Teach in China, Japan, Taiwan

The Contract

Try not to be carried away by the euphoria and, in some cases, the anxiety that follows a successful job search. Remember that working conditions are everything, so investigate the following: class size, available equipment, makeup of student body, number of teaching periods per day, and support staff. Salaries, method of payment and contracts are additionally important. Be prepared for last minute arrangements.

Working Conditions

You should be clear about how many classes and periods are involved, as well as how many students you will face in each class. It is important not to appear overly fussy, as you are supposedly a flexible person, open to new experience. Nevertheless, you should have some idea before idea before signing a contract of such items as: access to photocopying equipment and teaching aids, such as film projectors, television sets/VCRs, overhead projectors and even the availability of chalk. Knowing in advance exactly when holidays are and for how long is also useful.

Contracts

All but the most informal of teaching arrangements involve signing a contract. It should spell out clearly the length of the agreement, your salary and the method of payment, your duties and benefits. If housing is to be provided by the employer or if you're to be allotted a housing allowance, the contract should stipulate exact responsibilities of each party for maintenance, services and utilities. In addition, return travel expenses, charges for shipment of belongings, provision for interim lodging, life insurance and health insurance (including provisions for sick pay) should be covered. If you are bringing your family, the cost of benefits varies with the post. While you may not have much bargaining power, you can judge the seriousness of the school by the contract proposed to you.

Getting ready

The period between signing the contract with a foreign school and the first day of work can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Sharing the news of your upcoming adventure family, friends and colleagues, securing all your required documents, completing travel arrangements and organizing personal affairs will involve much time and effort. Most of you will have begun learning about your host country during your job search, but no teacher/administrator who has worked abroad has expressed regret about spending too much time learning the language(if applicable), history, and culture of a new country. Many, however, have lamented their ignorance in these areas upon arrival overseas.

Learning the language

Even if you do not need to know the local language in the classroom, your ability to communicate with locals will increase your enjoyment of your overseas experience many times over. Daily tasks such as shopping will be easier and more enjoyable, as will chance meetings or social encounters with neighbors. If you have the time before your departure, consider taking a conversational course at a local institution. Or try a self-study programme using books and CDs.