You have decided 2021 is the year. Whether you are preparing for your first international move, or planning to move to your fifth country, one thing is certain - now is as good a time as any to do it.

The official recruitment season might be slowly drawing to a close, but this year is anything but ordinary. A quick jobs search reveals that many top-tier schools across the globe are still actively looking to fill positions for September 2021.

Of course, in 2020 thousands of international teachers were left stranded halfway around the world, unable to get back to their host countries for months on end. Others had prepared for a life-changing adventure only to find their dream contracts rescinded, often with little notice or explanation. 

But don’t let this put you off - schools have learned from the unprecedented situation, and many now have contingency plans in place in case the travel restrictions impact on their recruitment process.

Covid: Taking a teacher job at an international school

So here are a few things worth considering when looking for and accepting a new position:

1. Can you get there? 

Are you looking to move to a new country? If so, research its current visa requirements and restrictions. Some countries are completely “open” and the process is no different to what it would have been pre-Covid. However, other places, for instance China, currently only issue visas to a small number of nationalities. 

Ask your potential employers if the local government is issuing visas. Were they able to get visas for new staff in 2020? What are their contingency plans if they cannot get you there?

If they cannot answer these questions or at least ease some of your concerns, it may be wise to look elsewhere. 

2. Are you happy with the school’s ‘plan B’? 

You have an offer from a school in a new country, but it cannot guarantee that it will be able to get you into the country on time. If it cannot, it would like you to teach remotely until you arrive. 

Would you be happy to do this? Consider the time difference between your current location and new location. Is it feasible? What if this ended up being a long-term solution? 

It is difficult to build rapport with students online, and being the new teacher could make this even more of a challenge. 

3. When you get there, can you leave?

Without a doubt, travel opportunities are what attract many teachers to head overseas. Take some time to research international and local travel restrictions in your new country. Are the borders open? Could you fly home or to a neighbouring country over the holidays? How would you feel if you could not be reunited with your family next year? 

Before you rule a place out because of shut borders, consider your local travel options.

Countries like Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia are made up of thousands of beautiful islands, rainforests and mountainous regions for you to explore during your school holidays. 

Don’t let the lack of international travel deter you in the current climate.

Things are bound to open up slowly soon. In the meantime, you could spend the first few months exploring your new host country and everything it has to offer. 

4. Do you have your own ‘plan B’? 

It is impossible to plan for every eventuality, but it is important to prepare for the worst-case scenario. What if, for whatever reason, you are no longer able to relocate to your new country? What would you do? 

It might be useful to have a “what if?” conversation with your current employer. Would they be able to offer you any support? They probably won’t be able to keep your position open “just in case”, but they may be able to help you in other ways now or in the future. It does not hurt to ask. 

Deciding to move to a new country is a complicated process that requires careful planning, even without the complications imposed by a global pandemic. However, it is also one of the highlights of my career so far, and I cannot recommend it enough. 

The first few months might be a challenge and it might take some time to adapt to your new situation, but focus on the positives. Your next adventure awaits. 

Karolina Malinowska is an assistant head of English at an international school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia