Five things to consider before moving overseas
New Asia-based Consultant Tim Creber give his top five things to consider when moving abroad to teach in an international school
“There are many advantages to working overseas,” says TIC’s consultant in Asia, Tim Creber. “I’ve worked as a teacher and leader in international schools in four different countries, and have found that the positives have far outweighed any small negatives. However, it’s important to be well prepared before you make the move.”
Here are five things Tim says to consider before moving overseas to teach in an international school:
1. Salary and Benefits
Salaries and benefits vary from country to country, and from school to school. It is important to do your research well to find out what a school’s benefits package includes. This can hugely impact how much you are able to save – or enjoy within your monthly wages. Things to consider are:
- Accommodation allowance and what this includes
- Travel home for you (and possibly your family)
- Medical insurance (for you and possibly your family)
- Utilities
- Taxes
- Pension
- Other benefits such as transportation to school, and personal and professional development
At TIC, your recruitment consultant will know a school’s benefits package in detail and can often negotiate benefits on your behalf.
2. Relocating with your children
Relocating with children can be the biggest worry for parents. From my own family’s experience, our son has greatly benefitted from living abroad and travelling the world. He has developed an awareness of different cultures and has received a world-class education. International schools are, in general, highly regarded, and many will offer teaching staff free or subsidised education for their children.
3. Banking options
Banking for expatriates is much easier now compared to when I first moved abroad twenty-five years ago. Internet banking makes it very easy to move money from one country to another. Speak with an advisor at your bank about using your account while you’re working abroad, and have a chat with one of TIC’s recruitment advisors about the banking options that are available in your new country.
4. Your house
If you are a homeowner, as I was, there are a few options if you decide to move abroad. You can of course sell your property, but keeping your house in your home country will give you the security of knowing you have accommodation back home ready and waiting for when you return. One option is to rent out your house which means someone else will be paying towards your mortgage while you’re away. You can manage a house rental yourself, although this can be challenging from a distance. Alternatively, you can appoint an agent to manage the property on your behalf while you’re away. The agent will take a percentage of your rent to do this job, but will ensure that tenants comply with a contract, pay their rent and the agent will oversee all maintenance requirements - so you don’t have to rush home to fix a leaking shower!
5. Family and friends
Missing family and friends back home is a big concern for many new international teachers. In my early days abroad (prior to the internet), I regarded my phone bill as a necessary expense. Nowadays, Skype, FaceTime, emailing, social media, and apps like What’s App make staying in touch very easy and very cheap. Some international schools include annual flights home within your package. And, particularly if you move to an exciting or appealing location, you may get to see family and friends more than you think!
You can talk with a TIC consultant any time you’d like advice about moving overseas to teach. We’re always happy to help! Call us at 02920 212083 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Or take a look at some of our very popular blogs that share more valuable advice including:
• 10 things international schools look for when hiring new teachers
• Writing a CV that counts when applying for an international job
• The 10 best countries for working overseas as a teacher
• Am I qualified enough to teach overseas?
• How do you know if you’re applying to a good international school?
Deputy Head Primary