- Qualifications
- Interview Process
- Airfare
- Salary & Benefits
- Holidays
- Sick Leave
- Housing
- Medical Insurance
- Deductions
- Visa Procedure
- Pre-Departure Preparations
- Country Specific FAQs
Qualifications
I don’t have an undergraduate degree. Would I be eligible to apply?
Most programs through Teach Away require you to have a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited/recognized university. However, you may qualify for some of our volunteer programs. Please feel free to apply online, and we can review your application to assess whether you are qualified for available opportunities.
Which certifications am I required to have before applying?
Each position has its own specific job requirements. Some positions require specific types of certification (i.e. teacher certification/licensing), and some have specific experience requirements. Unless otherwise specified in the job description, the basic requirement is a Bachelor’s degree.
I am not a native English speaker, but I speak English fluently. Am I still eligible to apply?
Most of our partner schools prefer to hire native English speaking teachers, but there are some schools that accept non-native speaking teachers. If you are a non-native speaker who is fluent in English and you have no accent, then you are still eligible to apply.
Interview Process
Once I have submitted my application, am I guaranteed an interview?
Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. For more information on the hiring process, please visit our hiring process page.
Will I be responsible for paying for my own airfare?
Whether airfare is included will depend on the school or position to which you are applying. Some schools will provide return airfare a return flight, some provide one-way airfare, and some will ask you to pay for your own flight.
Can I choose which city I will depart from?
In general, if it does not significantly increase the cost of the ticket, you can choose your city of departure.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, your school will arrange for one of their representatives to meet with you at the airport. In the unlikely case that your school cannot meet you at the airport, Teach Away will assist you in making alternative arrangements.
Salary & Benefits
What is an average annual salary for teaching abroad?
Salaries vary from school to school, and country to country. It is important to remember that although some countries have a much higher average salary than others, the cost of living in that country is probably much higher as well. When you are calculating how much money you will be able to save, make sure you take into account the cost of living.
What benefits will I receive?
Much like salary, benefits vary greatly from position to position. Some of the benefits that have been provided to Teach Away alumni include:
- Roundtrip airfare
- Paid national holidays
- Accommodations
- Overtime at increased pay rate
- Health benefits
- Allowances (relocation, transportation)
- Family benefits (flight, accommodation, health insurance)
- Contract completion bonus
Holidays
Will I receive any paid vacation or holiday time?
In most cases, you will be paid for national holidays that fall within your working schedule. Vacation time varies depending on your employer and the general standards of the country that you are working in. It is important to note that in some countries employees receive much less vacation time than an average North American employee.
Sick Leave
What happens if I get sick and am not able to come to work?
Each contract varies regarding sick leave. In most cases, you will need to let your employer know in advance that you are not able to come to work and you may be required to submit a doctor’s note.
Will I get paid for sick days?
Different schools have different rules. For instance, most schools in Asia will not compensate you for sick days. However, some schools allow you a certain number of sick days per year, while others have a system in place that allows you to work with your colleagues to ensure that your classes are covered.
Housing
Do schools offer free accommodation?
Many schools provide subsidized housing, and those that do not will often assist you in finding a suitable place to live.
If the school offers housing, will I be sharing with other teachers?
Accommodation perks differ from school to school, country to country. For instance: all of our Korean placements include a single furnished apartment. In other countries if shared accommodation is provided, it will be shared with other foreign teachers. In this case, you will have your own room, but will share common areas such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Medical Insurance
Do I need to purchase health insurance before I leave?
When traveling and living overseas, it is always safer to have your own private health insurance plan. We suggest that you purchase a health insurance plan with coverage for the duration of your entire stay. In most countries we send teachers to, health benefits are included in your contract, but we still strongly suggest a private plan.
Am I required to do a general health check before I leave?
No, you are not required, but we strongly suggest that you visit your family practitioner for a general check-up before you leave for your time abroad. Taking into consideration any adventure travels that you may embark on during your time away from teaching, please make sure that you ask about any specific immunizations that you may need.
Deductions
Will local taxes be deducted from my paycheck?
Each country has very specific laws governing how foreign workers are taxed. In most countries, local taxes will be deducted from your paycheck and then at the conclusion of your employment, a percentage of your taxes will be refunded to you. The percentage of taxes returned varies widely depending on the country where you are working.
Will I have any other deductions?
You may be required to pay for a percentage of your local health insurance and pension plan. The percentage of the deduction will depend on the country that you are working in, but this will be clearly outlined in your contract prior to your departure.
Visa Procedure
What kind of visa will I need for teaching abroad?
For most countries, you will need to apply for and obtain a work visa prior to your departure. Teach Away will assist you in your visa application process.
How do I apply for a work visa?
If you successfully obtain a teaching position with one of our partner schools, Teach Away will advise and assist you throughout the visa application process.
Who will pay for my work visa?
In most cases, teachers are responsible for the costs associated with obtaining a work visa.
What is the Pre-Departure Package?
Before you start your job abroad, Teach Away will make sure that you are well prepared for the challenge. Country-specific information will also be provided.