Many go to teach abroad thinking they know everything, but they go without even knowing the basics about International Schools. Keep reading to learn the most common fallacies about teaching abroad!
- 1.     I can teach anywhere
Before you can teach abroad, you need to meet the requirements meaning the teacher qualifications and immigration. You are eligible to teach abroad in any country without correct documents. Each country has its own rules and necessities to match, if you don’t then your application is declined, sometimes your lucky and can get those documents in time but not for everyone.
An African teacher without IELTS or qualification for English speaking countries will not qualify to teach in middle east due to schools’ requirements and same with Teachers from UK or USA can’t teach in China without a valid teaching licence with teaching degree and minimum of 2 years’ experience depending on school.
It works the same way for immigration as there’s rules when travelling as going on a holiday abroad is different to working there. There’s certain limits for different countries for e.g. most teachers in Europe only work with European Union passport holders as of requirements and someone over age of 55 would not be qualified to work in Middle East. Many schools require police and medical checks as they will not issue visa for someone with criminal record or medical problems.
- 2.    Salary will be tax-free everywhere
No. Tax-free salary is only provided in certain countries, mainly Arabian Gulf Region (UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) and the rest depends on a country’s tax rules and requirements. Make sure you research the tax rules of the country before you go.
Additional, you will not receive your current pre-tax salary in your new school as school’s offer fixed or negotiable salary and if tax-free then they consider the benefits of tax-free wage and free housing, so the average salary will appear lower than you might expect. Make sure to create your own expenditure list to have a view of basic salary with no housing or benefits provided to find out the final pay you will take home after being taxed to compare with new tax-free salary with housing and other benefits included.
- 3.      You only teach English as a foreign language
False. Teaching Abroad isn’t only teaching English to non-native speakers but also, consists of variety of important subjects in schools that teach full curriculum consisting of compulsory subjects Maths, Science, English Language, Art, ICT and Physical Education. These are international schools that provide many different curriculums to your suitability like UK, Australian, US, Canadian and International Baccalaureate. To work in international schools, you don’t need a TEFL (teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate for all positions; if you have a valid teaching licence you are eligible to work.
- 4.     There’s only British or American students in British or American school
International schools have a large diverse community with local students as parents want them to succeed and learn best to be able to travel abroad to Western University or working in global business. Most International schools holds more nationals then expats and consists of a mixed community, so you will not be teaching just American or British students. Do research on your ideal school to avoid problems and know what suits you and all the important details of school.
- 5.     I can take anything and anyone with me
If you are planning to move abroad to teach, then you need to be prepared to relocate with or without your dependants or pets as not all schools offer dependants visa or provide school fees for the children as sometimes they’ll only offer it to 1 or 2 children and if you have more than 2 then it’ll be very difficult.
Finding the school can be hard if you have dependants you want to move with or if you’re living with your partner but not married as certain schools have strict restrictions depending on the country and your requirements should match them, so it can take some time but not impossible. With the right help and following each rule; ensuring you have relevant documents and being as flexible will speed your application process. You must consider these requirements before moving abroad and be ready to adjust to these necessities.