Moving abroad to teach has many levels of complexity.

At times it might feel as though you’re in a computer game, negotiating a modern-day version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

In order to complete your mission of regaining a normal life, not only do you have to complete a certain number of tasks and tackle call-centre-based enemies, but you must do these in the correct order.

You can only progress to level “tenant” when you have found the missing internet connection and successfully negotiated the bank account application.

What’s more, there are different versions of the game depending on the country where you are playing, so even if you are a past master in the Middle East, the game takes on a totally new meaning in Asia.

Beginner mode  

Having arrived in your new country to work as a teacher, it’s inevitable you’ll have some things to organise. 

But if you’re working for a reputable organisation you will have been sent your work visa in advance or picked it up at the visa desk at the airport. So that’s one less thing to worry about. 

Your school might have even met you at arrivals and taken you to either the school accommodation where you will be living or to the hotel where you will be staying until you have sorted out all the necessary red tape. So far, so simple. 

Now the game really begins…

Level 1: Medical insurance

For those of us who grow up in the UK medical insurance is a luxury. But if you are working overseas it is essential.

Medical insurance cover is almost always part of the employment package for the employee, but it varies as to whether or not policies cover spouse and dependants.

Beware, medical bills abroad can be enormous; they can potentially bankrupt you. It only takes one fall to wipe out your savings.

Pro tip: Check with your school HR department about the extent of the cover (when it begins and who it covers) and take out personal insurance to cover any gaps. Don’t leave home without it.

Level 2: Connectivity

Without a mobile phone and internet access, it is very difficult to make much progress. Your initial accommodation should provide wifi so, as long as you have a laptop, you should be able to get online.

In most countries, it is possible to get a short-term SIM card with a foreign passport. This is often most easily done at the airport on arrival. Some schools are very helpful and either provide a SIM for you or even lend you a mobile phone.

Pro tip: It is worth bringing an unrestricted phone and a laptop out with you when you move abroad.

Level 3: Work visa and resident identity card

It is the school’s responsibility to apply for a work visa on your behalf. Most schools will ask you for the necessary paperwork and documentation months before you move abroad so they can ensure that a work visa is in place on arrival.

However, be aware that some schools expect new staff to enter the country on a tourist visa, which they will then change to a resident work visa in due course.

Once your work visa is in place you may need to go through the process of getting your identity card. This usually involves presenting yourself with your passport and work visa and entails the collection of biometric data (at least a photograph, but fingerprints are common).

Pro tip: Some countries also require a basic medical examination. The UAE, for example, requires a blood test and chest X-ray.

Level 4: Bank account and credit card

With a work visa and resident ID in place, you can open a local bank account and apply for a local credit card. Beware that it might take a couple of weeks for the bank cards and cheque book to come through.

Credit cards can take longer as banks often want to receive at least one month’s salary payment before granting you credit.

Pro tip: You need to plan ahead with your finances as you’ll almost certainly be operating on a UK bank account and credit card for the first four-to-six weeks.

Level 5: Local driving licence, car lease or purchase 

In most countries, it is possible to hire a car on a UK passport with a UK credit card so you can start driving from day one. Once you have a resident ID, it is possible to apply for a local driving licence - most countries recognise the UK licence and don’t require any further tests.

With resident ID and a bank account, it is possible to lease a car or to take out a car loan to purchase your own vehicle.

Pro tip: Make sure that you have a valid UK driving licence with you when you travel - don’t pack it in the shipping container!

Level 6: Tenancy agreement 

International schools either provide a furnished apartment/house for the first year of a contract, or they provide temporary accommodation for the first month.

Either way, at some point it is likely that you are going to have to find your own apartment or house. The school and colleagues will be your best resource for advice on where to live and how much to pay.

Taking on a lease is a considerable commitment. Beware that you will require a deposit, which in itself can be a hefty sum (in Hong Kong, two months’ rental deposit can run into the thousands of pounds). It may be that the school will extend a loan to help with this.

Pro tip: Contact your school’s HR department and find out what help is available with tenancy deposits. Do your sums and plan ahead.

Level 7: Utilities - electricity, water, telecoms, home insurance and TV

Undoubtedly the part of the game that takes the most patience is the one that involves dealing with utility providers. Particular skill is required in getting your bank on board.

Suffice to say that online payments, direct debits and standing orders are generally not at the same level of sophistication internationally as in the UK. Be aware that there may be a delay of a week or so between setting up an account and receiving a connection.

Don’t assume that everything can be done online or on the phone. It may be necessary to visit service centres in person.

Pro tip: Do your homework. Take advice from colleagues. Plan ahead. Start early.

Level 8: Furniture

There are two models when moving abroad. The first is simple: you take what you can carry on the plane (or fit into your car - if you’re heading to Europe) and order what you need when you get there. The second is that you ship your furniture in a container.

Either way, it is quite likely that there will be a delay between taking possession of your apartment and the arrival of your furniture because furniture orders take time and shipments are notoriously difficult to predict.

Pro tip: Research the cost and local availability of furniture well before you leave. Do your sums comparing the cost of shipping and buying new.

Congratulations: you’ve achieved normal life

At last, you can sit on your own sofa, watching TV with a cuppa and watch life begin to return to normal.

You can also feel pretty chuffed that you managed to do all that while navigating your way around a new city, grappling with a foreign language, going through new staff induction and learning the names of 100+ colleagues.

Pro tip: Enjoy it - the worst is over.

Mark S. Steed is the Principal and CEO of Kellett School, the British School in Hong Kong; and previously ran schools in Devon, Hertfordshire and Dubai. He tweets @independenthead