By John O’Leary
Choosing to teach abroad is a fantastic way to support yourself while living abroad for a short period of time. You get to interface with local students and teach them a marketable skill while also learning and living in a foreign country. In the end, many people walk away from their overseas teaching positions happier and more well-rounded people because of it.
The UK is an attractive option for many who want to teach overseas because of its rich cultural and historic tapestry and buzzing nightlife. Choosing the UK can be a great way to immerse yourself in classic British culture and sample local cuisine.
They don’t just let everybody walk through immigration and get a teaching visa, however. There is a bit of a process involved and a few hoops to jump through before you’ll be given the privilege of teaching in the UK. There is currently a shortage of teachers so there is a wealth of jobs, but before you commit, you should do everything in your power to make sure you’re an ideal candidate.
Here’s what you need to look out for:
Have The Right Qualifications
To teach in the UK at an elementary or secondary school, you need to have what is referred to as Qualified Teacher Status or QTS. This certificate must be awarded before you are given your teaching visa. It involves going through a training process either in England itself or in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia. For more information on being QTS certified, contact Point to Point education, they’ll be able to answer any questions you may have. To take the teacher training course you’ll have to prove that you have all of the necessary prerequisites like a bachelor’s degree and relevant background in education as well as no marks on your teaching record back home.
Make Sure You Understand What Living There Will Be Like
You’re getting a teaching visa and going to be allowed to stay in the country to complete work. At this point, you’re no longer a tourist and should essentially consider yourself a temporary resident of the UK.
You should take time to look up the city you’ll be living in and understand what your choices are for food and lodging as well as the local climate. Take careful time to prepare yourself for the culture shock living in a new country will bring and that you’ll be prepared for any occurrence while you’re there. Covering all your bases like getting satisfactory medical insurance is a must. Be as realistic as possible and remember that you’re going there to work, not play.
Deciding to move abroad and teach is a big step to take, it requires a lot of forethought to avoid any surprises once you get to the UK and find out that you won’t be allowed to teach. Do your due diligence and make sure that all of your i’s are dotted and your t’s crossed. As rewarding as teaching in the UK can be, you ironically enough need to do your homework before you can be a teacher.