Everything you need to know about teaching overseas – including all the things the employers / recruiters don’t tell you!

 

With the summer term upon us, many teachers will be finishing their current contracts and will have secured positions in overseas schools for the 2019/2020 academic year.  Having had the good fortune of living and teaching abroad for a number of years now, there are a few hints and tips I would like to share.

 

 

Securing a Position

Firstly, for those who may not yet have secured a position and are still looking, ensure you investigate potential schools / systems thoroughly and pore over any contracts issued with a fine-tooth comb.  Don’t be shy about negotiating your salary, and don’t simply accept an offer because you feel time is running out.  

Consider:

• What hours will you be required to work? 
• How many pupils will be in your care?
• What curriculum is being used?  Are you familiar with it?
• What resources are in the school?
• Is planning time provided?
• Are there subject specialists for any subjects (at primary level)?
• How many contact hours will you have?
• Is there SEN support in the school?
• Do classes have support assistants?
• Is CPD provided?
• What opportunities are there for career progression?
• What obligations will fall on you in terms of provision of extra supervision / extra-curricular activities? 
• Are there many events you will be expected to attend in the evenings or at weekends? 
• How long is the probation period and what is the process is if you do not pass it?
• Are there stipulations regarding your social life? For example, some contracts have very strict role model conditions such that drinking alcohol, smoking, or wearing a bikini is forbidden.

 

Consider all of the above very carefully.  There can be heavy penalties to pay for those who find themselves unhappy in a new location and wishing to break the contract. This may include the costs of recruitment and relocation.  

 

As labour laws differ from place to place, some schools have been known to breach their contractual obligations towards teachers.  Seeking redress can be very difficult, so ensure you have undertaken detailed research as the horror stories are typically shared online as a warning to others. 

 

Schools with high numbers of vacancies or those you notice repeatedly re-advertising posts warrant further research.  Is the school a growing one, in which case having lots of posts available is to be expected, or is staff turnover high, suggesting problems exist?  Some schools may have to re-advertise posts as the school location is not as attractive as others out there.  This is not a reflection on the school, and the location may be perfect for you.  Moreover, such schools may offer pathways to promotion not so readily available elsewhere.  Identify what you want out of a potential move and gauge accordingly.  

 

Another thing to consider regarding location is the climate and levels of pollution. If you love to do long-distance running, but air pollution prevents you spending time outside, will you be able to cope?  I have found lots of recruiters do not readily volunteer such information, so ensure you ask lots of questions!

 

All that said, I have found working overseas to be very enriching, so make sure your passport is well in date in case you receive a last minute offer you cannot refuse! If / when you do, here are some other things to consider and questions to raise with HR / recruiters.

 

 

Documentation

Carry your documentation in your hand luggage.  This will likely include:

• Passport
• Driver’s licence and/or International Driver’s Licence
• Academic certificates (with certified translations if applicable)
• Vetting (police check) documentation
• Required medical report
• Immunisation record
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Financial information (see banking), insurance certificates, and copy of your will. 

 

You will need to provide original copies of your degree certificate (and any additional qualifications).  It is advisable to also keep separate secure copies of your documentation.    

 

 

Travelling Couples

If travelling as a couple, moves are typically most straight forward for married heterosexual couples.  Where one partner has accepted a job, their ‘trailing spouse’ is likely to be entitled to a dependent’s visa.  It is worth closely investigating whether there are potential employment opportunities available for the ‘trailing spouse.’  Many countries have regulations requiring jobs to be offered to locals first of all.  Search online for local job advertisements.  Are there many jobs available in your partner’s industry?  Are they at an equivalent level such that they can feel fulfilled?  If not, think carefully about the implications of one person being unemployed / stepping off the career ladder as this can put great strain on relationships as well as creating a financial burden.  Trailing Spouse Syndrome, where one lacks direction and contentment, is very real and often quite damaging..  

 

Married couples in same-sex relationships should investigate whether their marriage is recognised in the country they are considering moving to (both in terms of being able to obtain a dependent’s visa and living together).  

 

For unmarried couples, especially where only one has an employment offer, check immigration rules to establish how long your partner can enter the country for at any one time.  Sometimes couples move with a view to the person without a job offer securing employment upon arrival. This is a risky strategy.  Whilst it can happen that they secure a job offer, it is worth bearing in mind that sometimes work permits for overseas workers cannot be processed whilst the applicant is in the country.  It is therefore essential to ensure you have sufficient funds available for one to leave for a time if necessary.  Consider carefully what will happen if no job offer is forthcoming.  Will you manage a long-distance relationship? Can you bear the costs of living separately in 2 different countries? Finally, if it all works out well and you both have job offers, investigate if there are regulations around unmarried couples living together and how strictly adhered to these are.

