Job Discussion Forums

[fayefidalgo]

Are there any teachers out there who travel and teach as single parents? How is it? Where are the most family friendly places to go? Where are more difficult places to take families? What is the situation for schooling for your kids? Private? Public? In terms of salary, how feasible is it to support a family on a teacher's income abroad (I realize this is country specific, but I'd love input from anywhere).
Have you ever heard of situations where children are welcome in the classroom? Does anyone home school abroad? Do you find your teaching schedule fits with your child's schedule? What are the challenges you have learned from?

Thanks for your thoughts. I realize the difficulty in single parenting regardless of place or circumstance, therefore I respectfully ask for those who wish to contribute cynical or cruel input kindly withhold.
Peace.

[Justin Trullinger]

This is going to depend a LOT on you. Howsabout some information about yourself? Training, experience, background, interest in teaching?

You're very right that it's country specific, but it's also YOU specific. In all the countries I've lived/worked in (Spain, Ecuador, KOrea, Italy, and a little bit in the US) there's a common theme. If you're a licensed teacher, then it could work out internationally...

If you're not, probably going to be a lot harder.

International Schools often offer good benefits for children, including tuition breaks to study in the school where you work, AND an international school teacher's schedule generally works with a child's schedule. These are a great way to go if you're a licensed teacher.

Regular EFL teaching much less frequently coincides- if you're teaching EFL to adults or children, outside of the regular school day, which is what most entry level work is, then by definition you'd be off when your kid's in school, working when he or she is home. Very hard.

Higher level EFL work also has generally got better family benefits, but if the schedule means that you aren't available when your kid's out of school, it's still rough as a single.

I've known a few (very few) families that home school in various countries, but no single parents. Homeschooling is a pretty big responsibility and a lot of work- it's really a full-time job. Working as a teacher is also a full-time job. You're not going to be able to do both.

Best,
Justin

[denise]

It's possible in the Gulf, but as Justin says, it depends on you & your qualifications. If you are a certified teacher you can apply for jobs in international schools, or if you have an MA you can go for university jobs. International schools here certainly aren't cheap, but if you get a subsidy they are doable (and putting your kids in the local schools... well, I don't know anyone who does it). You would also very likely need to arrange for transportation & babysitting.

If you've only got entry-level qualifications, it will be difficult pretty much anywhere you go.

d

[fayefidalgo]

Thanks for your reply Justin~
I am trying to get an idea about teaching/living abroad as a single parent, just to get the lay of the land so to speak. I am just finishing a TESOL cert and have little real teaching experience so far. I am seriously considering just going for an MA since it seems a cert. isn't going to be enough for what I would need to earn a living a support a family. I am wondering at this point if it would be more beneficial to jump right into the MA or go for some experience, and whether it would be possible on a shoestring with my kids (9 year old twin boys, very amiable personalities). By no means are we accustomed to a lavish lifestyle and are quite able to be resourceful. However that becomes complicated in unfamiliar territory.

I was thinking more along the lines of MA TESOL though rather than a teaching license. I think my interests are more with teaching adults and young adults. But you did bring up a good point with the international schools. Something to consider.

I would really like to offer my kids the opportunity to see outside of the American cultural lens, so this is the path I've chosen. I do enjoy teaching so far (the classroom hours required for the TESOL program I am in) and I study multiple languages as well.
Thats it....

[Glenski]

Since they are 9, I would think that they would adjust best in a country where learning the local language wouldn't be so difficult, or where they can join an international school.

Being able to get a job with kids in school will obviously be a stickler for any employer to consider. Best of luck.

[Justin Trullinger]

This is where it gets sticky, alright.

A lot ( and most of the best ) of MA TESOL programs will have a pre-entry teaching requirement. The MAs you can get without experience are not always in the highest category. THis is often two years, but can be more.

And I agree- with your current quals, it's unlikely to happen.

BUT...you never know. Where are you thinking of?


Best,
Justin

[scooby doo]

You might consider a country with a low cost of living like Indonesia. Indonesian society is fairly tolerant and Indonesians adore children. If you're not overly concerned about the quality of education (your kids are still quite young, right?) there are schools here which use English as the medium of instruction so they would be able to adjust. Also, full-time babysitters are very very cheap.

Your main obstacle will probably be finding an employer who will be agreeable to this unusual arrangement.

I think you might find more relevant information on forums for "expats in country X". There you'll get feedback on family-specific issues like education, insurance, visa, etc.

Good luck, hope it works out!

[queenbee]

Any updates? OP-- Have you been able to find a job that accepts single parents?