Teaching English Abroad

Individuals who secure ESL teaching jobs abroad always look forward to a great teaching experience. And, those who have worked in different destinations will always relish the moments they spent teaching English. As you move out to take a job offer, you need to be well prepared for the job. This means that you should follow certain procedures to ensure that you have a smooth transition from your current employer to the ESL employer abroad.

Early preparation for an ESL job allows you to move into the new country with ease and confidence. Most importantly, it puts you in a good position to work effectively once you arrive at your school. So, if you are thinking of taking a job, the perhaps the following things that can help you prepare better for your ESL teaching job abroad. Before reading the below guide, I assume that you already have a job offer – If you don’t, please visit TeacherGig and browse any of the teaching jobs in Asia that they have available.

1. Terminate Your Employment on Time

Before you sign the new contract, you need to inform your employer that you are leaving your current position. It is advisable to do this early so that you can have enough time to clear with the school. As you do the clearance, make sure that you follow all due procedures as stipulated by your current employer. You can also request for a recommendation letter from them as proof of your commendable service and hard work as you exit your workstation.

2. Check the Immigration Policy

Different countries will have different policies with regard to immigration and the employment of foreign nationals. Therefore, you need to do a background research on your destination so as to determine the immigration requirements applicable to visiting foreigners. It is of utmost important that you establish the requisite documents that you will need to work in that country. Primarily, these include the work permit and visa and in some case, certificate of vaccination.  This is very important to avoid getting into conflicts with the authorities which might lead to your deportation. Some countries will require you to have an exit permit when you want to leave their country.

3. Consider the Cost of Living in ESL Destination of Choice

Before you leave to take up the new ESL position, you need to know the amount of salary you will earn from your employer. Once you know this, you will still need to determine the cost of living. Basically, this is the amount of money you will spend on basic needs and secondary needs on a monthly basis. Of even greater importance is the amount of money that you can save from your salary. To be sincere, it would be a waste of time for to go and teach somewhere far from your family and friends only to get a salary that neither sustains you nor allows you to save. You will find it cheaper to live in a rural area as compared to a busting city where the cost of living is high.

4. Look Additional Costs or Expenses

When you are travelling to an ESL destination, you need to determine the amount of money that you will spend on travelling and sustenance until you get your first pay. You also need to determine the amount you will spend on alternative accommodation, that is, if the employer does not readily provide perks such a free housing to teachers. You should also include your return ticket in case you need to go back home urgently. Once factor all these things then you can easily determine if you will be able to meet the travelling costs and most importantly, how you are going to survive until you get your salary.

5. Determine the Medical Requirements to be Met

Most countries require foreigners to undergo certain medical checks before they can be allowed temporary or long term residence. The primary reason for this is to avoid the spread of contagious diseases. As a rule of thumb, go for a variety of tests and medical check-ups especially the ones stipulated by the immigration policy of destination. You should also get to know the diseases that are prevalent in that area so that you can carry your own medication and get vaccination as the medical supplies there might become expensive.

6. Have  Friends or contacts  in the ESL Destination

If you are thinking of taking up an ESL teaching job in Asia, it is important to establish contacts, and if possible find friends. There is nothing as bad as going to teach in a country that you do not have a friend or someone who can assist you. This is important because it means you will have a helping hand to guide or assist you when you have a problem.

A simple gesture such as being picked up from the airport or having somewhere you can stay for a while as you find your own home goes a long way in making you feel at home. You can get friends by using social network sites or contacting staff from the school. This way, you can also learn more about the school you are going to work in and other things that might be crucial for your stay in your new destination.

7. Prepare Your Documentations on Time

Make sure that you have all your academic credentials, passport, working Visa and all other documents that you will be required from you as an ESL teacher. This is very important in establishing your credibility and legitimacy as an ESL expatriate. Of course, the school will require all necessary documentation upon your arrival and they should be ready on hand.  Also, book your tickets early so that you will have an easy time travelling to the new country at the time of your convenience.

8. Make use of Local Products

Once you arrive in your ESL destination, you should use local products instead of buying exported ones. This way, you will save a lot since local products are cheap. The same applies to services. You will find it cheaper to use their local SIM cards on your cellphone rather than using an international one when calling. The good thing is that the cost of living and especially food is lower in Asia. Also, there is a variety of cuisines and products that can cater for your culinary and survival needs. Of course, you should be ready to sample and even develop a palate for food and local products.

9. Learn the Customs and Know Directions

It will also be of benefit to you as a new teacher to take the time to understand the culture and traditions of the people of the area you will be staying. Asian communities are somehow close-knit and rigid. Members of the community seem to adhere to certain ways of life which may not be common in the West. Other than that, it mght be beneficial for you to get a map of the local the area where you will be staying. You don’t want to get lost in another or spend time asking for directions every time you want to go somewhere.

Conclusion:

Well, these are just some of the things that you need to do before you leave for your new ESL teaching job. Before even starting out you need to find a job – I always recommend prospective teachers to visit TeacherGig for Teaching English Abroad jobs. Be careful of the school you are going to teach in since many people get tricked into contracts that end up frustrating them or getting them into trouble with authorities. Make sure that you notify your embassy where you will be staying so that they can be of assistance to you in the event that you need their help. By following these steps, you will have a smooth transition into the country you want to teach ESL.