International Teaching Jobs
Starting an international teaching job can be an enriching and rewarding opportunity. Some teachers choose a position that will keep them in one location for a long period of time. This enables them to completely immerse themselves in the local culture and to create bonds with their students and other people in the community. Other people choose to teach in one country for two or three years and then relocate to another country etc. This is ideal for people who wish to remain in one area long enough to make a positive difference but also want to experience the customs and cultures of several countries. Some teachers will prefer to take a year off from their regular local teaching positions to teach in another country or may utilize their summer vacation time to teach in another country for a couple of months.
photo credit: woodleywonderworks
An international teaching job comes with its advantages and disadvantages. There are many advantages. There are multiple teaching positions in several different countries available to choose from. A large number of these teaching positions offer not only tax free income but they also come with full benefits packages. The number of students in classes in other countries are typically fewer in number than the number of students here at home. You also get the opportunity to experience many different languages and cultures on top of getting the opportunity to experience beautiful countries. A large number of these teaching positions include housing or housing allowances as well as relocation expenses. Some positions also come with annual or semi-annual home leave so that you can return home to visit with your families and friends.
There are also some cons to international teaching. Some countries are not considered to be as safe as other countries and having the appearance of an outsider can be dangerous. Depending on the country you choose to take a teaching position in, you may be required to attempt to blend in with your surroundings. Positions that come with housing should be carefully researched. Not all provided housing is equal and you should know what standard of housing is being offered with the position. Be sure you understand what is included in the school day and how the school is organized and run. It can be very different from what you are used to at home. If you find your position through an organization that organizes world travel jobs, there can often be fees that your employers are required to pay. If you should break your contract for whatever reason, you might be required to repay these fees.
If you are still interested in an international teaching job, there are many websites that are dedicated to listing available positions. If you already are a teacher, there is a possibility that there may be international teaching opportunities through your school board as well. Programs like Amnesty International also often have positions available and advertised.
Determine what it is that you are looking for in an international teaching job prior to searching listings. Determine the length of teaching assignment you are looking for. Decide if you want to stay in one country or teach in multiple countries. Learn what documents you need and if any shots are required prior to leaving. Be sure you fully understand the housing being offered and the requirements of the job. Expect to have positive enriching experiences but also expect there to be some bumps in the road.