and what to do about it. There is no doubt the overseas teaching market is competitive, but have you ever thought about what could be preventing you from setting sail? This week we cover 5 common reasons why you are not be getting a look in and tips to overcoming them.

1. Your cover letter

Are you sending out a generic covering letter to the school? You have 50-300 words to use in your covering
email on an application so make sure they count. This is an opportunity to make a connection between you and the school. Read up on the school and think about how your
experiences, qualifications and beliefs fit with the school’s requirements and vision. Make sure you are applying to schools that you have the qualifications for and that you clearly emphasise them.

So you made the interview but now you must get equipped with the right questions to ask. Read this post, here.

3. Limited experience

Certain countries require at least 3-5 years teaching experience so you won’t make the cut if you haven’t got this yet. Countries in the Middle East and Asia, such as those in the UAE and Indonesia or China require more teaching years than others like South Korea. so apply for jobs that are in line with the experience you have and work your way up

4. Irrelevant curriculum

Interested in how to gain IB experience? Find out more here

We are in the midst of a “stuff” revolution—the likes of Marie Kondo “Sparking Joy”, the rise of minimalism and fashionable tiny houses, as well as an increased awareness around environmental sustainability, means many of us are decluttering and rethinking what matters to us in terms of what we consume.

Moving abroad is the ultimate chance to de-clutter and downsize, but it is not easy! Trying to put our lives into a suitcase can feel incredibly daunting.  Luckily, we have put together a list of the must-haves and tips so that your both your luggage and conscience can stay light.

A large part of packing is the organization and the way we think about the process. If we are able to simplify and organize our minds around the move prior, the physical act of packing up our belongings will become much easier.

Arrange your documents, make lists and reach out to people.

One thing that has always enabled me to feel less anxious and more confident when embarking on a new transition abroad is having all important documents with me in a folder that I can reach for immediately in my carry-on. Important documents include your Passport, first and foremost! You don’t want to attempt to leave without that one. Beyond this, I make sure I have copies of insurance, visa, teacher contracts, phone numbers for contacts in-country like the school, and some addresses written down. I prefer to have a hardcopy of these items, but a backup cloud version is a good call, too.

Before you start deciding on packing your favourite coffee table centrepiece that you just can’t live without, find out what your allowances are. Does your contract include an allowance for relocation? What airline are you flying with and what are their weight and size allowances, including fees for additional luggage? The airline websites will have all the information there.

Unsure about if the country you are moving to will stock a medication you need or your fix of a favourite brand of peanut butter?  Now there are multiple online forums and expat pages, so you can pose any questions in advance, saving you from doubling up unnecessarily. The school might also put you in touch with someone there who has been through the same transition so they are a useful resource and great for calming the nerves. Maybe there is a departing teacher at the school? This can be useful in preparing some hand-over of items so you don’t have to by brand new and they don’t have to plan getting rid of them-win win!

About to go teach at an IB school? Skip over to one of our previous blog posts all about IB.

So now we have decluttered our minds, what items do we pack?

We can never be prepared for all scenarios, and sometimes we just have to go with the flow. However, having some familiar items and some goods to get you started and comfortable for the first few days could be useful. For me this is teabags and a blanket from home, transforming the most difficult situation into a more cosy one! Taking some sheets, some cutlery, plates & a cup is also a good tip.

You can’t possibly pack all your teaching and motivational books, but you can digitize them. I ended up getting a Kindle e-book and this was a game changer for me. Also, find out what items your school already has. It is nice to take some home-country items like stickers and posters to a new classroom environment—but don’t go overboard. Rather than having physical items taking up unnecessary space you can also make a photo slide show of your life online that you can show students. Saving space and still sharing a piece of home.

Necessities, cultural norms and staying connected.

Having necessities like medication and a small first aid kit is a good idea for anywhere that you go and gives you a bit of reassurance. Other supplies will depend on your environment—don’t go shipping your fancy road bike when you know there will be no chance to use it, for example. Country-specific plugs and other electronics are a must have! It is disheartening to arrive at your destination only to find out you cannot connect anything due to having the wrong plug. I suggest getting hairdryers and shavers in the country if you can, that way you don’t have to deal with the different voltage issues.

