Job Discussion Forums

dackinator · Joined: 17 Sep 2010 Posts: 105

For those who decided to teach abroad, do you secure a job before you arrive or after?

I've taught for 3 years, in 3 different countries. Each time I've got a job before going (via job websites, skype interviews, etc). To make sure I've got a source of income and don't fly there for nothing.

On the other hand most teachers I meet abroad have just turned up and searched for jobs. And for every 1 job advertised online, there are 5 or 6 unadvertised which you would otherwise miss.

Which do you do?

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

A lot depends on what part of the world you're talking about.

In China, where I am, most first jobs are secured before you come here, it's part of the visa requirement. Where as in Europe it's more common to show up in person and look for jobs, providing you're a citizen of the E.U., I think it may be different for other nationalities.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The thing with Europe is that there are a lot of teachers around ready to interview in person, so unless 'you' have specialist qualifications or local contacts who have some reason to specifically want 'you,' it's tough. Most reputable schools prefer not to take a chance on someone sight-unseen. There is little need to do this when there are teachers standing on the doorstep, CV in hand, ready to interview in person.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 1:51 pm Post subject:

Ditto what Shroob said. For some countries, Russia stands out, the visa barrier makes it really hard to come along on spec. Best to line up even a crappy job first. Otherwise you may face having to exit so as to re-enter a country on the right visa.

Check out immigration requirements well in advance of just turning up.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

dackinator · Joined: 17 Sep 2010 Posts: 105

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

It might also be a question of age / being settled. I wouldn't take off now for somewhere without even the faintest idea if there'd be a job at the other end - if only because I have a house, life, contacts etc here. Even in Europe I've tended to land contracts before leaving for another country.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Actually, it's also about the level of qualifications and experience; at the newbie level, generally harder to find something from abroad in some places. With higher-level quals, finding a job in advance becomes more likely.