The Most Common Problems for International Educators

[International Expat]

Nothing in life is perfect – and this is just as true about international teaching as it is for anything else. While you can have a great experience, there are also some landmines that you want to avoid. 

With that in mind, we spent some time talking to experienced international educators and asked them what were the most common problems they or other educators they knew have faced. Knowing about these challenges ahead of time can help you avoid them and increase your chances of having a great experience.

·      Issues with alcohol. In many countries, socializing for the English speaking community will center around hanging out in pubs and bars. They are a great place to meet people – but they can easily become a habit. This can lead to drinking much more than you would back home. While they are a great starting point to meeting people, try to make sure that your interactions lead to doing things that don't involve booze as well. And, if you are working in the Middle East, there are places that alcohol is banned and to bring it in or be caught with it can lead to jail time, deportation or worst.

·      Stressful romances. The expat community you are entering will be a much more closed community than you realize at first. As a newbie, you'll probably find yourself getting a fair amount of attention. But you'll also become the subject of gossip. And there is often a ton of drama involved. Pick your dating partners carefully, and make sure you know the back story of the person so you don't get in the middle of a love triangle.

·      Accidentally violating local customs. Some local customs are well known and obvious. But some are subtler. If you end up violating a local custom, it can come back to haunt you. Do as much cultural research as you possibly can before you go to your assignment.

·      Food allergies. You are likely going to be eating a bunch of stuff you never have before, and that could cause you to stumble upon a food allergy you never knew you had. If you find yourself feeling sick after a meal, try to see a doctor as soon as possible and keep track of what you eat.

·      Money problems. If you are dealing with a new currency, figuring out and keeping track of how much it is worth can be a real challenge. It can be very easy to overspend and end up having a bunch of financial issues that will haunt you for a while. Install a currency converter on your phone, and use it whenever you buy anything.

·      A lack of respect from students. Students may realize that since you are new to the area, you might be clueless about some things. They may use that to take advantage of you. They will certainly test you when you first turn up! Be strong, and don't let them rule the roost.

·      Pickpockets. Pickpockets are not much of a problem in America, but they are common in other countries. Always pay close attention to all of your belongings, or you will end up a target. In some South American countries, you need to especially pay attention to this at the beaches.

·      Visa Issues.  You must learn the visa process for entering and leaving your new home.  Sometimes, there are rigorous procedures in place to leave and to enter. Sometimes, you must leave after so many days or months.  Know what the process is before you take the job and determine if you are willing to live with those obstacles.

·      Transportation.  While you are not in your home country, you may still be able to drive while abroad.  Check out the rules for driving, buying a car or motorcycle, etc. before you take a new job.  In some countries, women are not allowed to drive but in others the driver’s license can be very easy for anyone to get. Plan ahead and you will be happy that you did.

·      Shopping.  You may be use to running to Walmart and getting everything you need, but many countries this is not the case.  Some will have small mom and pop places and often the locals make things very hard to find if you don’t know where you are going.  Take the essential things with you that you need for an extended stay, but plan ahead.

cc InternationalEducators.com