subject: 5 Reasons to Teach Abroad [print this page] Better Pay and Conditions Better Pay and Conditions
International schools can offer better pay and conditions and an improved lifestyle. The Middle East is well known for its tax-free salaries, free accommodation and end of contract bonuses. Parts of Asia offer similar packages to teachers and the lower cost of living means that a much better quality of life can be enjoyed. Although Europe is somewhat lacking in the depth of packages on offer, the locations of Spain, Switzerland and Italy provide the opportunity to enjoy better weather, a more calmer environment and the opportunity for convenient travel to other parts of the continent.
Recession
The recession seems to dominate the headlines on the television, radio and in newspapers. The talk of front-line cutbacks in public services will invariably affect the domestic education system, not just in the state but also private sector. There has been a fall in the number of students enrolling at certain private schools leading to less need for teachers and the reduction in government funding for state schools will see not just a lack of improvement in pay and conditions but also in the demand for teachers in the classroom. Given this difficult climate, it would be an ideal opportunity to explore what else the wider world has to offer.
Career Enhancement
Working overseas can further help in furthering one's career. The growth of international schools worldwide and more rapidly so in recent years means that the demand for teachers overseas is ever growing. Given that not all teachers are in a position to relocate abroad due to their current circumstances, this ever increasing need for teachers is being fuelled by a limited pool of candidates. This means that Head of department and Senior Management posts can be achieved much sooner.
Adventure
Living in a foreign land will bring some level of adventure through exploring new lands, relocating to a coastal or mountainous region, developing new language skills, enjoying new cuisine or learning a new sport or hobby. Whether it be skiing and climbing in the Swiss Alps, to dune bashing in the Arabian desert, there is so much more lifestyle to be enjoyed. It is just a simple matter of choosing where to go.
Self Development
Moving to a new country requires a lot from a person. Adapting to new culture and customs, learning a new language and seeing life through a different lens all helps to develop oneself. International schools often do serve a multitude of nationalities or can provide education to local overseas populations. Either way the interaction with different nationalities in the classroom can test and challenge as well as enhance one's experience.
These are just some of the advantages to taking the international leap and taking a teaching job abroad. Whatever your decision the best advice is always to research and speak to fellow professionals currently teaching overseas or with experience of having done so.
