TEFL and Family Life: Can You Bring Them?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) abroad is an exciting goal of many. It provides a chance to explore foreign cultures, meet people from all walks of life and make a real impactful difference in students’ lives. Many teaching abroad programs highlight these opportunities, but what if you have family? Can they come with? That was one question from one of our readers recently, which merited an in-depth answer.

Can I bring my family with me if I decide to teach abroad?

Yes, when teaching abroad you may bring your family along. However, please keep in mind that you will be responsible for organizing and paying for logistics such as flights, visa applications, accommodation arrangements etc. While some schools may provide assistance in these matters it should always be communicated beforehand to potential employers to avoid surprises when arriving abroad.

What should I consider with regard to my children's education if I decide to teach abroad?

If you're taking your children with you, their education is a top priority. Ensuring they continue learning unimpeded is of utmost importance; one option to ensure this happens smoothly would be enrolling them in an international school that offers U.S. curriculum or offers English lessons - this way their education won't suffer after leaving U.S. school system. Likewise, considering cultural and social factors can make studying abroad rewarding experiences but can also present new challenges - take care when selecting schools!

How will visa restrictions impact my family if I decide to teach abroad?

Visa policies vary greatly by country. Many provide limited visas that limit how long individuals can remain without working - most teaching contracts last one year while tourist stays are often only valid for three to six months. It's essential that you research the requirements and restrictions of each country where you wish to teach in order to plan for your family's stay and avoid legal complications.

Will schools provide any assistance or benefits to my family if I choose to teach abroad?

Benefits and support for families vary significantly by school. While some may provide accommodation, airfare, health insurance and tuition subsidies - these typically apply only to spouses and children and not other family members. It's essential that during the hiring process, it is discussed to assess what support might be offered from potential employers.

What schools might provide greater family benefits?

Schools in the Middle East tend to offer more generous family benefits; however, these schools tend to prefer highly qualified teachers such as licensed educators with at least two years' experience teaching their subject area. Teaching abroad may present newcomers with unique challenges; however, these benefits make it worthwhile considering if you meet these qualifications.

Schools Are Seeking ESL Teachers

Schools hiring ESL teachers tend to prioritize young, solo travelers. These schools typically do not offer family benefits and the accommodations are usually designed specifically for one occupant at a time. When applying for ESL teaching positions it is important to keep this factor in mind as this could have an effect on your decision making.

Overall, it is feasible to bring your family with you when teaching abroad. While the process might not be effortless and support levels may differ depending on your school and country of choice, with proper research, careful planning, and open dialogue with potential employers, this dream can become reality. In any event, teaching abroad with family can be an enriching experience - it allows everyone involved to explore new cultures, acquire new languages, and build memories that last a lifetime - we wish you the best of luck on your teach abroad journey!