I speak for myself here that clothes always end up taking up most of my luggage. It is that thing about wanting to be prepared for any scenario.  The priority is to make sure you have something appropriate to turn up to work in. It is best to air on the conservative side, that way you can adhere to any cultural norms easily. It is likely you can find what you need clothes wise once you are, but the forums and expat pages will be able to help with this. Try and reduce the number of the same items, too. You won’t ever need 10 bikinis, no matter how much you love the beach.

Travelling abroad is a great opportunity to reinvent yourself but it is also a great opportunity to let the real you shine.  Pack something that makes you feel at home in yourself and that you can do alone or with your family, wherever you are. For me, that is a journal, a pack of cards and some herbs for my foodie dreams.

 Use this transition time as an opportunity to declutter both your mind and belongings and start your next adventure feeling lighter.  Have you got any tips for moving to a new country? Anything you wish you’d known before you left? Let us know editor@teacherhorizons.com

Ever wondered what it would be like to live and teach in China? When we asked one of our current teachers, Petros, about his experience he was enthusiastic and eager to give us the low down. Drawing on his short and concise insights, this blog is full of reasons why teaching in China is a great option! Being unfamiliar with China myself I was delighted to hear from Petros and his positive experience of being there so far. It was hard to resist sharing more information on such a diverse and interesting place.

1. Where are you teaching and what’s your school like? What made you choose that specific location?

Petros: I am teaching Mathematics at Maple Leaf International School- Dalian, China. Our school follows the Canadian curriculum blended with the Chinese curriculum. The curriculum is so rich and prepares the learners very well towards their high school graduation and university education. We chose this location because the school system also has a foreign National school where our children who haven’t reached high school level are learning.

Read more about teaching in China with Maple Leaf Education and watch videos about MLES here.

2. How did you get your job? What was the process like?

Petros: I got the job through Teacherhorizons. My recruitment adviser guided me throughout the process.

TH:  As teachers ourselves, we know how daunting travelling to teach abroad can be, and also how many exciting things there are to look forward to. We believe in the joy of new experiences, and that they will overcome the nerves you have. Our support enables the process to run smoothly so you can focus on the important things – like getting excited about your new home!

Read how another teacher of ours also experienced China, here. 

3. What is the city like? Is there an active expat scene? What do you do in your free time?

Petros: The city is so nice with the beach just a 5 minutes walk from the school! I like to visit The Golden Pebble Beach in my free time. 

TH: Rather than having to see and do it all in one week, you have months – or longer – to explore your new city and country. From the imperial architecture of the historical sites to the breathtaking views of some of the most beautiful scenery you can find in parks and other surrounding areas, you will develop a great sense of appreciation for your new environment.

Browse our international schools in China for information and current vacancies.

4. What is the food like? Is international food available? Have you tried any unusual local dishes?

Petros: International food is available but we have tried a lot of local dishes and we like them.

TH: You are probably familiar with Chinese food back home, but traditional Chinese food is likely not very familiar!  Some top dishes recommended by teachers are roasted duck and delicious vegetable and noodle dishes. There really is something for everyone here. We unique smells, textures and tastes the food in China is an experience in itself.

5. How is the culture different from your home culture? Have you experienced any culture shock?

Petros: No, I haven’t experienced any culture shock yet.

TH: Culture shock might be inevitable but if you have the right attitude, like Petros, it becomes more exciting than overwhelming. Take with you a sense of curiosity and you will experience more wonder and awe than ever. It is a fascinating place to be, embrace it.

6. What’s the cost of living like? Are you able to save money?

Petros: The cost of living here is affordable. We are going to be able to save money.

TH: In China, it is really possible to find a position that offers great hours, good pay and great benefits. You can often get a good salary in addition to great benefits.  Sick leave, paid holidays, a generous house concession or rent-free furnished local apartment, and an airfare allowance or even flight reimbursement are sometimes offered.

7. What’s the best thing about living and teaching in your chosen city? What have been your highlights so far?

Petros: The weather is nice. I love teaching Mathematics in the Canadian curriculum.

TH: China is huge and so there is no shortage of destinations for teachers looking to work in the country.  From Shanghai to Guangdong, and several other areas in between – you can choose the setting that suits you!

