ASK QUESTIONS
Now, before accepting an English teaching job abroad, there are many things that you need to know. Firstly, don’t be afraid to ask questions – the more you know about the job, the more informed your decision will be.
Also, find out as much about the school as you can. Good places to start are Yahoo groups, ESL forums, Facebook groups, job boards and country-specific forums. You can also ask to be put in touch with current or past teachers.
Below are some questions you should ask before accepting a position.
- Who are the clients, students, owners of the school, manages it, runs it?
- Is there a particular methodology or pedagogical philosophy to be followed?
- How is management structured?
- How many a week maximum?
- How many a day maximum?
- How many in a row without a break?
- Are extra hours/relief compulsory? If so how much notice is given?
- Morning or afternoon shift? Split shift? Weekend work?
- How many different classes and or levels in a week?
- Are the hours guaranteed?
- Are there breaks?
- What about overtime?
- Is there sick leave? How much? Is there compensation if sick days aren’t used?
- What’s the typical student like?
- How many per class?
- How expensive/cheap is the school for students?
- What sort of students is the client base?
- Who makes the quizzes? How often are they?
- What other responsibilities are there?
- How often is the pay?
- How is it decided? How will the salary differ with a certificate/degree and work experience?
- How much is the tax?
- Are there bonuses? How often are they given?
- Is there help with opening a bank account?
- How much is needed to live?
- Holidays – paid or unpaid? When do you want them?
- Is there reimbursement for the flight? Are flights paid for?
- Is there airport pickup?
- Is accommodation provided? What is included? Is there help to find a flat?
- Is transport provided?
- What is done about organizing visas and who pays? (the employer must pay for and organize this)
- Is medical insurance private? Or local state system?
- Is there a relocation allowance?
- What books are used?
- Is there a syllabus to follow?
- Is there a library? Computers? Internet/email?
- Is there a Language lab? Video camera? Tape and video recorders?
- Is there a mentor or buddy system?
Once you do accept a position, you’ll need to start getting accustomed to the school and area. Here’s some suggestions to help make the transition easier.
- Book a flight and inform your school when you will be arriving.
- Ask if you can observe some classes.
- Ask if you can come in to familiarize yourself with the materials.
- Start getting materials together.
- Talk with current teachers and ask them for tips.
- Bring in all the paperwork necessary in order for you to get a work visa if they haven’t already gotten you one.
- Familiarise yourself with the town.