Is it possible to move abroad with your children?\u00a0The short answer: YES, but\u2026\u00a0There\u2019s already a lot to consider when moving abroad as a solo traveler looking for a new adventure, but throw a family in the mix and things can get even more complicated.<\/p>\n
However, this shouldn\u2019t scare you away from living your dream of packing up and moving to a new country to teach – there are SO many perks to being exposed to new cultures, languages, & environments – but there are certainly some things you should be aware of before you hit the application stage.\u00a0We\u2019ve compiled a list of things to think about when considering such a big move with your family in tow!<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0<\/b>DO YOUR RESEARCH (AND THEN SOME..)<\/b><\/p>\n
No matter who you are or what circumstances befall you, it\u2019s super important to do your research. You\u2019re going to see stories. Good ones, bad ones, exaggerated ones. Don\u2019t believe everything you read online as one person\u2019s experience will likely be far different from your own. Find some trusted sources and people who will encourage and support you yet, still provide unbiased advice (like us, hint hint!).<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0<\/b>DEFINE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS<\/b><\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve just received your TEFL\/TESOL\/CELTA<\/a> certificate & have limited to no teaching experience, you will likely find it awfully difficult (or next to impossible) to encounter a school that will be willing and able to support your family. Should you wish to proceed anyway, be aware of the cost of educating your child abroad. Homeschooling is an option, but also may require a specific license.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, teaching abroad with a family simply isn\u2019t feasible for everyone. A teacher with years of experience and a teaching license (state certified, QTS, SACE, etc) will have much better luck in finding a school that will be able to support teacher, spouse & the little one(s).<\/p>\n Remember, just because you\u2019re certified to teach in your own country doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you\u2019ll meet the requirements of your desired country or school.<\/p>\n 3. FIND YOUR DESTINATION (AND BE AWARE OF THE CULTURE<\/a>)<\/b><\/p>\n Due to teacher salaries and benefits, you\u2019ll find that the Middle East<\/a> and China are two wildly popular choices for teaching abroad. Many times these locations provide salary enough for living, traveling, and even saving.<\/p>\n There\u2019s more than just money at stake however. Don\u2019t forget, your goal is to move your family to a new country, with a new culture, away from family & friends. It takes a certain amount of flexibility and adaptability as schools may not be managed in the same way you\u2019re used to at home. Not to mention, it\u2019s going to be mentally tough at first- on all of you.<\/p>\n Additionally, for women, if you are a single parent or only planning to bring your husband (what\u2019s known as a \u201ctrailing spouse\u201d), you may find the Middle East a difficult, if not impossible place to find a job. This has to do with strong, conservative Islamic views. A \u201ctraditional\u201d family is important if you\u2019re planning on moving to the Middle East<\/a>. Alternatively, in China, you\u2019ll be less likely to run into this scenario<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0<\/b>BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR BUDGET (EVEN BEFORE YOU LEAVE)<\/b><\/p>\n You\u2019ve done it! Found a job that will provide schooling for your kids and visas for all of you. This is not the end of the road however, not only are there a lot of upfront costs with visas and flights (that will typically be reimbursed to a certain extent), but it can also take a toll on your savings when you\u2019re fresh off the plane. You may need to put a deposit down on an apartment or in rarer cases, actually furnish an apartment too.<\/p>\n While of course a tax-free salary (Middle East offers) with an apartment provided sounds incredible and it truly does have its perks, but fairly often if you find a job in the UAE in particular, you may even need to find a school for your kids as they cannot attend school with Emirati children and will need to go to an international school, which may have a high price tag and the tax-free salary may not take you as far in this case.<\/p>\n