8. Are there any drawbacks? What kind of person would not be suited to this location? Any advice?

Petros: I think any professional teacher can fit here. My advice is to go through Teacherhorizons, they will place you in a very nice and reputable school around the world.

TH: Teachers in China can choose from public schools, private schools, private language institutes, a university, international schools, kindergartens, or even tutoring. You can make teaching in China what you want it to be!

Thank you, Petros, for your concise feedback and kicking off this blog for us. Do you have comments about teaching in China? Do you want to know more? Please get in touch on editor@teacherhorizons.com to tell your story.

Is ‘Global Citizenship Education’ just another fad or tagline in international schools? Aren’t international school students by default Global Citizens, and if not what role does the school or teacher have in creating or shaping Global Citizens?

There are many questions surrounding the subject of what it means to be a Global Citizen and even more on what this might look like in the classroom.  This week we hear from d’Arcy Lunn, an expert on using the United Global Goals for Sustainable Development in schools and the founder of Teaspoons of Change- personal choices, decisions and actions that have a positive impact on people and the planet.

d’Arcy’s here to support us in navigating the muddy waters of Global Citizen Education.  From buzzwords to learning about bees in the classroom, he gives us valuable insight into how we can use Global Citizen Education to shape critically aware, 21st-century learners who are globally minded.

What is your background in Global Citizen Education?

d’Arcy: In the past 19 years I’ve been fortunate to travel to more than 90 countries working in aid and development with UNICEF, WHO, Gates Foundation and others as well as being a trained primary school teacher in Japanese! These components have led me to give over 1000 presentations to more than 100,000 people on global citizenship. The talks cover what it means to be a global citizen, especially an active and effective one.

Is Global Citizenship just a buzzword?

d’Arcy: “International schools, educators and students are striving to be plastic-free, have meaningful and effective community engagement, incorporate service into their classrooms and lessons and ultimately live up to many of their visions, missions and marketing slogans of internationally minded students or 21st-century learners. Global citizenship is not just a nice thing to say but something that holds real value to young learners, educators and school communities.”

What tools do you use to achieve this?

d’Arcy: “I use the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development as a collective context for any subject in the school that has a positive impact on people and the planet. That could be wellbeing and kindness programs, sustainability policies or a class learning about bees. I also make sure whatever positive change they might be involved with has both a personal and practical context, something I name Teaspoons of Change. Teaspoons of Change are personal choices, decisions and actions that have a positive impact on people and the planet creating positive change.” 

 How do you teach something that is a little difficult to define?

d’Arcy: “It’s about context. In any lesson, we should be able to move the lens out to think about what that might look like in a global context – relating to the Global Goals or the Goodlife Goals (a more practical and personal adaptation of the Global Goals). We should also enable students to bring this to a personal level and think about what it means to the individual learner and their choices and actions and how it fits into the world. For example, if we choose the subject of bees. If we look after bees and promote their environments what impact does that have on our global community and which Global Goals and targets might it be associated with? If we want to support the ecosystems of bees and having them thrive what can
we do at an individual level?”

What does success in Global Citizenship Education look like? 

d’Arcy: “The best successes of global citizenship education are when an educator or a whole school doesn’t make global citizenship as something they do but makes it a part of who they are.  Therefore there is very little explicit teaching of global citizenship, it isn’t just another subject or an extra burden for educators to have to put on their already-full plate. I see global citizenship as a wonderful lens that can be added to whatever educators and schools are doing already. It is adding value to their craft, rather than being an additional chore.” 

Any advice for teachers and schools?

d’Arcy: “My first and highest recommendations for any educator and school wanting to dig a little deeper starts with a couple of questions: what is a global citizen? and are you a global citizen? From this point forward it will be a personal journey of discovering and thinking about what global citizenship actually means to you. To support that journey there a lot of great resources from good people doing good things with fun, accessible and welcoming approaches to integrate the lens of global citizenship education into their school, classroom and life:

• Teaspoons of Change – some basic resources to gain some concepts and approaches to global citizenship
• World’s Largest Lesson – one lesson each year for the whole world dedicated to learning about the Global Goals, plus a huge amount of lesson plans and resources
• JUMP! Foundation – an experiential learning organisation that facilitates fun and inspiring learning opportunities around global citizenship
• Goodlife Goals – a more personal and practical adaptation of the Global Goals to support easy integration of personal action in a global context.” 

