Teaching overseas for the first time can be incredibly exciting, but, on the other hand, also extremely nerve-wracking.
Thankfully, much of the stressful and scary side of moving to a new job abroad can be lessened by doing some forward-planning and research beforehand. That way it’s even possible to turn potential negative experiences into outcomes that are far more positive. Read on, to see exactly what we mean:
Friends ‘passing in the night’
Well, not quite ‘literally’ in the night, but what we do mean is that often when you embark on a TEFL placement colleagues do tend to come and go quite regularly. The reason for this, of course, is because they themselves may be going off to take up a placement in another country. Some of them may even plan on ending their TEFL adventure for good and be returning home.
And yet, it’s natural to want to make friends with your new colleagues – and quickly too, as no-one wants to be on their own in a strange place. Befriending your colleagues is also a way to get to know your new location too, of course.
You can be sure of making friends that will stick around for a lot longer though if you can also hit it off with people who actually live in your new location ie locals. That way you won’t be saying ‘goodbye’ to a friendship every 12 months or so. Also, getting friendly with people who have grown up in your new surroundings means they will be able to show you the best restaurants, pubs and cafes in your new town or city.
Boredom setting in
It is natural that after two to three years working in the same city or country and becoming familiar with the layout, people and even the teaching job itself, you may get a little fed up. In such circumstances you might start hankering for a change of scene – or even a promotion.
When it comes to the latter, getting your qualified teacher status (QTS) qualification can help you get better teaching positions in International Schools, and which can lead to career development.
But if it’s monotony that’s getting you down then moving to a new city can help. So too can changing your class from children to adults or vice versa. Or how about going from a city to a village, where you can get really immersed into the community?
Having to avoid scams
Everyone embarking on a TEFL job should look out for – and avoid – scams. There are quite a few out there. We’ve heard of jobs being offered in China on a visit visa. That’s not legitimate – you’ll always need a Z-visa (work permit). Even if the school says they’ll convert the visa once you’re there, it’s still not worth the risk as you could come under some very unwelcome scrutiny by the Chinese authorities.
Just make sure that before taking up a position you do plenty of your own research. Look for reputable sources when it comes to getting information on visas.
The recruitment process for a TEFL position can vary from country to country. Requirements too are often different. But just make sure you don’t hand over your personal paperwork such as qualifications and a photocopy of your passport etc until that job offer you’ve been promised is a solid one.
Embarking on a job as a TEFL teacher abroad is exciting and a real adventure. But, just as in most areas of life, there will be good bits, and bad. Being aware of what can go wrong and preparing for it, then even turning it into a positive is the answer. That way you’ll get the most from your overseas teaching trip.
Get in touch
If you need your documents legalised for a TEFL post you are about to embark on in a different country then get in touch with the team here. We can also ensure that you have all the relevant documents, and in order, before we go ahead and present them to the embassy for whichever country you intend working in.
We know how quickly you will want the process carried out and because of this we also handle client’s documents with the utmost urgency. You can also rest assured that your documents will be handled carefully and protected at all times.So if you are thinking of teaching overseas contact us tel: +44 2080 172 216 or send us a message via Whatsapp on +44 7496 701 341. You can also write to us via our email orders@apostille-services.co.uk
