Int'l ESL Gateways
Enter into the Next Dimension of Learning
Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions
Keep in mind that when you are teaching overseas, there are seldom set rules that apply in every given situation. Rules vary from country to country, and each school is also different. As a result, each situation will vary from one job to another, and the following questions and answers may or may not apply to you.
What age group will I have to teach?
In schools overseas, students of all ages study English. Children as young as three go to English kindergartens, while senior citizens study English as a hobby. You might be teaching elementary school students, junior or senior high school students, businessmen, housewives, other teachers, or people who need English in order to improve their chances of being promoted or to increase their ability to be hired. Most schools do focus on one or two age groups, so if you have a very strong preference for one age group, make sure the school that you apply to teaches that age group. Whatever your preferences are, teaching each age group is covered in the standard sixty-hour course. We also have excellent specializations that focus on teaching children , adolescents and adults .
What is the average class size that I may encounter?
This depends entirely on what the school teaches and where you are teaching it. In some parts of China, you might be teaching class sizes of forty students. In other parts of China, you might be teaching three or four. For class sizes smaller than this, or for any tutoring jobs you might have, we suggest registering for our tutoring specialization. Most countries have a limit of eight to twelve students, which we feel is the ideal number to have in a classroom. Be careful though! Those high paying college and university classes might have class sizes of over two hundred.
What textbook will I have to use?
This is one of the first questions to ask a potential employer. Most schools will have an established curriculum already in place for you, but they will allow you to be creative in your teaching methods, so bring along our 721-page Resource Guide. You want to avoid schools that do not have any textbooks in place, and you also want to make sure that the textbook series you do use is from an English speaking country. We have a list of preferred textbooks to use in Chapter twenty-one of the resource guide.
What resources are available to me?
Again, this depends on the school you are going to. Most schools have access to a TV and a VCR, a CD player, a tape player, and at least some art supplies. Make sure you pay attention to Chapter 8 and 9 in the Resource Guide to see what you will need to convert or adapt to play in your classroom.
What is the dress code for foreign English teachers?
Most schools do not have a strict dress-code, but be aware that teachers are required to look clean, neat and presentable at all times while teaching. If you are teaching children, however, make sure you are wearing clothes that are appropriate for teaching children. Ties on male teachers are a definite no-no when teaching younger children. Also, take in to consideration the religious beliefs in the country you are teaching. Most countries do not expect foreigners to dress the same as the citizens, but more conservative clothing will be required in some areas.
What are some of the most common classroom management problems?
Most students overseas are much better behaved than students in North America, but classroom management is still sometimes a concern. The best way to avoid all classroom management issues is being prepared. We cover low-level and high-level management techniques when teaching children. You will occasionally have students who are extremely tired in your class, as well as students who clearly do not understand what you want them to do. Don't worry! We cover all this in class.
Will I have to teach a specific age group?
No! Not if you don't want to. Each school specializes in a particular age group; so if there is an age group that you definitely do not want to teach, simply do not apply for that school.
How many classes a day will I have to teach?
Again, this depends on the country. Some countries like Mexico or China ask you to teach three to four classes a day, while South Korea expects six classes. Most countries require at least five hours a day for teaching. We teach you in the class how to define a teaching 'hour' and how to negotiate overtime.
What kind of preparatory work is involved in teaching?
This depends on how much practice you have had in teaching before. Beginner teachers might need 20-30 minutes before each class to plan the lesson. The more experience you have, the less time you need to plan, but remember, planning is always important. We spend a great deal of time dealing with lesson plans.
Will I be observed while teaching?
Some teachers are, and some teachers aren't. Some schools will give you bonuses depending on performances and some teachers will never have their directors in their classrooms. You might want to ask if this is a practice in your school.
What kind of report cards do the schools use?
Again, this depends on the school. Some schools use them, some schools don't. Regardless of this, you should always keep anecdotal notes about your students. Remember to keep your comments as positive as possible.
Will I have to team-teach?
Yet again, this depends on the school. When teaching kindergarten, some schools have a native English teacher teach with a foreign English teacher, and if you are teaching in an actual junior or senior high school, you will be teaching with another teacher. Usually, however, your English classroom is your classroom exclusively.
Will there be other foreign teachers in my school?
Hopefully there will be! It is extremely difficult to start out teaching anywhere, and it is even more difficult if you are the first or the only English teacher. One of the questions you should be asking your director is if you can have the email of teachers already working in the school. If the answer is no, it's usually a good sign that he either knows the teachers are not going to say anything positive or that you will be working alone. For your first time abroad, maybe that isn't such a great idea.
Living Abroad
What should I pack?
Besides casual wear and clothes to teach in, it is important to take with you things that you cannot live without. If there is a particular brand of tea you love or pictures of your family, fine, but be very careful not to pack anything that would break your heart to lose.
Is there anything I shouldn't take with me?