Thanks d’Arcy for breaking it down for us into accessible and achievable actions. Teachers –we want to hear from you! How do you currently integrate the lens of Global Citizenship Education into your classroom? Please reach out to me at editor@teacherhorizons.com 

I remember the first time I arrived in South Korea to teach at 23, feeling completely overwhelmed and underprepared. Jet lag also doesn’t help with the nerves! I look back on this daunting feeling of being submerged in new surroundings with great fondness, with each new place nothing is quite the same as the first time you set up your international teaching gig. I remember having to find a phone box (yep, they still had those) to make a call to my mum in the middle of the night for some reassurance. Fear not, being as connected as we are now you are always a call, text or social media post away from support!

Your mind is probably overflowing with questions: What is the school like? What will happen when I arrive? How will I meet people? What if I don’t speak the language?  Our Teacherhorizons advisors talk to hundreds of teachers each week who are thinking of embarking on a new life abroad. The fear of the unknown can be anxiety-inducing, but we are here to reassure you with tips to enable you to embrace the roller coaster, so you can buckle in and enjoy the ride.

1) Use Social Media

Use Social Media to get to know what is happening in the area you will move to. There are now so many expat groups, and probably groups specifically for teachers – maybe even your school- so do your research and get connecting! Taking advantage of social media is a great way to build your support network to help you before you even set foot there, it also increases your likelihood of having someone to meet in person when you get there.

2) Familiarise yourself with the language

At the very least learn key phrases like hello, thank you, goodbye. The locals really appreciate it and it will fill you with more confidence. If you have time to enrol on a course or do some online language learning beforehand hand that will also support you immensly in fitting in.

Thinking of moving to China? For helpful tips on applying for a Chinese visa go here. 

3) Familiarise yourself with the culture

Do your research and familiarise yourself with the culture. Going in completly blind to a new culture will only increase that feeling of being overwhelmed. Learn their cultural norms and get set to adopting them straight away. The locals will appreciate that you are trying and it will help you feel welcomed.

4) Bring some items from home

Bring some familiar items that will offer you comfort in those moments of culture shock or home sickness. This might seem a little silly, but settling in with some old favourites will enable you to feel more relaxed and more on the path to building that homely feeling. For me, it is always tea bags, some photos and a blanket from my travels.

5) Give your body time to adjust

Be gentle on yourself and your body in the time of adjustment, new places will often play havoc on our bodies while we adjust to new foods, temperatures, water etc. Your school will likely help you get set up with healthcare but also bring some of your pharmacy staples with you…nothing worse than trying to navigate some paracetamol with a migraine, only to learn they don’t sell them off prescription.

6) Organize your important documents

One thing that has always helped me feel more confident before setting off to a new job abroad is having a documents folder. Airport travel before even arriving at the destination can already ignite those anxious feelings, so it is wise to have all your essential documents neatly together.  Even though now electronic copies can suffice, I always like to have a back-up just in case. I always have a folder in my carry-on with a copy of my passport, all itineraries and tickets, insurance, vaccination book, and sometimes my CV or contract for the job just in case.  Even if you don’t have to pull them out on your way there it makes for easy reference whenever you might need them.

And finally, a bonus mind hack for you. Give yourself a break, you are going to feel overwhelmed, nervous and homesick but it’s okay! You’ll soon settle in. You will look back on this in years to come with a sense of awe and achievement.

Did this make you reminisce  – what was your first month in a new place like? Please let us know by emailing your story to editor@teacherhorizons.com. We would love to share it.  Has this post inspired you to join hundreds of other Teacherhorizons teachers on a new adventure? Set up your free profile here.

So, you have heard the rumours of the magical place with tax-free salaries, lucrative saving potential and a convenient hub to explore the rest of the world—now how do you filter out the rumours from the facts? 

It can often be confusing to know what you need in order to move to the United Arab Emirates but worry not, we have you covered. This week we have pooled together the most common questions our budding international teachers ask about the UAE and have set to work answering them in a simple and digestible way… read on.

The UAE is made up of 7 Emirates. Dubai hosts the biggest population and is likely the most popular among international teachers. With a huge amount of expatriates living in the UAE, there is also a large number of International Schools—fantastic! However, this probably raises the question “how do I pick a school that is right for me?”. Teacherhorizons has covered the basics as well as a list of schools and current vacancies, here.

