What to look for in a vacancy for teaching abroad.

Looking for teaching work abroad can be hard work! There are so many things to consider, so we created this post to try and help you get started.

1. Visa

One of the most important things you are going to need when teaching abroad, is a working visa. Depending on which country you are going to work in will depend on how easy or difficult it will be to obtain. It is important to consider the cost of getting the visa organized as well (for example, getting certificates authenticated can make the process more expensive). It may be worth asking your employer whether they provide any assistance with the visa process, as some employers will organize the visa on your behalf.

2. Class Sizes

Depending on the institution and the country, class sizes can vary from as small as 3, to as large as 50! Watch out for large class sizes, as you may want to ask if you will have any teaching assistants in the room with you if there are a lot of students.

3. Working Hours

Different countries have different employment expectations depending on the culture, this is something to look for in the vacancies or to ask in an interview, as you may be expected to work longer or more unusual hours then you are used to.

4. Benefits

Of course, many people go to work for the paycheck, so this might already feature high on your list of things to look for. However, do your research before your interview for what the average teacher’s salary and benefit scheme are in that area, some employers may include accommodation or flights in their benefits too!

5. Cost of living

The cost of living can vary massively even within the same country so make sure you check what the average cost of living could be in the locations you are considering. Key costs to look for could be; rent, utility bills, public transport and food. A website we can recommend you use is:

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Good luck on your job hunt! Don't forget it you are looking for teaching vacancies to check out our 'vacancies' tab!