As federal funding dries up and
teaching jobs and benefits in the United States are left in a
questionable mess, more and more educators are looking for global opportunities
to offer them the career and salary they need along with the fulfillment of
being an educator. While there are many ESL firms devoted to helping teachers
locate work and placement abroad, that doesn't mean you should leave all the
planning and research to them. There are certain proactive steps each teacher
needs to take before he or she decides to sign a contract, leave the country
and teach abroad.
Buy international health insurance:
Your international teaching contract may include some insurance coverage, but
it may be a light policy with few of the benefits that are important to you
such as reimbursement for travel and treatment back home. That is why buying
your own international health insurance policy, with coverage options that
matter to you, is vital.
Research the recruiter: If you are
working with an ESL recruiting company, you need to research them and make sure
they have all the resources you need. They should have classes and counselors
to help you get adjusted to your new area and to help you learn the most
effective teaching methods for the location. Read fine print on your contract
before you sign: Don't assume that the recruiting company has your best
interests at heart when developing your contract; make sure you read your
contract and ask questions about anything that confuses you before you sing it.
Many contracts allow your school or recruiting company to move you on short
notice, meaning you end up living a life of constant upheaval abroad. You
should also make sure you are comfortable with housing and travel allowances,
sick pay, and the length of the teaching commitment.