To begin with, anything illegal in the country you are going to should not be taken with you. This obviously includes drugs, but may also include men's magazines such as Maxim. Try not to take with you denim jeans for a hot summer; they are very uncomfortable to wear. Things that might also be on the prohibited list are insulin needles, birth control pills, and in the Middle East, movies and DVD's.
What is the housing situation like?
Again, this depends on where you are going to go. If the school offers you accommodation, it can range from a one very small room to a very large house. It totally depends. So make sure this is one of the questions that you research. If at all possible, try to talk to people who are living in the housing that you will have. Remember where ever you are, apartments will never be as large as they are in North America and rent is sometimes very expensive if it's not subsidized by the school.
The job description says 'furnished accommodation'. What's usually included in that?
Again, this depends on the school. But you want to make sure that what is included in the house is clearly spelled out in the contract. This allows you to accurately access how furnished the apartment is, but it can also act as a checkout list for your landlord so you know what was provided and what you have acquired during your stay.
Will I be able to find any (fill in your favorite item) overseas?
I would answer this with a hesitant yes. Most developed countries do have a foreign-type market store that is filled with imported coca-cola, cream of mushroom soup and all the Kraft dinner you can eat! These types of stores are almost always located in major cities, and almost always cost up to three times as much as the same items back in your home country. So use them when you absolutely must have (blank), but try to use local products as much as possible. A word of warning, however, I once saw a Kool-aide package on sale on the shelf that was past the expiration date. I hadn't thought that was possible. Make sure to check all the best before dates before you buy it, and be very wary of foreign food on sale.
Are there any English television programs or stations overseas?
Although you should be out of the house actually doing stuff rather than staying inside all day watching television, there will be the occasional cold, rainy day. Most industrialized countries will have the occasional English television program on its regular channels, but make sure your television is sub-line capable in order to listen to it in English. Other countries have English satellite television or cable packages that have newer shows (read last season's) available at a premium.
Are English movies, magazines, and books available overseas?
Again, most countries will have English movies playing in their theatres, but the ticket price is usually twice what it costs in North America. Make sure you can read the words for "subtitled" or "dubbed" to make sure you can understand what the actors are saying. English newspapers published in your areas should have what is playing as well as the times. English magazines and books are usually available at big booksellers, again in the major centers. You can either learn the words for "Do you have any English books here?" or look sufficiently stunned enough for a kind clerk to show you where they are. You won't be the first person they would have had to help.
What am I able to do with my free time?
Basically anything you want, within reason. With very few teaching hours in a week, you might find that you have more time on your hands than you are used to. You might pick up a hobby or make local friends. There are hundreds of places to explore, and thousands of shops to poke around in. You might even want to *cough* take a private job or two. More on this in the work environment.
How much money should I take with me for the first month abroad?
Enough to last at least a month, if not more. Ask the other English teachers working in your potential school how much money that will be. If you are traveling under a tourist visa, or if your school has only provided you with a one-way ticket, that you have enough money to get you home if something goes wrong or if there is an emergency. It is important to have that emergency fund available to you so that you will never feel trapped in your country.
Is the water drinkable?
Sometimes. But unless you know for sure, no. There are some countries that require the water to be boiled, sometimes it needs to be filtered, sometimes filtered and boiled, and in some countries, nothing you will ever do to the water will ever make it potable. Be certain that you know for sure whether the water is good before you drink it. Most countries have drinking water at a very low cost, and watch out for ice outside your home.
What options are open to vegetarians and/or vegans?
Only eat food that you have prepared unless you can see how it has been prepared. Learning the words "Is there any meat in this?" might help, but if the country you are in considers only beef to be meat, you will get a false positive and have a meal served to you that is full of ham, chicken, or fish. Vegans need to be especially careful, as extracts of meat are often used to flavour food that is otherwise meat-free. It is possible to be both vegetarian and vegan if you are especially vigilant. Whether or not you eat meat, make sure your diet is balanced. Teaching overseas is initially stressful, and getting sick will make it more difficult.
Am I able to take my family with me?
Yes, you can. But make sure you tell your employer that you are taking your spouse and/or children with you. This will ensure that you have suitable housing for a family rather than an individual.
Is it possible for a friend and I to get jobs teaching in the same school or town?
Yes! In fact, some schools would much rather hire a pair than a single teacher. The cost for hiring, as well as living expenses, are cut in half, as well as the fact that if two people are traveling together they experience a less severe case of homesickness. If you are trying to live in the same town, make sure both of you have done your homework for each of the schools.
Will I be able to take my pets with me?
This question is again a very qualified yes. Each country has a different set of rules for importing animals, so make sure you are familiar with each country's requirements. Check here for regulations and restrictions. Also remember that your house will be much smaller than what you are used to now, so large pets may not be as welcome. Again, make sure your employer knows what you are planning to bring with you so that they can find suitable accommodations.
Are there any English-speaking doctors in the foreign country I am going to?
