So you’ve been offered a job teaching abroad - congratulations!
In June 2019 I became one of the estimated 15,000 teachers that leave the UK each year to join an international school - so welcome to the club.
Working internationally requires a different type of dedication and commitment, one that needs to be found without the safety net of union membership or the security of a permanent contract.
That being said, if you are an astute team worker, and willing to adapt and on occasion “go with the flow” with local ways, it is a positive experience that can change your life completely.
The past year has taught me a great deal about the world of international teaching that others entering or considering the sector may find extremely useful to know: not least the practical considerations that are fundamental to a smooth experience when making the move abroad.
International teaching: making the move overseas
Here are five key things to make sure you sort before you board the plane.
1. Passport
Renew your passport and extend it for 10 years well before you apply for a job overseas.
It is not impossible to renew a passport in countries that have well-established diplomatic links. However, that may not be the case in all countries and Covid-19 has significantly changed the landscape of applying for travel documentation.
Not all accommodation caters completely for having a direct courier service. but many schools do offer a PO box to accept delivery.
Remember that the UK Passport Service needs to have the original copy sent either by courier or someone you trust returning back to the UK, who can return it on your behalf.
2. Finances and phones
It is often advised to sort out loose ends financially before you depart. However, keep your original phone contract active (SIM-only contract) and acquire a spare phone before you leave the UK for your UK SIM.
The number of times organisations like banks, local council offices and even HMRC need to text passwords and numbers to you is surprising.
Having a local mobile phone and number is often the first step your school will guide you through and it can become as important as a passport.
You may need to pay for visas, internet and transport, so ask about relocation payments from your new employer.
3. Driving
Be aware that driving standards may not be as disciplined as they are in the UK and there may be a higher rate of accidents.
Before you drive, make sure your licence is valid, as you will need to get a local licence as soon as residence is confirmed.
Check to see if previous offences may prevent you from driving a vehicle in your new country.
That being said, there is adventure in choosing not to own a vehicle; international teachers do form a closer-knit community and car-pooling to save on costs is popular.
4. Documentation
Notarisation of your documents such as birth, marriage and degree certificates may need to be done before you depart, particularly if you are heading to a place where English is not the first language.
Costs incurred can typically be around £500 and it can take up to three weeks. Ensure that anyone you are enlisting help from is a member of the Notaries Society of England and Wales.
Having a transcript (breakdown of marks in your degree modules) and confirmatory letter from your old university, especially if you read a master’s in place of a bachelor’s degree, will be important, too.
5. Connecting bank account
Foreign exchange offices are plentiful. However, it is worth finding out in advance which banks are in operation in your new country that will allow fee-free transfers of cash back to a UK bank account.
It is more convenient to transfer funds online from a foreign account to a UK account, using a Global View service.
Be mindful that banking phone apps are often updated with patches and this may mean your app suddenly ceases to work.
Check you can access online banking hassle-free via computer before departing.
Faisal Khan is a former SLT member who now teaches science at the Al Ain English Speaking School in Al Ain, UAE. He tweets @knightbussci
