The international job experience.

Photographs: Pexels

Text: Monika Pedersen

It is often said that the world is becoming smaller owing to the interconnectivity of job opportunities, transportation, and language. The feasibility of working and living in another country is so much easier than it was in the past. This has been the case in the teaching profession for a considerable time. There are many agencies and LinkedIn posts that promote and share possible job offerings across the world. With the large number of international schools and their offerings, one can follow dreams and aspirations globally.

Teacher contracts are often two years long, with the possibility of an extension, so educators have the flexibility to move around should they desire. It is also a bonus to see several international postings on an educator's resume. This allows teachers an amazing opportunity to work in different countries, experience a range of cultures, and often deal with similar curriculums, so there is no need to learn and become accustomed to several different systems. What a dream!

Is it a dream?

Well, it can be! However, there are considerations to bear in mind.

There is the issue of securing visas and all the correct paperwork to work and exist, which can run smoothly, or it can be an obstacle course in some countries that require a plethora of paperwork. If the school is a large international school, then most aspects of the transition from one country to the next are handled by the human resources department, and the transition can be very smooth. However, this is not the case in more remote or smaller schools, so the burden falls on those wishing to move to figure out the complexities of the situation themselves. This can be complicated and somewhat stressful.

Another aspect of the contract is the salary. Some research is advisable as a salary may seem ample, but its worth is relative to the cost of living and housing. This is significant as it impacts the quality of life and the ability to save for the next move. If travelling with children, it is also necessary to secure places for the children in the appropriate grade levels.

"The culture of a country bears a major significance. Time should be allocated to investigate if the ways of the country fit with the sort of lifestyle wanted."

There is also the issue of the actual teaching schedule. It is advisable to thoroughly discuss this item. Sometimes, what has been promised in an interview is not the reality that an incoming teacher faces. It is not uncommon to find additional subjects and responsibilities that were not in the scope of the original job but need to be fulfilled owing to the demands of the schedule and the school’s offerings. It can make all the difference, and what was going to be an enjoyable position can turn into an unpleasant experience.

The culture of a country bears a major significance. Time should be allocated to investigate if the ways of the country fit with the sort of lifestyle wanted. I recall a young teacher who arrived from Dubai in a small town in Germany where there was very little English spoken and no fancy bars or restaurants. The matter had been flagged in the interview process, but the candidate was adamant that it would be fine. This was not the case; instead, once the reality set in, it proved a very unhappy match, and she asked to be released from her contract after three months! These situations should be avoided, as it is devastating for the person involved as well as the school and the students impacted by personnel change.

Once the paperwork issues are overcome, then there are the logistics of the actual move and finding housing. Larger cities have many options, but prices may vary, so deep pockets are necessary. In small cities and schools, without a relocation agency, this is not straightforward. I recall when I moved to a small city in Germany, there was a need to have the inside ‘scoop’ from a local person with connections to secure housing, but this is not an easy feat as an outsider. The internet and face groups can help to find decent and well priced accommodation. As in any country, this still involves having sufficient money for a hefty deposit and the first month’s rental payment. In addition, as crazy as it sounds, in some countries, there are peculiarities, such as Germany, where the kitchen and bathroom furniture is not included in the rental price and need to be purchased out right beforehand; thus, adding an additional economic consideration!

An enriching experience

After all these factors have been overcome, it is hoped a fulfilling experience presents itself!