I can imagine the knowledge of your colleagues moving out of the UK to teach in countries with better weather, packages and working conditions. They tell you how things are better in comparison to the dire conditions you are working in. I may need to be more moderate with bad conditions. However, the point remains that conditions are complex and are getting more complicated. I was in the same position and have leapt twice to China. I am still in China and trying to persuade former colleagues to make it happen. Some would need help knowing where to start, so I am writing this blog piece. The tips I will give you are from my personal experience and come from the perspective of whether I would do this again. Here we go;

Identify multiple destinations and begin researching them – Honestly, the Middle East is not the only place. The Middle East is the only place most people are aware of. However, there are so many places you can go. Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia and Singapore are some of the areas that offer excellent packages, good establishments and a good work-to-life balance. Ensure you have three to four places on two continents at the very least to give you some options.

Listen to testimonials / read reviews and begin to network online – Before identifying any establishment, you should acquire as much information as possible regarding each potential location. Adaptation can take 3-9 months; therefore, you need to be aware of the differences before arriving. Being in China is vastly different from the UK; had I done the appropriate research, I may have been psychologically prepared. YouTube has many international teachers who share their experiences from the most uncommon places on Earth to the most notable places. Take your time to watch and make notes. If you are on LinkedIn, I would network with users already in the potential area you are looking at and ask them questions. Finding those from your region would be best suited for you as they have made the journey you are about to embark on.

Ask yourself when the best time is to leave – The journey to go abroad does not have to be this year or next. You may have personal commitments that stop you from leaving instantly. You need to ask yourself when the time for you is. This stage is crucial because you want to avoid making rash decisions. You want your choices to be logical by knowing the best time.

Begin researching the school you are interested in – I suggest checking out schools in the region you are looking at. You will get a feel of what to expect and see some of the working conditions you are working in. Remember, parents pay large sums of money to attend these schools. You will work in some fantastic spaces at well-recognised international establishments. Believe me, when I think of the school I work at now, it is hard for me to consider any school back in the UK as the resources here are out of this world.

Visit the TES Website and search for teaching abroad agencies – Both options are good as I have received offers both ways. I would favour agencies due to their relationships with the best schools. Also, you are almost guaranteed an interview if they forward your CV to a school. 2016, it took me three weeks to sign a contract after beginning my job search. It was a quick process. You may not be as lucky as me, but most agents I have come across get almost everyone who signs up for them a job. This time, I received a job offer after applying to them directly via TES. They have jobs all over the world in abundance. Their filter section is user-friendly, and you can hone in on places you want.

Preparing for interviews – Big international schools typically have a three-stage interview process. The first is usually with non-specialists (SLT members). The second is with your Head of Department and another colleague. The third is with the Head of School. I have only interviewed at British curriculum-led establishments, and their questioning is similar to what you will get in the UK. The only exception is knowing the country you are going to. For example, if China is a destination you are heading to, speak about how you know Chinese students who struggle to ask for help and nod to suggest they understand what you have delivered to them to “save face”. Saving face is the cultural term to explain that some Chinese students need help communicating their lack of understanding. How would you create a safe space for students to be comfortable?

Be bold and ask questions about the country – I have always wondered about the country I may visit. For example, I may ask about the type of food available and how widely known certain products and items are. I have often wondered about the weather as I do like tropical climates.

Review the contract offer thoroughly – Schools in China typically give some of the best packages. It is a no-brainer when I begin to calculate and compare to my package in the UK. The accommodation packages vary but be sure to check them out. Ask your recruiter any questions you need clarification on.

Bonus tip – If you want to stand out, consider the after-school activities you want to run. Most teachers will have to run at least once per week, and the sports ones usually go first. I could go outside the box and create my own. Currently, I have started an after-school activity on financial literacy.

I hope you received value from reading this. If you did, please subscribe to the email list, as I will communicate my thoughts on anything education-related every week.

Thank you for reading.