8 Adventure-Filled Tips for Teaching Abroad

Teaching overseas is a popular calling among would-be expats and also a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about other cultures. Many digital nomads from the US engage in this activity to help sustain their travel expenses.

Doing just anything abroad portends encountering a cultural shock. Depending on the country of your choice, it can be more or less impactful. 

Regardless of this, teachers should familiarize themselves with local customs, language, and societal expectations.

Let’s take a look at 7 essential hacks to keep in mind.

1.   Research Destinations, Visas, and Work Requirements

Relocating is almost synonymous with paperwork. Still, different countries have different requirements and job conditions can vary greatly.

E.g., if you have a job offer, chances are, the employer will be taking care of legal paperwork. Still, you can always go the extra mile and learn a couple of everyday phrases and research local customs.

On top of obtaining a visa (when necessary), you should also familiarize yourself with tax requirements. The US has tax treaties with some 70 countries but if your destination isn’t on the list, you’ll need to stay compliant with tax obligations.

2.   Research Local Culture

Cultural shocks are common when traveling to unfamiliar countries. The bigger the difference between the local culture and yours, the greater the initial shock will be.

That’s why it’s recommended to research local culture and connect with the local expat community once you’ve arrived.

Many companies offer language courses and social activities to help the foreign workforce get up to speed, but you shouldn’t take anything for granted nevertheless.

Nothing speaks disrespect more than ignorance of local traditions. This holds especially true for conformist societies, which are rooted in fundamentally different values than those common in western societies.

3.   Research Local Language

Another matter of interest is the language of the country you’re going to teach in. Unless you’re moving to a country where English is the mother language, you’d do well to learn at least the general phrases that may come in handy in everyday life.

Good day, thank you, my name is… and so on are just the beginning.

As mentioned above, if there’s a local expat community, get connected! Expats are a treasure trove of experiences and they can also help newcomers with recommendations and references. They can also help with understanding taxes and recommend local professionals for literally anything you may need.

There are many instances where employers offer language lessons as part of the package, so you may want to compare opportunities before picking a single employer.

4.   Gather References

References and recommendation letters from former employers or professors can help you land a better job even if you have an initial agreement.

As a general rule, many people start researching opportunities to teach abroad once they’ve relocated and they typically find a better offer along the way.

For people with a contract, there’s a possibility to find a new job after the contract expires. That’s actually rather common, especially for language teachers.

Also, your initial employer abroad may help you by recommending your services to another employer once your tenure is over. Keep an open mind and research professional prospects.

5.   Find Teaching Opportunities

Local teaching opportunities can be found in international schools, language centers, government programs, and local schools.

Depending on the subject you teach, you may find better opportunities locally than in international institutions. While international schools are known for employing expats, they are not necessarily the best choice.

That’s why it is recommended to start exploring opportunities as soon as you arrive. Also, if you need to learn the local language, you’ll get plenty of time to learn it from local schools while you’re busy with your first job.

6.   Research Salaries and Benefits

Compensation packages vary greatly from school to school- That’s why researching available options before selecting a job is recommended. You may easily do it from the comfort of your home before you even set out.

Salaries aside, you should also look into housing options. Some employers indeed offer accommodation or housing allowances, but, typically, accommodation offered by employers is nothing sensational. If have specific requirements, you should research accommodation on your own.

There’s a catch here, though: flats for rent rarely live up to their photos posted online and indeed there are many cases of expats finding it too late.

However, there’s nothing wrong with staying at shared accommodation or even a hotel room while looking for a perfect fit.

The next benefit to keep in mind is medical insurance. It can get rather expensive and some countries even require that applicants have an insurance policy before they issue them a visa.

If this is too expensive for you, look up employers who offer medical insurance. Some countries treat expats the same way as do residents or have affordable social benefits programs, so make sure to familiarize yourself with all aspects of this complicated issue.

7.   Keep Track of Money, Currencies, and Exchange Rates

Local currencies can get tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with exchange rates. Make sure to research them and find reliable exchange offices (as opposed to shady businesses that are abundant in popular tourist spots).

Also, research payment options. Generally speaking, local banks and credit cards are typically better suited for expats as they come with lower fees. However, if you’ll be relying on international money transfers or sending money home, you should compare all offers. Thankfully, there are many options to choose from. Online payment processing platforms may be a better solution than US-based banks and eWallets can help in other ways.

8.   Brainstorm Travel Arrangements

Travel arrangements are energy drainers that are unavoidable. Since moving to faraway countries can get expensive, extensive research is needed in this department as well.

Add to that the fact that you’ll need to keep track of dates, routes, airlines, and different time zones, so plan well ahead. Make sure to factor in unexpected costs!

Also, arranging transportation from the airport to accommodation upon arrival beforehand is highly recommended. The usual options include shuttles, taxis, and even public transit. In some cases, employers may take care of this but if they don’t, don’t leave it to chance.

Everything considered, preparations for teaching abroad involve research, preparation, and nerves of steel. Don’t get discouraged; after all, it’s an adventure!