Search the latest teaching jobs in the Middle East. If the idea of teaching in the Middle East excites you, why not get the wheels in motion and create your profile page today (it’s free)?

Question 1: Is the UAE Tax-free?

This is the most common question posed to our advisors at Teacherhorizons. The answer is yes. The UAE is an extremely attractive place to work due to its high potential for earning and tax-free salaries. There is no income tax, so you won’t be taxed on your salary. However, you will be taxed on goods and services. Many teachers opt for the UAE as a way to save money to travel or towards securing savings for when they return to their home country.

There are many IB schools in the UAE. Skip over to one of our previous blog posts all about IB.

Question 2: Can I live with my partner if we are not married?

Short answer, no.  If you are unmarried you are unable to live with your partner in the UAE, it is illegal under Sharia Law. People of the opposite sex are only able to live together if they are married or family members.  The “Tawajed clause” in Sharia Law also prevents people from the opposite sex staying together in house-shares and even hotels. It’s important to remember that it’s a conservative Muslim country with strict laws. Expats must respect the local culture or face harsh penalties. The UK government website outlines the rules, here.

Question 3: Do I need a Bachelor of Education to work in the UAE?

Researching requirements for teaching in the UAE yields varied results which can be quite frustrating. The lack of clear answers available means it is one of the most common questions we receive at Teacherhorizons. As it stands, all teachers need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or higher and it must be in the field you are going to teach.

The rules in the UAE are not static and recently the UAE is in the process of introducing a new licensing system for teachers.  The Teachers’ Licensing System (TLS) which was introduced in 2017 as a pilot, will apparently become a requirement by 2020. The Teachers’ Licensing System (TLS) will become a requirement for education professionals in the UAE by the end of 2020. Teachers, management and schools will all require the licence to work legally in the UAE.

Question 4: How much money can I save?

The general allure around working the UAE has centred around it’s earning potential. Not surprisingly, we get a lot of questions regarding saving and the cost of living in the UAE. This will vary between the Emirates. The website Numbeo is a good source for the breakdown of general costs.  The cost of living, in general, can be quite high but this is mostly down to high accommodation costs. Some international schools will provide or subsidise this allowing for further saving potential. Groceries and gas are reasonably priced. Transport is relatively affordable but if you get a car though be warned of the heavy traffic. Taxis are commonly used and inexpensive.  It will depend on your lifestyle as to how much you can save, try opting for traditional markets or bazaars to hunt down a bargain.

You can take a look at our current vacancies in the UAE here

Do you have experience of working in the UAE? We would love to hear about your experiences.  Please feel free to reach out to us. Email us at editor@teacherhorizons.com

Last year we posted a blog about our recent school visits here.  In this week’s blog, we continue to share this valuable feedback. Our team at Teacherhorizons have a thorough understanding of what makes a school desirable from a teacher’s perspective. We travel to our schools and check in with the quality and environment of the place often so that we can share this wealth of information with you. We know how useful it is for teachers in making a decision about whether they would like to work there. Here are some of the schools we have visited recently, and what we found out.

How did you get to the school? 

I took a taxi to the school early in the morning – still slightly jetlagged from a long flight from London. Traffic in Jakarta is famously bad and there’s a saying that it ‘takes two hours to go anywhere in Jakarta’. That is a slight exaggeration and I wasn’t staying too far away but we still managed to bump into a motorbike, luckily he was fine – he hardly turned back to look (seems pretty standard for Jakarta!) It helped wake me up though and it was amazing watching hundreds of people, children and animals all rushing around starting their days as we drove through the hot busy streets in the morning sunshine.

School name: Deira Private School

How did you get to the school? Where is it located?

 DePS is located in Dubai and it is easy to get to and well connected to the city. Staff live all over the UAE and the school provides a free bus service for them every day to and from the school.

How big was the school?

The school had a very community-based feel and there are 28 teachers employed from a variety of countries. The main theme connecting these teachers is their strong understanding of UK national curriculum pedagogy and practice. The school embraces different cultures but all the teachers have a very good understanding of the UK NC. The Head has over 20 years’ experience from the UK and has a great relationship with staff and students which is evident to see when walking around on the tour with her.

