Working in education and teaching abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in education and teaching abroad like?

• Teaching abroad can range from a paid job teaching English at a school in Asia to volunteering at a kindergarten in Africa.
• You can work in primary schools, secondary schools, universities, language schools or on educational projects in communities.
• In addition to classroom teaching, you can also be involved in educational projects such as homework guidance, sports education, language training or digital lessons.
• As a Dutch citizen, many opportunities abroad can be found in teaching English. Many schools, companies and private language schools are looking for international teachers to help their students speak English better.
• If you have a good command of the local language, your Dutch diploma can often also be appreciated. For example, if you want to work in primary education with a PABO diploma or if you are transferring to a foreign school as an experienced teacher.
• Knowledge of the local language makes it easier to teach in all kinds of different fields, from drama to ICT, but at international schools this is often also possible if you simply speak good English.
• As a Dutch citizen, you can also become a Dutch teacher, for example at universities or educational institutions where Dutch is offered as a study or subject.
• In addition, more and more teachers are working online from abroad. You can teach as a digital nomad via digital education platforms, for example via online language schools or tutoring platforms.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and giving lessons.
• Provide explanations about language, subject content or skills.
• Guiding students with assignments or homework.
• Mark tests and assess progress.
• Develop or adapt teaching materials.
• Organize group activities or educational projects.
• Motivate and guide students in their learning process.
• Consult with colleagues or school management.

Working conditions

• This often concerns temporary contracts, project contracts or volunteer agreements. At international schools these are sometimes permanent contracts.
• You usually receive a salary for paid jobs, or room and board for volunteer work.
• Working hours are in line with the school schedule, but preparation time is often also required outside of lessons.
• Sometimes there is a visa arrangement or work permit through the employer.
• Language schools may require a TEFL or TESOL certificate.
• Some schools offer housing, flight reimbursement or health insurance.

What are the reasons for working in education and teaching abroad abroad?

• To become better at communicating: teaching requires clear explanations and effective communication with students from different backgrounds.
• To strengthen your empathy: you train yourself to delve into not only another culture but also the thoughts of your students.
• To develop your creativity: when creating teaching materials and adapting lessons to different learning styles and cultures.
• To feel helpful: for rewarding work you often get back as much, or more, than you put into it.
• To increase your self-insight: there is no better mirror for your own development than a classroom full of children or committed students.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in education and teaching abroad abroad?

• Communication: knowledge of the local language is not a must, but it is a great advantage.
• Environmental awareness: wherever you teach, you will always have to be aware of your environment. Each country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent.
• Organisational awareness: every school or educational institution has its own way in which they view education or teaching. You will also have to take this into account. Just like with the limitations/challenges that some schools have due to a lack of money or facilities
• Planning: planning lessons, preparing materials and structuring the learning process are essential.
• Persuasiveness: motivating and enthusing students to actively participate isn't easy.
• Self-confidence: standing in front of a group and taking charge in a classroom takes courage.

What are the best countries and locations to work in education and teaching abroad?

• Working as a volunteer or intern: Argentina, Bolivia, Cambodia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Nepal, Thailand, South Africa.
• Working as a paid teacher: Aruba, Bonaire, China, Brazil, Chile, Middle East, Suriname, Italy, Spain, South Korea.

What are the risks of working in education and as a teacher abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of working as a teaching and working in education abroad, and what happens with some regularity:

• that there is an unsafe working environment: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, manners.
• that you run health risks because children are regularly ill and infections spread quickly.
• that medical care can be expensive or difficult to access in countries with less developed healthcare systems.
• that the workload can be high due to long working hours, preparation and responsibilities.
• that you can become emotionally burdened by problems with students or major cultural differences.
• that unexpected costs may arise due to illness, accidents or medical evacuation.
• When you work in the education sector, you may be exposed to greater financial or legal risks as soon as you start performing your work under your own responsibility. It is advisable, as far as possible, to also inquire to what extent your local employer is adequately insured for accidents, technical errors, or misjudgments. Of course, this is not always the case, nor can it be always ascertained in advance. Take this into account as much as possible when deciding whether to perform certain risky tasks.

Are you insured while working in education and as a teacher abroad?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
• Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
• During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may lapse. See the pages on: insuring paid work, internships, or volunteering abroad.
• See also: insurance for working in education and teaching abroad for paid work, for internships and for volunteer work abroad.