like? Do you need a visa? What about getting to grips with working in a new country and learning all about the customs and curriculum? Take a look at our list of facts about teaching abroad and we’re sure that once you’re finished reading, you’ll know everything you need to about this exciting opportunity!
1. You might need some qualifications for teaching abroad.
Most international teaching positions require you to have a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification such as a full state certification in the US or a PGCE/PGDE in the UK. In some cases, schools may also require or prefer candidates with a Master’s degree and/or previous teaching experience.
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2. It’s not always necessary to speak the language of your host country, but it can help!
As many international schools teach in English, it’s not usually expected that you would need to know the local language to fulfill your role. However, having some basic language skills would help you out as don’t forget, you’ll also be living in that country! Language requirements can vary greatly depending on the country and the type of school you’d like to teach in, so it’s best to check with the school you apply to.
Learn More: International TEFL Academy
3. It can take a little bit of time and work to adapt to the new culture.
If you go to work abroad, it’s common to experience a period of cultural adjustment! This can include adapting to new social norms, language barriers, different educational systems, and even the food. Doing your homework on your destination before you go can really pay off and help you settle in quicker.
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4. Contracts are usually for a fixed term; most commonly one or two years.
Some people like to teach abroad just for a year or two, while others are looking to make the move permanent! It’s important to know that a lot of teaching contracts overseas typically range from one to two years initially. Some international schools offer shorter-term contracts or summer programs if you’re only looking for a few months of employment.
Learn More: Teach Away
5. Salaries vary depending on which country you are planning to go to.
Your take-home salary for a teaching job abroad can vary widely depending on the country and type of school you wind up working in. In some Gulf countries, like Dubai and Saudi Arabia you could expect to take home anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per month (tax-free), while in China and South Korea, it’s $1,200 to $3,000 per month.
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6. The cost of living in your host country can be considerably more or less than where you call home.
The cost of living in a foreign country can significantly impact the financial benefits of teaching abroad, regardless of the salary! Some countries with high salaries also have high living costs which can cancel out the potential benefits, while others offer more affordable living conditions, meaning that you’ll have more disposable income!
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7. There are lots of different types of schools which can all have very different curriculums that they follow.
International schools often cater to expatriate communities and typically follow American, British, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. These schools usually teach in English and offer competitive salaries, but equally, they can be competitive to land a teaching job. It’s important to know the different curriculums so that you can impress in your application.
Learn More: Teach Away
8. Working in a public school while you’re abroad can be an option, but this can be harder to organize.
You may prefer to choose to work in a public school if you’re working abroad. These positions may offer more immersive cultural experiences but might have different requirements and lower salaries compared to international schools. Chances are, you’ll also need to source these positions yourself without the help and support that a teaching abroad program can offer.
Learn More: Go Abroad
9. One of the most common routes to go into teaching abroad is via a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program.
Obtaining a TEFL certification is a common route for teaching English abroad. If you choose to sign up for a TEFL program, it’s sure to prepare you to teach English to non-native speakers in various educational settings. You’ll also get a whole load of support in finding and applying for roles.
Learn More: Teach Away
10. Often, employers abroad will provide or give you a stipend towards your housing accommodation.
Thankfully, many of the international teaching positions on offer include housing or a housing allowance as part of the compensation package. The quality and type of accommodation can vary greatly depending on the location and school, but usually, you’ll be housed with or close to other teachers in an already furnished place.
Learn More: Educators Overseas
11. Many places you might want to go to teach abroad require you to apply for a visa.
Working legally in a foreign country typically requires you to have a specific type of visa, often arranged or sponsored by the employing school. Visa requirements and processes vary by country and can be complex, but ultimately it’s your responsibility to make sure this is done correctly, so make sure you research this thoroughly.
Learn More: Go Overseas
12. It’s super important to take out health insurance before you set off.
Some international teaching positions include health insurance, while others require you to arrange your own. Understanding and navigating healthcare in a foreign country is an important consideration and not one you want to gloss over!
Learn More: Expat Financial
13. There’s a lot of variation between retirement and pension plans for teachers who work abroad.
When you’re in the middle of planning your new working life abroad, retirement is probably the last thing on your mind! However, retirement and pension plan offerings for teachers abroad vary greatly and may differ from those available wherever you call home! It’s important to research and understand the retirement benefits specific to the country you’re going to be working in and your school of employment.
