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If moving home in your own country can be a laborious process, moving jobs, home and country can be even more challenging.\u00a0 It can also be exciting.\u00a0 Flat hunting in a new city is a great way to get to know it.\u00a0 Most reputable international schools will appoint either a buddy in the teaching or administrative staff to help you with the logistics of settling in.\u00a0 It is in their interest for you to settle in easily.<\/p>\n
Logistics include finding suitable housing, sorting out visa issues, bank accounts and access to health care.\u00a0 Outside the developed world, most international schools will provide free private healthcare with access to hospitals of the highest standard.\u00a0 One area to consider is your pension.\u00a0 Some schools will allow you to continue with your current pension plan (however, your contribution to the the Teacher’s Pension Scheme in England & Wales must be suspended while you are teaching abroad), some choose a private one and some subscribe to the local state pension plan.<\/p>\n
No matter how adaptable you are, we would recommend moving countries at least a week before the school year starts and it will probably be at least a month before you feel properly at home.<\/p>\n
Most international school teachers find that the first year is about settling in to the new job and country, the second year starts to feel like home and from the third year on they feel truly at home and integrated.\u00a0 Those that stay beyond two years are likely to find it the most rewarding.<\/p>\n
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Part of the appeal of teaching abroad is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture.\u00a0 However, battles against speaking a foreign language and dealing with foreign etiquette can get wearing.\u00a0 Most cities with international schools do have an active and very sociable expatriate community.\u00a0 New teachers can be rather damning of these communities and their activities \u2013 this is unfair.\u00a0 Whilst there are expatriates that want nothing to do with the local community, most are open minded, interested in travel and keen to experience the country they reside in.<\/p>\n
International teachers can feel lonely when moving to a new job and country.\u00a0 Your teaching colleagues, expatriate societies, clubs and communities can be an excellent starting points for meeting new people from all varieties of professions, nationalities, backgrounds and interests.\u00a0 Sporting clubs, wine tasting societies, cooking taster sessions, book clubs and social events are all a common experience of the international teacher.<\/p>\n
However, whilst the expatriate scene is certainly appealing, we would urge international teachers to engage with the local community.\u00a0 Local staff can be a great starting point with this and given an introduction into the local culture and customs.\u00a0 Getting to grips with the local language will most likely be a rewarding experience and help you make friends quickly.\u00a0 Whilst English is becoming an increasing global language, locals love it when one makes an effort to learn their language \u2013 no matter how badly you may speak it!\u00a0 Local universities or language centres are a good starting point for these.<\/p>\n
Joining a local sports club or band, going to a local bar or tea shop, learning how to cook the local cuisine are all good starting points and will no doubt enhance your experience in your new home.\u00a0 Independent travel can be another way to meet people and know the local cultural intricacies in depth; you are far less intimidating as an individual than as part of a foreign group.<\/p>\n
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The world is without doubt becoming more globalised.\u00a0 English is more and more widely spoken, western dress is becoming the norm amongst even the most traditional and conservative cultures, American music and television dominate whilst European soccer is supported almost everywhere.<\/p>\n
Never-the-less, it is no less exciting to be an international teacher now than it ever has been.\u00a0 With modern communications, you will feel much closer to home, but no matter where you are you will still find cultures to be hugely varied.\u00a0 In most societies it is still wise to understand the dos and don\u2019ts of the local etiquette.\u00a0 Very few will expect you to master it immediately and many local residents will find your actions amusing.\u00a0 Ensure you ask and use the sections in the Lonely Planet or any other reputable guide book to help you get started.\u00a0 Above all, be respectful to different ways of living.\u00a0 That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t question it but it is wise to be respectful of it.<\/p>\n