Fed up with the UK weather or just fancy a new adventure? This blog will cover the basics of how to get a teaching job oversees.
Why teach abroad?
There are many reasons why someone might decide to expat their way to a new teaching challenge. It could be to develop your global outlook, learn a new language or teach a different curriculum. It is common that once someone starts teaching abroad they might stay there - either in the same country or travel around the world. Remember, there is no reason why you can't get a job back in the UK later should you wish to. The only exception is that if you haven't completed your induction period after 5 years, you will not be able to undertake supply teaching on your return.
The main routes
Teaching English as a Foreign Language: whatever subject you trained in, you might be
able to get a volunteer or paid role teaching TEFL. Whilst you can do this anywhere, the most common places are Asia, South America and South-East Asia. You might find some volunteering roles offer free TEFL qualifications and training (and often free bed & board) but for paid roles, you might need to take a course such as:
CELTA: stands for 'Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages' and takes around 4-5 weeks or part-time over a few months and can be done face to face or online (or blended). Costs vary depending on the training centre and your method of study but might be between £1100- £1400. The 'DELTA' is the Diploma version of the CELTA.
TESOL: stands for 'Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages' and is similar to TEFL. Technically, a TESOL learner will more likely be a non-native living in an English-speaking country and a TEFL learner will be living in their home country learning English in the classroom. The link will take you to Trinity's course, but there are other online courses as well - but to ensure it is a valid course make sure you get at least 120 hours of training. Costs vary dramatically depending on the type of course provider you choose.
TEFL: Similar to above - you are qualified to teach English to non-native speakers across the world and online.
Teaching in a British International School is probably more what we would associate with
teaching abroad. The vast majority of posts will need you to have achieved QTS through a teaching qualification such as a PGCE. You will probably need to have completed your induction as well (but more on that later!). It is likely you will be teaching the UK national curriculum through English - although some schools may be bi-lingual and bi-curricula. It is common that international recognised qualifications will be taught such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and IGCSEs. Depending on the school, you also might find you get free accommodation - but this is not always the case. So be prepared to have to find yourself somewhere to live - perhaps even having to do this using another language - as well as sorting out all the visa paperwork. Some schools may assist you in both (even if they can't pay for an apartment) so it is worth asking.
Teaching abroad will have a range of exciting benefits but also some challenges - why not read Laura's story about her experiences.
Doing your ECT induction abroad
This is such a common question I get asked. The short answer is: yes, but it is super tricky!
The yes: schools that are a member of an approved body such as COBIS or CIS can offer induction - but they also need to have had a British Schools Oversees Inspection.
The tricky: some schools may claim to be able to put you through induction, so it will be up to you to do all the necessary checks. As the ECT induction is two years, some schools won't be able to offer the full period - but you could always do your 2nd year somewhere else or back in the UK. On rare occasions, some schools may ask you to contribute financially to the induction process - ensure you read all the paperwork/contracts carefully to avoid being caught out.
Some schools abroad may employ you with just QTS even if you have not completed induction. You might get paid less, but this is still an option - as there is currently no time limit as to when you can do your induction period. So whilst it isn't recommended, you could teach abroad for a few years and then return home to the UK to complete your induction. It is important to note though that you will not be allowed to do short-term supply teaching after 5 years being awarded QTS. You might still be able to do long-term supply contracts (for a term or more) if the school is happy for you to undergo induction.
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