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Living overseas

Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.

Original poster

Where to teach abroad?

40 replies

Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 07:42

My husband and I are secondary school teachers in England with two young children (one and two years old). We really want to move abroad to experience a new culture, travel (depending on covid) and hopefully make some money. We were really set on moving to Singapore but it seems it is extremely competitive. Any ideas on why it is so difficult to get a job at the moment? Or does anyone have any other destinations that they have really enjoyed when living abroad? Thank you for any help!!

OP posts:
catlovingdoctor · 12/11/2021 07:46

The UAE is wonderful; tax free, far more relaxed pace of life and great weather.

Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 07:52

@catlovingdoctor thank you for your reply! I have looked into uae but when I researched it on mumsnet people tend to be quite negative 😔 where abouts in the uae do you think would be good for expats with two young children?

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SherryPalmer · 12/11/2021 08:00

Singapore is particularly competitive at the moment because of people moving from mainland China and Hong Kong for various reasons with lots of international/Asia experience.

Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 08:05

@SherryPalmer thanks for your reply. It is such a shame as I have wanted to move there for years, just the time has never been right. We both have 8+ years teaching experience but not the experience teaching abroad so guessing that is why we won't get a job :(

OP posts:
Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 08:07

My husband was looking at Shanghai but not sure how I would feel with two little children over there. And I am not sure about the political situation at the moment.

OP posts:
mizu · 12/11/2021 08:08

Oman?

Plumedenom · 12/11/2021 08:10

I have a friend who is a teacher in Oman and he seems very happy there.

catlovingdoctor · 12/11/2021 08:11

Abu Dhabi is lovely, actually I prefer it to Dubai which is quite touristy and all a bit glitz and glam. I worked there and would highly recommend! I think qualified teachers can find contracts inclusive of accommodation, or you get an allowance within your salary.

peanutbutterandbananas · 12/11/2021 08:17

Malaysia is amazing! Friendly and relaxed people, loads of culture and travel opportunities Smile

InTheLabyrinth · 12/11/2021 08:18

Middle East.
Oman is fabulous.
Abu Dhabi has a great airport (as does Dubai). Qatar maybe?

You can have a great quality of life in Malaysia and Thailand.

If you go for somewhere less popular, there is less competition for jobs. Are you submitting pairs of applications? ie finding schools with vacancies for both of you, and applying "together" - you become cheaper that way as only one set of accomadation is required!

Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 08:32

Thank you, will have a look into the UAE more. Abu Dhabi does look really nice.
@InTheLabyrinth good point, I guess it just trying to find a school with vacancies for both our subject areas.
Would people avoid teaching in China/Hong Kong at the moment as there seems to be so many jobs there?

OP posts:
SherryPalmer · 12/11/2021 08:33

@Hannah654321 I’m in Shanghai now - feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Not a teacher but some of my friends are.

Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 08:45

Thank you @SherryPalmer Smile

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Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 08:58

@peanutbutterandbananas I have looked into going there actually! There seems to be so many travel options over there. I had a look online and couldn't find any teacher jobs, so maybe later in the academic year there may be a few more. Thanks for your reply.

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RockinHorseShit · 12/11/2021 09:04

My husband was looking at Shanghai but not sure how I would feel with two little children over there. And I am not sure about the political situation at the moment.

Not worked there per se, but have been there several times for work over the years & id say to avoid. The pollution was awful, I didn't see the sun because of it & it's weird how much you miss that & I found the locals pretty bigoted tbh & I definitely wouldn't rush back, definitely wouldn't want to live there either.

Old friend had a great time teaching in Japan though

FlowerArranger · 12/11/2021 09:06

Another vote for Oman

Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 09:10

@RockinHorseShit that was one of my major concerns with moving to china with young children, the pollution :(

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Aroundtheworldin80moves · 12/11/2021 09:12

My BIL and SIL are leaving their jobs in Shanghai in the Summer... the summary is basically the schools being forced to remove some of the benefits the teachers have.

They have new jobs in Thailand.

Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 09:17

@aroundtheworldin80moves thank you for your reply. I guess we would have to really look into the benefits and see if we would still be able to save. I did live in Thailand years ago (bangkok) but it was so busy and quite chaotic. Absolutely loved it there, but not sure I would feel the same with children. Although chiang mai up north would have a completely different feel I guess.

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RockinHorseShit · 12/11/2021 09:20

RockinHorseShit that was one of my major concerns with moving to china with young children, the pollution :(

I really wouldn't, I was shocked how bad it actually was, continuous thick yellow smog blocking out the sun & every so often feeling like something had just been sprayed in my face causing me to cough & eyes stream.

I didn't find it safe walking around either, people were rude & in my face, continuously trying to rob me & after 2 other business men were robbed & killed in the same town, I stopped trying to go out on my own. I'm used to lone travel & that's the only time I've felt genuinely uncomfortable

MoChridhe · 12/11/2021 09:28

Definitely Qatar.

ShanghaiDiva · 12/11/2021 09:29

I lived in China for 12 years (relocated last year) and pollution levels definitely improved over the the time I was there, but clearly much higher levels than the uk.
Contrary to other posters I found China to be extremely safe and people generally welcoming and friendly. Despite my user name I did not live in Shanghai, I lived in a second tier city and did not feel uncomfortable walking around on my own at night. The political situation has certainly changed in the last five years and controls are much tighter imo.

Original poster
Hannah654321 · 12/11/2021 09:30

@RockinHorseShit oh wow :( really glad you replied. It is so crazy how different it can all seem when googling a country!! No smog on the photos 😅

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Porseb · 12/11/2021 10:48

If you want to eventually move to Singapore, I'd try schools in neighbouring countries first - I find teachers make a good network of contacts when teaching abroad and many move around a fair bit.

They also end up hiring people they've worked with if they take up a more senior role in a new school.

Thailand - Phuket has some international schools.

Malaysia - lots of International schools

China - have friends who taught there and are happy (Shanghai & Beijing)

Look also at Vietnam, Korea

If looking for British curriculum international schools, look at Fobisea which will give you a sense of what schools are available.

newstart1234 · 12/11/2021 10:51

Denmark is awesome for kids, especially young ones although the weather may not be what your after 😀 there are a few international schools that hire teachers from abroad

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