Quick Tips For Your First Year Teaching Abroad | From Graduation to Global Classroom

Excited yet overwhelmed by your upcoming first year teaching abroad? As thrilling as this journey is, a lot of people rely on the leap to prepare them for the year abroad!

While that could sustain you for some time, maybe you could use a little bit more help to prepare a healthy mindset, or with tips on how to adapt to your social surroundings, or even insights on how to manage a classroom in a foreign environment. If that sounds like you, we’ve got tips to help.

Here are some of the most common concerns about the first year abroad, as well as insights on how to navigate them successfully:

Preparing for Your First Year

1. Documentation and Legal Matters

Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Apply for the appropriate visa well in advance.

Work Permits: Research and secure any necessary work permits required by your host country.

2. Financial Preparations

Banking: Set up a local bank account if needed, and inform your home bank of your travel plans to avoid issues with accessing funds.

Budgeting: Create a budget to manage your expenses abroad, considering factors like cost of living and travel expenses.

3. Health and Safety

Vaccinations: Check if any vaccinations are required or recommended for your destination.

Navigating the Classroom

Understand the Culture: Before embarking on your teaching journey, take time to learn about the culture of your host country. Understanding cultural norms will help you avoid misunderstandings and integrate more smoothly into your new environment. Engaging with local customs and traditions will enrich your experience and foster better relationships with students and colleagues.

Learn the Language: While it may not be necessary to become fluent, learning the basics of the local language can greatly enhance your experience. It helps in daily interactions, shows respect for the local culture, and builds rapport with students and the community.

Read More About These Teachers’ Experiences

Classroom Management

Patience is Key!: Adapting to a new teaching environment requires patience. Building relationships with students and colleagues takes time, and being patient will help you establish a positive rapport. Flexibility and openness to new teaching methods are essential.

Teaching Methods: Be open to adapting your teaching style to fit local educational practices.

Living Abroad

Packing Essentials

Comfort Items: Bring small comforts from home to ease homesickness and help adapt to your new surroundings.

Universal Plug Adaptors: Ensure you have adaptors for your electronic devices, as plug types vary worldwide.

Unlocked Phone: Bring an unlocked phone for easy access to local SIM cards and communication.

Community Building

Build a Network: Connect with fellow expatriates and locals to create a support system. (Find plenty on Teach Away’s Instagram account!)

Engage in Activities: Participate in local events and activities to immerse yourself in the culture and make new friends.

Adaptability

Go with the Flow: Embrace the unpredictability of living abroad. Each country has its own customs and lifestyle, and being adaptable will enhance your overall experience. Unexpected challenges will arise, and being flexible will help you navigate these situations.

Mind the Food: Be open to trying new foods but also cautious about potential allergies or dietary restrictions. Understanding local cuisine is part of the cultural experience and can enhance your enjoyment of the new environment.

Build a Support Network: Feeling isolated is a common challenge for teachers abroad. Connect with fellow expatriates and local colleagues, and join online forums or local groups for international teachers. Maintaining communication with family and friends back home can also help ease feelings of homesickness.

Resources for Teaching Abroad

By preparing for cultural differences, developing effective classroom management strategies, being resourceful, building a support network, and overcoming language barriers, you can turn the challenges of teaching abroad into opportunities for growth.

Embrace the adventure, and you’ll find that teaching abroad can be one of the most enriching experiences of your career.

Find more resources on teaching abroad here.