What were the buildings and facilities like?

The buildings are not typically flashy with extensive facilities but the space is utilised very well and the corridors and classroom displays are wonderful

Did you speak to any staff members? If so, how were they finding it?

 No,  but the staff seemed happy and the Head said the staff team are very friendly and collaborative.

What was the best thing about the school in your opinion?

The children first and foremost were wonderful, some even came to shake my hand whilst on the tour! They are clearly very happy at their school and enjoy school life. The school will allow teachers opportunities for promotion and career development. One teacher who joined with the Head as a regular teacher is now a Senior Leader

Were there any downsides that teachers should be aware of?

 The salary is only able to support a teacher without dependents and teachers must be able to happily integrate into the culture of the UAE as nearly all of the students are from various Arab countries including 30% local Emirati students

You are all set for embarking upon pastures new—you are picturing the new lifestyle, maybe you even have an international teaching position in the pipeline, but there is a vital consideration that leaves you feeling uncertain. What happens to little Muggins, your cat? Or Dodger, your dog? Travelling with pets as an international teacher is becoming much more common but there are still a lot of questions floating about. Therefore, we have decided to consolidate these into key considerations for moving with your pet.

Travelling with your pet requires detailed planning. It is also a challenging subject as it changes depending on the country you are moving from and, too. When I was in Japan I met Roger, the cat. Roger was a beautiful British Shorthair and I fell in love with him. The owners, both international school teachers, were moving to Nairobi, Kenya and decided it was better if Roger resided in the land of Sushi for a little longer rather than make the journey and battle with the minefield of pet-relocation. However, had they known of the right avenues to take maybe they would have reconsidered.

Thinking of moving to Japan? Hop on over to our previous blog on living in Japan. 

1: Location, location, location. 

The most import thing is to find information that is relevant for your location, the one you are moving from and the one you are heading to. Embassy websites are actually a big help here. Another key consideration is not just how to get your pet out of the country with you but what to do when you return. Often this is where issues arrive as you might be struck with long quarantine times. For the UK, the government website has a section on returning pets to the UK.

2: Transportation options.

There are actually many options for having your beloved furry creature with you. Some airlines allow you to take your pets with you as carry-on luggage. But again, be sure to check the countries that do allow this as not all do. When pets are travelling with you as carry-on it is required that they remain in the case for the duration of the flight. There are strict rules pertaining to this of which the specific airline you are flying with can instruct you. An alternative, though not quite as reassuring, is taking them on the same flight, but in the baggage cargo hold. If you contact the Airline specifically they might also be able to arrange a service for your pet, and they can travel under the category of “live animal cargo”.

3: Prerequisites.

Despite which options of shipping you decide on, make sure all the prerequisites are taken care of of-vaccination and permit requirements being the most crucial. Your pet needs to be proven healthy and fit for travel before you leave, this means having had all the relevant vaccinations. Depending on where you are from visiting your country of residence’s government website is your best bet. For UK citizens you can visit Gov.UK for a comprehensive list of what you need. Also, as a UK citizen bear in mind that a no-deal Brexit will affect the rules for travelling with your pet to other countries in the EU as they will become classed as an unlisted country. You can read more on that, here. It is most likely that in addition to vaccinations you will require a vet certificate that states your pet is in good health for the relocation. Both the airline and destination country will require the certification to fit within a specific time-frame. Some countries are 1 month, some might require a more last minute trip to the vet, around 10 days.

Tip 4: Culture.

Now that you are mostly set and prepared for the trip, it is time to get clued up on pet etiquette of the country you are moving to. Having a pet-friendly place is obviously of high priority, so check in with the place you are going to be. If you are on the campus of the school, reach out to them directly to find out if they allow pets onsite. If your accommodation is not yet sorted you could always find an interim pet-friendly Airbnb until you get your bearings.  Beyond the logistics of them living with you, it is worth asking yourself some questions like the following. How do they consider pets as part of the culture and how do they treat them? For example, will there be other people with pets and will you be able to walk, or house your pet easily?

Moving with your pet can be done but requires organization. Hope this helps!

Do you have experience of moving abroad with your pet? We would love to hear about your experiences with this.  Please feel free to reach out to us and share your story at editor@teacherhorizons.com