I’m A Teacher Moving Abroad – What Do I Need To Know?

So, you’re thinking about moving to another country to teach! Well, I assume that’s why you’re here, anyway. There’s a lot of planning and preparation involved if you’re a teacher moving abroad, but it’s also really exciting, and we’re here to help you sort through it all and work out what you need to do.

Before you go any further, I should point out that some countries might require you to be a native English speaker, while others will just ask you to prove your ability. Some might also want you to have previous teaching experience. It’s worth double-checking that your chosen country works for you and the qualifications you have.

I’m a teacher moving abroad – what documents should I get ready?

First things first, you need to check the visa requirements for the country you’re going to – some places can be trickier than others so it’s definitely worth getting ahead with that, especially if you don’t yet have an employer over there helping you out.

Next you’ll need to check with your employer which documents you’ll need to provide. The chances are you’ll need a degree – and you’ll most likely need to have your degree legalised so it can be recognised in the country you’re going to. If you’ve got a TEFL qualification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) that’ll likely need to be legalised too, as will an ICPC, DBS, or other police background check that shows you’re cleared to work with children. You can find out how to get those documents legalised here.

What else do I need to think about before I go?

There are a number of ways you can get into teaching abroad: by going through a teaching or government program, by volunteering, or simply by looking for your own teaching jobs. Whichever route you go down, it’s helpful to research different schools in your chosen country to learn a bit about them and figure out which schools to trust.

Maybe reach out to teachers who already work there if you can (forums like Reddit and groups on Facebook can be helpful for this) to hear about their experiences. Some schools look out for their employees more than others, so it’s a good idea to look into it before you get there, just so you’re not struggling, on your own, in a foreign country.

Additionally, for the sake of your own comfort when you get there, it’s always a good idea to learn at least the basics of the language in the country you’re moving to. Just so you know how to greet people, and ask for directions when you inevitably get lost in this whole new part of the world, you know? It can be hard enough to settle in for a teacher moving abroad, but if you can familiarise yourself a little with the language and the culture before you get there, you’ll settle in faster and it’ll feel like home a lot quicker.

How do I adapt to my new country?

Whether you’re planning to live abroad for a short time or for the foreseeable future, you should embrace the culture, go all in, have fun with it. After all, it’s a really cool experience to have, so you might as well! Some areas are more expat-friendly and have local clubs and classes you can go to to meet other people doing what you’re doing and make some friends. If you need any advice about living in another country, or want to chat about expat experiences, you can join our Vital Expats site and connect with others like you!

What do I do next?

Hopefully (if you are in fact a teacher moving abroad and not just here for a little nosey), you’re feeling ready and excited for your new adventure now – you know what documents you need, how to get them legalised, what you should research before you head out, and where you can learn more about the expat lifestyle. Easy peasy! If you need any further help, you can throw any questions our way!