Learn More: Greenback Expat Tax Services
14. Teaching abroad can offer you some pretty unique professional development opportunities.
Teaching abroad can offer you a whole load of unique professional development opportunities! From learning new educational systems and teaching methods to developing your language skills; the possibilities are endless. Many international schools also provide resources and support for teacher development.
Learn More: Schrole
15. Many people who teach abroad, especially if your home country is the U.S. have tax obligations in both the U.S. and their host country, so it’s important to look into this properly and know your stuff!
When it’s time to file your taxes, you’ll be glad you read up on this one! Teachers working abroad may have tax obligations both in their home country and the country where they are working. Understanding and complying with these tax requirements is crucial if you want to avoid getting in trouble!
Learn More: Teach Away
16. The school holidays could be totally different from what you’re used to.
The academic calendar in schools abroad can differ from that in the teacher’s home country. This includes varying start and end dates for the academic year and different holiday schedules. For example, in the US the summer vacation usually falls around the months of June and July whereas in the southern hemisphere, in Australia, their summer vacation falls over the Christmas and New Year period!
Learn More: Go Overseas
17. You could meet some new best friends in the local and expat communities that you connect with.
Working abroad can offer you the invaluable opportunity to engage with both local and expatriate communities! The cultural exchange is a brilliant way for teachers to expand their own horizons and develop a global support network!
Learn More: International TEFL Academy
18. Your new post will see you working with a class of kids from a whole host of new backgrounds!
Classrooms in international settings often have a diverse student population. You’ll be teaching students from various cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds, which is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn too!
Learn More: Brookings Institution
19. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be continuously learning and developing yourself professionally and personally.
If you’re brave enough to take the leap and take on a teaching post abroad, it’ll require you to be constantly learning and adapting. It’s not surprising to find that you’ll probably learn just as much from the experience, if not more, than you actually teach!
Learn More: Europass Teacher Academy
20. It can offer you a better work-life balance if you set your boundaries.
The work-life balance for teachers abroad can be a tricky one to get right. This balance often depends on the school’s culture and the country’s lifestyle, with some finding more leisure time and others experiencing a heavier workload. It’s important to set your boundaries and be patient as you find your feet in a new country.
Learn More: Teaching House
21. Safety and security standards and procedures might be different from what you’re used to at home.
Each country comes with its own safety and security challenges so standards and procedures may vary greatly from one country to another. You should research and prepare for the safety conditions of your host country and make yourself familiar with your school’s policies.
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22. There might be different behavioral expectations for students.
The tricky subject of behavior management in schools can be heavily influenced by culture. Behavioral expectations and disciplinary methods in schools can differ and you’ll need to be prepared to adapt to and respect the local approaches to student behavior.
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23. There are actually ten different English language teaching methods and familiarizing yourself with these can be a good idea.
If you’re planning abroad to teach English then familiarizing yourself with the teaching methods for language instruction can be super beneficial to the application process. Some schools favor an immersive language teaching approach while others use more traditional methods. Check out the schools you are applying to and get to know their approach.
Learn More: Slide Share
24. Governments often run programs to support teachers looking to teach English abroad.
Some countries offer government-run programs for teaching abroad, such as the JET Program in Japan or EPIK in South Korea. These programs typically provide structured support for foreign teachers who are looking to start teaching abroad.
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25. There are services that specialize in job placement for teachers looking to work abroad.
There are also numerous teacher recruitment agencies and services that help place teachers in schools abroad. These services will provide you with assistance in finding the perfect position, securing a visa, and preparing for the move!
Learn More: Teach Away
26. It’s a good idea to start planning a year in advance of starting your teaching abroad adventure.
Going to teach abroad isn’t something you can usually do on the fly; set yourself up for success with a 12-month planning timeline to make sure you don’t forget anything! Keep yourself on track through the research stage, deciding where you’re going, organizing your VISA, setting and meeting your savings goals, packing your bags, and finally setting off on your adventure!
Learn More: Go Abroad
27. Many international schools offer cultural training for new staff.
Some international schools and programs offer cultural training for incoming teachers to help them get to grips with local customs and expectations. It’s not only a fantastic opportunity to learn more about your host country but also the best way to make sure you don’t accidentally make a faux pas and get off on the wrong foot!
Learn More: Teacher Training Courses
28. Your host country can serve as a great base from which you can explore the globe!
One of the best things about teaching abroad is the opportunity to travel the globe! Living in a totally new country means you’ve got a whole load of travel options, both within the host country and to nearby regions. Take advantage of school holidays like never before and use them to explore new places!
