So why should you be considering teaching overseas?

Why should I teach abroad?

 I never imagined that I would be brave enough to teach abroad… but I took the plunge and so can you! Was it all plain sailing? Of course not! There were obstacles along the way but it was all worth it! After 6 wonderful years in Abu Dhabi, we moved to Prague and 4 years later to Milan, where we currently still are. Does it get easier with every move? No, but you become an expert at planning each move!

Here are some reasons that will start you thinking about whether or not teaching internationally is for you:

 Experience another culture

Leaving home means leaving your comfort zone. Life is unexpected but when you are surrounded by your loved ones and all that is familiar, you more or less know what to expect. Change is uncomfortable and it is even more so when you do it in a new culture. Living in a new country will test your boundaries to the limit, you will be learning new social codes and norms all the while making new friendships and adapting to a new school environment.  That’s where growth happens! Experiencing a new culture will force you to see your old and new worlds through a different lens. That experience in itself is what makes you the person you are!

Teach children from all over the world

International schools have extremely diverse student populations no matter where you are teaching in the world. Most will have up to 60 different nationalities who will  follow the same curriculum and yet will have varied needs. The children and their parents will have different expectations and experiences which will shape your teaching as it changes to adapt to this new reality. Even more wonderful, are the cultural experiences each child brings to their daily school life. I remember the most incredible International Food Festivals at our school in Prague where the whole school community would get together to share and showcase food, drinks, costumes and music from the numerous nationalities present. Unforgettable!

 Make the most of Professional Development

Teachers are the most important asset in any school and keeping up with their professional development will be a priority for each Headteacher.  Whether they are inspected on a regular basis or not, International schools offer Continuous Professional Development to their staff and plan for it ahead of time. This enrichment is vital for teachers and will increase their motivation and commitment to their students. The option to undertake further studies (Masters Degrees) can also be partially funded by schools.

See the world

Depending on where you choose to teach, you will have access to new destinations which are different to what you are used to. It is the reason you decided to teach abroad, right? This pandemic is still in full swing but with Covid restrictions lifting and some careful planning,  international travel has become more feasible.

 Make friends for life

Living in a foreign country will undoubtedly accelerate the natural establishment of friendships! There is no shortcut, you just find each other, chatting about the frustrations that you had achieving X,Y or Z and will relate to each other’s turn of events. You might spend Christmases together or weekend trips away and will cherish the most magical moments that will stay with you forever. Even after you move back home or to a new posting, it is now easier than ever to stay in touch and plan new adventures!

There are countless other reasons why teaching abroad will be the best decision you will ever take but the reasons I mention above are by far the ones that apply in every territory – no matter where you decide to move.

If I have managed to convince you or have some questions, please get in touch at

jtabbal@49thirtytwo.com and I will be happy to chat!