Teaching Abroad: Thinking about it?

Working overseas opens your mind to different ideas, different approaches, and different methods. Most often you will get a very different student profile. It calls for flexibility and diplomacy. It can be extremely challenging at times and certainly rarely dull!

There are heaps of opportunities to teach abroad, whether in international schools, local establishments, private language schools, or even with a single family. There are plenty of agencies trying to get you there too (article to follow in this series).

You will, of course, have a billion questions about the teaching situation and generally about living abroad. What’s the curriculum? How much can I earn? What about accommodation? What can my spouse/partner do? How do I know what the school’s really like? Will I be able to find a good school for my kids? We’ll address each of these and more in subsequent articles, but almost every aspect of teaching or living abroad varies from school to school, so ultimately you will have to do some research in those areas yourself. Bear in mind that the schools which pay the least are often in areas with extremely low cost of living and savings can be very high, so don’t let that be the main factor you look at.

First of all, take time to update your CV. This is always a useful exercise anyway. Many of us go on courses (or even run them!), manage clubs, or take on other forms of professional development which we often forget to add to our résumé. It is always good to be able to show how involved you are in the life of the school outside the classroom, you are a real part of the community, and you have other interests, too.

Ideally you should have a short version (no more than two pages) and a longer version. In the short version include, along with your personal details, recent employment and/or relevant experience and training as well as the full contact details of three referees. This is the version most potential employers are going to want to see. The longer version can be made available when requested, but usually this more detailed information will be covered at interview, if at all. Many international schools require a photo so make sure you have a digital passport-style shot handy.

As you add to your CV, any hitherto hidden aspirations will probably become apparent. You will realize at least some of the things you have derived most pleasure or satisfaction from thus far in your career. Is there another avenue you wish to explore? Is there further training you would like to have?

For further details, read the next article in this series: Keep Up to Date with your CV.

Perhaps the process of updating your CV has already helped you to see that you don’t wish to go abroad, now or ever! That’s good: now you know what you want for the immediate future.

The article Overseas Teaching Opportunities will give you some tips on where and how to find a good match. Obviously, the sooner you start looking, the better, especially if you teach a less mainstream discipline. However, circumstances always create opportunities "at the last minute" too, so don't panic if you've left it a bit late!