Teaching overseas has become a big business in the last decade or so. Some have speculated that the difficulty of getting US visas after 9/11 was the impetus for many an overseas ESL start-up. Now ESL programs are flourishing and many other institutions are looking for English speaking instructors as well. Looking online, you will find a broad selection of sites offering career and job opportunities. Before you take the time to fill out that online application or scan your vitae/resume and send it by email consider some critical information on working overseas.
Personal Information
In the United States, laws restrict what an employer can ask you on an application or during the interview process. Other countries may not be bound by such laws and the intrusion into one's personal information can be a shock. It is best if you are ready for inquiries into such issues as:
- Your marital status and number of children. They may ask for divorce papers if you confess to having a child but indicate you are divorced. Some places will not hire unwed parents.
- What your spouse will be doing in-country. They will want to know if they have to find a job for your husband or wife in order to entice you to make the move.
- Your intentions about having a child.
- Your age. There is no use in lying, since they will need a copy of your passport.
- Your religion. Yes, they can even ask this and they may require proof of your religious commitment in the form of a baptism form or letter from the priest, reverend, or pastor of your church or religious group.
Age Restrictions
Some highly qualified applicants have been surprised by a lack of response to their applications, little realizing that ageism and age limits are realities for job seekers outside the United States. In Japan, for example, where the elderly are said to be revered, this homage does not extend to the workplace. So deeply rooted is ageism in Japan that older citizens face an extremely limited employment market and must settle for jobs such as security guard or cab driver.
Foreign applicants of a certain age will experience the same cold shoulder. The Jet Teaching Programme of Japan has an age cap of 40, as do many private and public universities. Jet cites the "youth to youth" intent of the program as the reason for their limitation. Sometimes, the age limit is dictated, not by ageism, but by the retirement age in the country in question. Therefore, the limit may be 55 or 60. Save yourself wasted effort and look into age limits before you apply.
Housing
In the U.S., housing is a major expense. Americans often pay 25 - 33% of their income just for housing. Abroad, this figure may be far less, but you need to know ahead of time. Many organizations will either offer a housing stipend or rent-free housing. Get pictures and as much information as possible about these residences. You don't want to spend a year or more of your life living next to a dump. . .or in one. All of this information should be available online or through communication with an institutional representative.
Healthcare
Just because you have enjoyed good health all your life, do not assume that the same will be true overseas. At the very least, you will probably need to visit a doctor due to "tummy troubles", the traveler's delight. A change in water, weather, food, living circumstances, and working conditions may all impact your health. You will need health insurance at a reasonable cost.
If you have a visa and a work permit, there is a chance that you would be covered under the public healthcare program. Check with your potential employer about types of health care available, the cost to you for the insurance, the general costs "out-of-pocket", and the quality of healthcare provided under the insurance. ISIC, an organization recognized by UNESCO, offers a teachers' card and basic insurance coverage for a small fee.
Resources for Jobs and Information
Dave's ESL Cafe not only an extensive list of teaching positions overseas, 1007 jobs on this date, but a very helpful forum system through which you can find out the nitty gritty about almost any school, university, or organization that hires teachers. It is through this that potential applicants can discover that some universities can fire you without cause or notice and without buying out your contract. In other situations, prospective teachers learn that they can be asked to teach 30-35 contact (classroom) hours a week, far more than a public school teacher in the U.S.
In addition, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Higher Ed Jobs and The International Educator, plus many other websites list teaching positions overseas. It has been my experience that most of these jobs are legitimate and rewarding, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth in a fascinating environment. It just pays to know what you are getting into.
Barbara Castleton - Researcher, writer, teacher, trainer, and collector of stamps on her passport, Ms. Castleton currently works and lives in North Africa.
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