There are lots of advantages of bringing your family with you to teach abroad. Your children will learn the language, culture and customs and broaden their perspectives. However, there are practical matters to take into consideration before planning the big move. Wherever you decide to go, be sure to research that country carefully beforehand. Dave's ESLcafe is a good place to start. Not only do you have yourself to worry about, but your family as well. You'll want to be sure that everyone's happy with the decision to live abroad.

If you're planning on teaching with a family, take a look first at teaching with a partner. The first thing that you will have to think about is your budget. Most teaching jobs pay enough for you to live off of while teaching and living in that country, but having enough for a spouse/partner and kids is a whole other story. If money is a concern, try to take on a couple of private classes and ask your school about overtime pay. You'll also need to consider benefits, such as education, medical insurance, housing allowance, shipping allowance, and flight allowance when considering relocating with a family. Be sure to ask your employer beforehand and get it in writing before hopping on the plane.

Money Matters
Keep in mind that the higher paying jobs usually require experience, qualifications and often connections. Getting a DELTA, PGDE, teaching license, or an MA would be very useful. Add a couple of years of experience and you're good to go.

If your partner works or teaches, than there will be less constraints, but you still might have to struggle to make ends meet. In general, the countries that pay the most are Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and countries in the Middle East. Many families are happy in the Middle East, benefits are great (such as free education and housing) and it's a chance to learn about a very different culture. The one downside is that foreigners and locals do not mix that much. Also, international and bilingual schools, as well as DOD schools and Teaching Fellows from Fulbright often offer excellent packages that may include education for your children. You'll have to weight the pros and cons before you go.

Your Children's Education
Education is a big concern for parents overseas. Although there are plenty of international schools, fees are usually out of reach for many English teachers. That being said, many top tier schools offer free or discounted rates to their teachers, so if you can get into an international school, your child's education will be one less thing to worry about.

If international schools are beyond your reach, don't worry, there are plenty of great local schools out there. Just be sure to ask around for recommendations and visit the school a couple of times before enrolling your child there. Keep in mind that if your child doesn't speak the local language, he or she will need time to adjust. This is normal, give them a few months and soon they'll be speaking like a native.

Another option would be to home school, but that would mean one parent would have to stay home. If money-wise that would work out for you, you could try that. Or try half the time at a local school and half at home. That way your child could integrate more into the society, as well as learn the language and make friends, and you could still educate your child as you saw fit. It's not uncommon for children to attend some classes, such as Maths and language at school, and the rest at home. Talk to your school beforehand.

Where to Live
Housing will also be a concern. Some schools will get you housing, but it might not be big enough for your family. Ask your employer about larger housing for people with a family or if they give a housing allowance of some sort.

Visas
Visas are not to be forgotten, although may people teach on tourist visas, you'll have to make sure that you can get visas for everyone in your family. Once you get a visa it should be no problem, countries usually have dependent visas for family members. But getting your visa might be tricky, Some countries like Korea and China are relatively easy to get visas for. Other countries, such as EU ones, are more difficult, especially if you're American. Ask your school about visas before you go and it's always better to have the visa in your passport before you arrive in country. Be wary of those schools that say that they will get you a work visa after you arrive.

Contracts
You'll have to consider time as well. Institutes usually have you sign a year contract, but schools may ask for two or three years. Consider how long you will be in the country of your choice and also how you will transition back to life at home. If you plan on going for a couple of years, putting things in storage will be the least of your worries, you will also need to have a job to come back to. And reverse culture shock is something that you will have to expect when going home. It's not impossible, but planning and careful research will make sure that your transition goes smoothly.

Sharon de Hinojosa (naturegirl321) has lived and worked (mainly teaching English) in the US, Scotland, Spain, the Czech Republic, China, Korea, and Peru. As well as teaching short-term in Venezuela and Taiwan.



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