 

Finding a Home

There are many questions to consider in relation to setting up home in a new country.

• Is accommodation provided as part of your contract?  
• If not, will you be supported in order to find a place to live?  
• Will you be provided with a hotel when you move over and for how long?
• Will some of your salary be loaned to you in advance to help with the costs of setting up home and perhaps purchasing a car?
• If not, how much of a contingency fund have you saved ahead of your move?

 

It is useful to investigate local market-place websites as these will provide an insight into typical expenses and will give you a flavour of the housing available to you.  I mention this to you as I am currently living in a city with seemingly lots of property to rent, but many of the owners seek tenants who share their religion, thus limiting the options available. A friend similarly struggled in India as many of the landlords she approached sought vegetarian tenants.

 

 

Moving with Children

If you are a parent, how easy will it be to secure a school place for your child? Many international schools will offer a discounted school place, but if you are moving to work in government / state schools, your child may not be entitled to a school place in this system and you will need to secure a private school place for them.  

 

Check as to whether private schools offering the type of education (curriculum) you want have places available.  Many good schools are often oversubscribed and have waiting lists.  Conducting lots of research in advance is advisable.

• Can you find a school that will provide continuity for your child / children? 
• Are the subjects they are currently studying being offered in the potential new school? 
• If not, are there online tutoring options that may work for them?
• Do they have the self-motivation and discipline to apply themselves to learning in this way?
• If your children are close to tertiary education stage, will they move with you or remain behind (perhaps at boarding school)?  
• Will an overseas move affect the fees they will be required to pay should they apply for university from abroad?
  
  

 

At the other end of the spectrum, childcare for younger children equally requires careful investigation.

• If your child / children are of preschool age, how easy will it be to secure a nursery / crèche place for them?
• What are the costs involved?
• Will you need to hire a nanny for them?
• How easy / difficult is that process in the location you will be based in? 
• Are there agencies who will provide vetted candidates?
• What are the costs involved?
• If hiring someone privately, find out about the system of obtaining work permits etc.
• If having more children is in your plans, what is maternity care like in the country you are moving to?
• Will you have to pay for your care?
• How much maternity/paternity leave is available (if any)?

 

 

If your child has special needs, think carefully about the support services you currently access and whether there are similar services available should you move.  Will you be able to find a school that will offer a place and meet your child’s needs?  Will you need to pay a premium for the additional support required?  

 

Consider carefully each child’s resilience levels and their capacity to make friends. 

• How do they manage changes to their routines?
• Do they make friends easily? 
• For children who enjoy/excel in certain hobbies, e.g., sport or music, will they be able to participate at the same level in your new location?

 

Local websites are a font of information on childcare and education matters.  You will often find ‘expat’ websites, magazines, blogs, and Facebook groups where you can make connections with fellow parents and have a lot of your questions answered ahead of your move.

 

Banking and Budgeting

Due diligence regulations for banks can make opening a new account quite challenging.  It is advisable to discuss the process with HR / your recruiter in advance.

• How easy is it to open a bank account when you move?  
• What documentation will be necessary?

 

Some banks look for a statement and / or a reference letter from your current bank.  This can be tricky to obtain (many banks refuse to provide them) but even more complicated when you are already overseas; knowing about such requirements in advance affords you the best opportunity of lining up the paperwork you need.

 

When trying to project expenses and set a budget, remember to do your calculations based on the salary you will be earning.  This may well be lower than your current salary, but cost of living may be such that you will end up being able to save money despite this.  As advised, look on local websites to glean some idea about costs of renting a home / school fees / hiring a car / buying furniture if none is provided etc.  

 

Notify your current bank that you will be travelling such that your cards will not be blocked when overseas transactions are processed.  Also check whether you will be able to access your online banking in the country you are moving to.  My previous bank blocks all IP addresses from my current location so accessing my old account is not possible.  Check in advance that this will not happen to you.  Furthermore, ensure your current bank cards are well in date should you need to access your contingency fund when you first move.

 

You may find it helpful to meet with an accountant / financial adviser prior to your move such that you can discuss the tax implications of working overseas.  This may be particularly pertinent if you have a home you will be letting while you are away.

