Maybe you have been entertaining the thought of teaching overseas, but before getting started with the packing, there are several things you need to think about.
When you teach overseas, you get the chance of exploring the globe and experiencing school life in a school far from your home. You can also end up earning more. Contact Tradewind Recruitment. Before you can start packing, you need to put some things into consideration. From cultural differences to accommodation costs, it is important to research before booking your flight.
1. Trying to learn the local language
Being able to say a few pleasantries is important. You can have an easier time learning the language is there is a local person who can teach you for a couple of months. Learning the language enriches your experience, opens you up to a new circle of friendship, and increased your personal security.
2. Being aware of the cultural traditions
Get a guide and learn more about the country. You should be very careful when it comes to cultural differences; something that you consider as normal in your country might not be the same. You can see this in the way women behave and dress. You should be very careful when dealing with other cultures.
See if there is political tension in the country, and the impact it has on day-to-day living. Check to see if there are any national or regional security issues. The best place to find more information is the foreign office. You should make a copy of your passport because it comes in handy during emergencies.
3. Checking out the school
Do a lot of research and questions. When you have more information, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether it is the right post for you or not. Look for a former teacher so you can ask them questions.
4. Thoroughly reading the contract
When it comes to signing the contract, make sure it is done at the start of the school year, or you might have a hard time when it comes to getting redundancy pay when the school runs into difficulties. See if the contract has any legal loopholes. You should also see whether the local country’s laws enforce promises.
If you decide to leave the job before your contract ends, which can be years, you might be forced to pay a financial penalty and gratuities and airfares withheld.
5. Check the resources you will have
It is important to find which year groups you are going to teach, and which subjects. You should find what the school has when it comes to resources, but you need to save for your TES resources in the meantime.
6. Checking your qualifications count
This is very important for teachers who are taking migration rather than an ex-pat going overseas to teach. Commonwealth countries tend to base their systems on the UK’s, but this does not mean that the qualifications from the UK are going to be recognized, which has an impact on promotion and salary.
7. Keeping your paperwork in order
Some countries have horrendous bureaucracy and you might be forced to apply for a work visa each year. If you are in Australia and want to go to a different state, you need to be re-licensed again.
Once you complete the process, make sure that the passport will be able to run for a couple of years before you can start your adventure overseas.
8. Thinking about your return home
Keep in mind that in the UK, employees’ statutory employment rights like rights to redundancy payments and protection against unfair dismissal usually depend on the length of your continuous service. This is going to be broken when working abroad for many purposes.