Learn More: CIEE
29. If you want to stay on after your initial contract you might need to speak to the school about offering you a contract renewal.
The possibility of getting your contract renewed really depends on your performance and the school’s needs. Some teachers stay in a country for multiple years, while others move to different countries or return home. If you’re looking to stay on, make sure you’re bringing something special to the school to show them they’d be lost without you!
Learn More: Private School Review
30. Some employers offer spousal and family support.
If you’re planning to take your family away with you while you teach abroad, you’ll need somewhere for your whole family to stay. Accommodating a spouse or family can be challenging when teaching abroad, but there are some schools that offer support for families, such as spousal job assistance or education for children.
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31. Exchange programs allow you to switch places with a teacher from another country for a short-term experience.
If you’re looking for a short-term opportunity to teach abroad but to return to your original job, there are teacher exchange programs that allow teachers to work abroad for a limited time and then return to their home country! These programs are often reciprocal and involve a partnership between schools or districts.
Learn More: Go Overseas
32. You’ll be making a super contribution to global education by teaching abroad!
Teachers who work abroad are contributing to global education, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Having this experience can enrich both your experience and that of the kids you teach in classrooms around the world!
Learn More: Erin Towns
33. Teaching abroad is a fantastic way to build a global network!
As the world becomes a more technologically advanced and connected place, global networks are something that teachers can really use to their benefit! Teaching abroad gives you the opportunity to network and keep in touch with educators from around the world which can lead to professional collaborations and growth. You can also call upon these connections to help out with class projects!
Learn More: CIEE
34. You can actually experience reverse culture shock if you ever do decide to return home!
Sometimes upon returning home, you can actually experience reverse culture shock! Re-adjusting to your home culture after living abroad can be challenging and you might find yourself missing your host country! Who knows? This could even be the catalyst for you to make a more permanent move!
Learn More: TEFL Lemon
35. Opportunities to teach special educational needs abroad are out there and it can be interesting to see the different approaches taken.
The approach to accommodating special needs students can differ greatly abroad. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the host country’s policies and resources for special education and be aware that the way special needs teaching is approached may be different from your own experience.
Learn More: Asian College of Teaching
36. It’s a good idea to know your legal protections and rights in terms of your contracts and potential disputes.
The topic of legal protections for foreign teachers, such as labor rights and recourse in disputes can be confusing when you’re in a totally different country. Often, employment law is different abroad but having a basic understanding of local laws and the terms of your employment contract is important so that you know your rights.
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37. Your knowledge of different educational philosophies that you picked up at college will be put to good use!
If you cast your mind back to your teacher training days, you can probably remember a little about educational philosophies and pedagogy. Educational philosophies and teaching approaches can be deeply influenced by local cultures and so the makeup of these in your host country could be really different from what you’re used to back home!
Learn More: Research Gate
38. Your new students might need a bit of an adjustment period as they get used to you.
Just as you might be experiencing a bit of culture shock when you move to a new country, your new students may need time to adjust to a new teacher from a totally new place. Building rapport and understanding each other’s backgrounds is the best way to get things off to a great start with your kiddos. Arrive with a whole host of getting-to-know-you activities and games to learn more about each other!
Learn More: Study
39. You may need a professional licensure to teach abroad.
To teach abroad you’ll usually need a professional teaching license. You can get specific ESL ones to teach English abroad but if you’re teaching a specific subject at an international school for example, they’ll need a teaching license from your own home country. You might also need to meet additional requirements or obtain a local teaching license.
Learn More: Magoosh
40. Teaching abroad can do great things for your career trajectory.
Teaching abroad can be great for your career trajectory, as it offers you unique experiences that can be highly valued in educational settings. It can also open doors to international educational careers and your vast experience will make you stand out to potential employers.
Learn More: Careerizma
41. You might find that you need a little time to adjust to your new environment!
Your teaching job abroad could give you a complete change of scenery! Adjusting to a new climate and environment is part of the experience of teaching abroad and can range from navigating different weather patterns and seasonal changes to swapping up urban or rural landscapes!
Learn More: Penn Global
42. There are a lot of groups for teachers working abroad or expat communities on social media sites that you can go to for tips and support.
Who says social media is all bad? Social networking platforms are often home to large expat communities and can be a valuable resource for teachers abroad. They provide support, advice, and opportunities for you to link up with other people in a similar situation.
Learn More: LinkedIn
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