Preparing To Teach In The Middle East: What You Should Do Before You Leave Home
If you're interested becoming an English teacher overseas, you might be tempted to just hop a plane and search for jobs once you're actually in your chosen country. However, this is a difficult and inefficient method of finding employment -- not to mention, it might be illegal to work in certain foreign countries without a work visa. Instead, take the time to find a job before you move and then follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Research Paid Teaching Programs To Find The Right One
There are a number of paid teaching programs that you can use to find a job as an English teacher, but it's important to research them to make sure you're working with a company that can actually help you find a job. Look for paid teaching programs that have existing relationships within the countries they serve since these companies will be more likely to have jobs that need to be filled. Also, check into how long the business has been helping match teachers with paid teaching programs -- the longer the better. Once you have an assignment lined up, then you can start preparing to actually move.
Check Into Any Necessary Vaccinations
Depending on the country you're moving to, you might need to receive an inoculation shot or booster. While individual requirements vary by the country, measles is a common requirement. Many people received a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination when they were children, but if you no longer have those records, it's not a bad idea to get another. Additionally, you should look into the CDC's travel recommendations for the country you're going to. If you're planning to teach in the Middle East, there aren't a lot of diseases to watch out for, but it's not a bad idea to get a flu shot.
Build A Document Folder
When you move to become an English teacher overseas, you'll need to have a folder that houses all your important records and documents. These folders should include your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if married), Social Security card, vaccination records, passport, travel visa and maybe even college transcripts. Also consider creating a folder with copies of each document, as well as copies of the front and back of your credit cards. Having a second set of this information will come in handy if it's ever lost.
Learn Any Local Customs
Lastly, take the time to learn any local customs before you enter your classroom. For instance, if you teach in the Middle East, it's important to dress modestly to fit in with the culture and customs. This doesn't mean that you need to dress like the locals -- in most cases, any modest clothing will be sufficient.
Becoming an English teacher overseas is an excellent way to see a different part of the world and get some valuable work experience at the same time. Before you hop on a plane, take time to prepare yourself for what you can expect and use these tips to make your life easier once you do start working as an English teacher.
Research Paid Teaching Programs To Find The Right One
There are a number of paid teaching programs that you can use to find a job as an English teacher, but it's important to research them to make sure you're working with a company that can actually help you find a job. Look for paid teaching programs that have existing relationships within the countries they serve since these companies will be more likely to have jobs that need to be filled. Also, check into how long the business has been helping match teachers with paid teaching programs -- the longer the better. Once you have an assignment lined up, then you can start preparing to actually move.
Check Into Any Necessary Vaccinations
Depending on the country you're moving to, you might need to receive an inoculation shot or booster. While individual requirements vary by the country, measles is a common requirement. Many people received a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination when they were children, but if you no longer have those records, it's not a bad idea to get another. Additionally, you should look into the CDC's travel recommendations for the country you're going to. If you're planning to teach in the Middle East, there aren't a lot of diseases to watch out for, but it's not a bad idea to get a flu shot.
Build A Document Folder
When you move to become an English teacher overseas, you'll need to have a folder that houses all your important records and documents. These folders should include your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if married), Social Security card, vaccination records, passport, travel visa and maybe even college transcripts. Also consider creating a folder with copies of each document, as well as copies of the front and back of your credit cards. Having a second set of this information will come in handy if it's ever lost.
Learn Any Local Customs
Lastly, take the time to learn any local customs before you enter your classroom. For instance, if you teach in the Middle East, it's important to dress modestly to fit in with the culture and customs. This doesn't mean that you need to dress like the locals -- in most cases, any modest clothing will be sufficient.
Becoming an English teacher overseas is an excellent way to see a different part of the world and get some valuable work experience at the same time. Before you hop on a plane, take time to prepare yourself for what you can expect and use these tips to make your life easier once you do start working as an English teacher.
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