If you ever get sick overseas, you want to make sure that you can communicate with the doctor that is assisting you. Joining the IAMAT before going overseas is the best way to get in touch with English speaking doctors. The information for joining the program is included in the job manual.
Working Abroad
How much money will I make in American dollars?
This depends entirely on where you are living. Rich countries can pay you more than poor countries and countries with a lot of tourists don't pay as much as countries off the beaten track. What you are looking for, though, is a country that pays well when compared to the cost of living. Germany, for example, pays several thousand dollars a month, but the cost of living also happens to be several thousand dollars a month. And don't forget that in most cases you are not exempt from local income tax. Jobs range between $200 dollars and $4000 dollars a month. Most countries, however, pay their English teachers enough to live well. Most countries in Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe provide excellent saving opportunities. Be warned, however, some cities like Paris and Rio cost more money a month to live in than you may be paid while working there.
Will I be paid in Canadian dollars or in the local currency?
Almost without exception, you will always be paid in local currency. The sums quoted to you in the job descriptions are usually a rough estimate. Remember to send your money home over the year rather than save it up as one lump shipment, as this will cost you if the exchange rate is not in your favor. Also, some countries put a limit (for example, one month's salary) on how much you can legally send home. Sending the money home in 12 installments will also protect you if the currency exchange takes a sudden nosedive.
How often and in what way will I be paid?
Most schools pay their teachers once a month, usually on a given day. Schools will either pay you with an envelope of cash on payday, directly deposit it into your account, or issue you a cheque. Regardless of the method, your school should also help you with setting up a bank account and teach you how to use a local bank machine.
Could I go overseas with $43.26 in my pocket?
You really shouldn't. For every person who successfully manages this feat, there are a hundred people who return home again, broke and hungry, but we almost never hear their stories. Take enough money with you to survive the first month. This is usually between 400 USD to 600 USD. You owe it to yourself to make your first month as stress-free as possible, and no one likes worrying about money.
How many holidays will I be able to have?
Most countries have one national holiday off a month, which your school will observe. Your contract should also state one to five weeks off, depending on the country. Both you and the school should agree on when this time can be taken off, but remember, if it is not in the contract and you do not ask for it to be put in the contract before you sign it, you will not be getting any time off at all.
Does my school observe Canadian/American holidays?
Unfortunately, no. You will not be getting any North American holidays off. You can celebrate days like Halloween in most of your classes, but yes, you do have to work Canada Day/Day of Independence. I'm sorry. I tried arguing this as well, to absolutely no avail.
Is airfare included?
Again, sometimes. If it is in the job description that it is included, it will be included. South Korea and China always include airfare. Other countries will pay for return airfare only after the contract is completed. Do some checking around for the cheapest airfares.
Where will you send me?
We don't send you anywhere. You apply for the jobs just like the regular application process through your resume and introduction letter. No one should find a job for you, nor should you trust anyone to know what is best for you. This is an adventure, but it is also a year of your life. If that is not worth a week or so of research, I don't know what is.
How will I know if it's a good job?
By doing your research. We go through every question that you should be asking your future employer, as well as teachers who are already working for your school. If the teachers working there are happy, then chances are you will be happy as well.
What if I have to go home suddenly due to an emergency?
You must have a multiple re-entry visa on your passport. You can get this through your country's immigration office. You can't get this at the airport, so get it as soon as you arrive. If you do have to return, make sure your director knows when to expect you back. Most contracts have a clause permitting you to go home in case of emergencies.
What if I hate my job?
Hopefully, you will have done your research and this question will never come up. If it does, however, and you want to quit, make sure you are familiar with what your contract states about quitting. Most countries require that you give X number of days notice before you can start working elsewhere. Others are more prohibitive than that. South Korea, for example, requires that you leave the country for the duration of your valid work visa if you quit, getting fired means you can work the next day for another school.
Could I send money home?
Banks and post offices will wire money home for a fee. We discuss other methods in the class.
Why is teaching privately illegal?
For three main reasons:
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Your income is not taxed.
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Your country may use standardized testing that private tutoring skews the results.
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Your employer has hired you to do the best job you can for him. If you take a private job, all your energy might go to that instead of your full-time position.
How do I do it anyway?
We really don't suggest that you do. But we do show you some ways not to get caught. Remember, however, that your full-paying job always comes first.
What if I get caught?
You will be deported and fined. Please don't get caught.
What do I do if I get caught doing anything illegal?
Depends on what you are caught doing. Minor offenses will get you deported and fined. Major offences depend on where you are. In some countries you will be tried as a citizen and sent to local jails. In other countries, you will be executed. All the Canadian Consulate in your country can do is give you a list of lawyers that speak English in your country. Don't do drugs. We cover in our manual several other things to be wary of.
How long does an average work visa last?
Normally one year. Each country has different visa-granting rules and regulations, and these rules and regulations change regularly. We encourage you to contact the consulate or embassy of the country in question prior to departure for exact details. Be sure to find the contact information of your home country's (Canada, America, etc.) embassy in the country where you are going.