  

We have discussed cost of living, but a final note on this relates to investigating how far any savings you build up in your new job will support you if you plan to travel and explore neighbouring countries in your new location.  Travel costs can vary widely from place to place within the same continent, so be mindful of this.  Also, it is important to remember too, you will often face great pressure to make return visits home, and these can really drain your savings.  Will your new job enable you to lead the lifestyle you desire?  Will you be able to return home at short notice were an emergency to arise?

 

 

Healthcare

There are lots of questions and issues to consider here, and I list a few for you to mull over.

 

• What are the costs and standards of healthcare in the country you are moving to?
• What level of services are available to you locally?
• How far will you need to travel if you require more specialised care?
• Have you been offered health insurance as part of your contract?
• When will this coverage start and what are the excesses on the policy like?
• Are there rules and regulations regarding sick leave in the school?
• Will your pay be cut if you are ill?
• What medical tests are required in order to obtain a work permit?  
• Do you need to have any vaccinations?
• If you are a parent, check if your children need specific vaccines for entry to their school.
• If you take prescription medication, ensure you have a sufficient supply for the first few weeks to allow you time to register with a doctor, and check whether you must complete any paperwork in order to bring this with you.
• Bringing a supply of your regular contact lenses is also helpful in case you are unable to obtain them when you move.
• Packing a basic first-aid kit is a good idea. 
• I would also recommend a dental (and ophthalmology if necessary) check-up prior to your departure.

 

 

Driving

It is probably worthwhile obtaining an international driving licence from your country of origin.  Before you move, try to find out: 

• What is the procedure for obtaining a driving licence? 
• How expensive (and how readily available) is car hire?   
• Is it better to buy a scooter?  If so, have you ever ridden one?
• Do you know where you are being placed and whether it is possible to get to your new workplace by public transport? 

 

In one location I worked in, there was a requirement to sit the theory portion of the driving test. A lady who arrived in the same cohort as me failed this and was facing a long journey to work (in a key stage she was not familiar with) on a route not served by transport.  Overwhelmed by it all, she fled during the induction week.

 

 

Shipping Allowance

Some contracts will provide a shipping allowance.  Ensure you check if such an allowance is provided and how much it will entitle you to ship.  Shipping costs can quickly mount up, and going beyond what is allowed may prove very expensive, so I suggest thinking very carefully about what you choose to bring.  

 

Investigate the cost of living in the country you are moving to.  In locations where cost of living is very high, shipping items can prove cost-effective.  This can particularly be the case for families travelling with children and the myriad of paraphernalia this often entails.  In locations where the cost of living is lower, it may make more sense to sell / store items before leaving and replace them if necessary upon arrival.  I would advise thinking carefully before paying to store items about the likelihood of you wanting / needing them by the time your contract(s) is finished.

 

For those who decide to ship lots of personal belongings and larger items, be aware rules vary from country to country as regards the time limits for the import of goods.  Miss the import deadline and you may be charged import tax on your belongings.  Ensure you bring sufficient items with you for the first few weeks as shipping delays are common, and it may take some time for your goods to be cleared upon arrival.

Although hard to envisage at the outset, some longer-term thinking is advisable also in relation to shipping goods.  If your ultimate goal is to spend a few years overseas in various locations, a generous shipping allowance at the outset may prove costly later if future contracts do not provide one.  Ultimately, be guided by the cost of living in the country to which you are moving.  Other factors to consider include:

 

• How sentimental are you about your personal belongings?
• Do you have a place to store items or will you need to pay for a lock-up?
• Is accommodation typically furnished / unfurnished in the country in which you will be living?  
• Will your electrical goods work or will adapters / transformers be required?
• Is your mobile phone unlocked?
• Have you invested in specialist equipment for hobbies and will you be able to participate in that hobby when you move?
• How easy is it likely to be to purchase clothing in your size?
• Even if you are moving to a warmer climate, air-conditioned buildings may mean you still need some warmer items for work-wear, so don’t forget to pack some.
• If there are particular products you use (especially self-care items), it may be worthwhile bringing those with you.
• Can you turn your teaching resources into digital files such that you are not transporting heavy books?
• Investigate insuring your shipment.

 

 

I hope this guide is helpful and supports your move.  I plan to write some more on the topics of teaching overseas and global citizenship. I also plan to share some research I found particularly helpful around awareness of cultural differences which may be helpful in supporting you as you settle into a new role. 

 

Until then, as you plan and prepare, good luck, go n-éirí leat, buona fortuna, semoga berjaya, buena suerte, semoga berjaya, zhu ni hao yun, bonne chance…