1. Since you’re supporting more than just yourself, consider working in a country with higher ESL teacher salaries.
Firstly, a TEFL job will better align with your financial goals than a TEFL internship. Stick to countries in East Asia or the Middle East to thrive with a stable income as an ESL teacher. Avoid locations like Spain, Latin America, and Africa where your wages will provide fewer opportunities for savings (even for individuals).2. Don’t come abroad if you’re having financial troubles.
You should probably avoid taking risks or relying on traditional methods to earn free money at this time. In addition to receiving a high salary, you must demonstrate greater financial stability compared to the average TEFLer. This entails setting aside a minimum of 3-6 months' salary as an emergency fund. If you want to be a total financial superstar, you’ll also have a healthy “things and expenses we forgot to plan for” fund—because they’re inevitable when you move abroad.
In summary: You can't afford money troubles abroad as a family.
3. Steer clear of job opportunities that provide accommodation as part of the salary package.
It might seem like an excellent perk at first glance, but it really isn’t a beneficial option for TEFLers heading abroad with their kids in tow. Oftentimes, “included housing” means you’ll be living with other teachers—not great for a family who needs a bit more space and independence. Aim for jobs offering housing assistance rather than provision. You need to choose accommodation carefully to suit your family needs.4. If you thought coordinating visas was complex before, get ready.
Truthfully, if you're teaching English abroad with your family, the paperwork for your visa will become even more complex. It’s not impossible, but you shouldn’t expect the process to be smooth… or quick. Prepare PLENTY of time in advance of your TEFL adventure.
5. Consider your children’s unique needs based on their age.
Are your children of school age? How do you plan to school them? If you’re a homeschooler (#madrespect), recognise that certain materials or equipment might not be readily available abroad—meaning you’ll have to forego the badass science project, bring your own supplies from home, or find local alternatives that are still educational.
If your children are younger, you'll have to take a couple of other steps. Medicines might be difficult to come by, for instance. And, you’ll need to carefully plan an appropriate childcare budget. This leads us to our next point…
6. Some TEFL jobs require you to work odd hours.
Your teaching role needs to fit well with available childcare options. Some TEFL teachers are expected to do early morning or evening lessons for private school or language school students, and weekends are sometimes contracted too. Look carefully for a job to suit your family commitments.7. Some TEFL destinations require immunisations.
Most parents are comfortable handing their medical preparation for travel, but are you willing to do the same for your young children? Some folks aren’t so keen to have their kids inoculated, which could create limitations in the destinations suitable for your family to teach and work abroad. Research what vaccines are needed for your family’s preferred teaching destination and determine if the shots and immunisations are worth it.
8. You might have a bit of a harder time finding a job.
Unfortunately—and this is changing—some schools or programs are not equipped for working with international families instead of individuals. Most of the time, this is due to a lack of experience: For those who have never worked with international families before, it can be a daunting and unfamiliar experience, especially when young children are included. However, teaching positions are evolving, and more schools are keen to obtain top talent no matter the package, be it couples, families, etc. Don't give up! That being said, rejections from TEFL jobs are common, even for individuals who are working alone. You're in the minority as a family on a TEFL adventure, so be proactive but don't give up, and don't take rejection personally.9. You can’t take your support groups with you.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could take ALL of your favourite people and loved ones into joining you on this grand TEFL adventure? Ideally, your support group and network would accompany you, but unfortunately, this isn't always the case. You’ll have to do the work to create new social circles for yourself and your family. Starting fresh is the ideal time to do this, and you can feel secure in the knowledge that most places already have extensive expat networks. Prepare for creating a new support network by researching social groups and reaching out to expat communities already living in the area.
10. Try out a short vacation.
There’s only so much insight a YouTube video, Netflix binge, or book about a given destination can give a person who has never visited. If you can afford a holiday to this destination in advance, why not splurge on a quick getaway from the whole gang first? There’s no better way to “test out” a potential destination to move to than to visit it and experience it on your own first.What is the secret to a successful TEFL transition? TIME.
Time is your friend. A wonderful friend! Plan to prepare at least six months in advance of your ideal departure for teaching abroad. This will enable you to make well-considered decisions, plan ahead, research the most suitable job for your family, and maintain a realistic perspective on what your life abroad will entail, including the inevitable challenging aspects.
