We're nearly through the first part of 2021, we’ve all been stuck inside for months, many of us under lockdown, dreaming of being anywhere but in the four walls we're in.
However, it looks like we will be able to travel and work again as the world opens up in summer, so what do we need to look out for when looking for training and jobs?
Whether you're new to teaching, or looking to apply for a new international position, it is important to remember the 'Red Flags' of job postings
Red flags to look out for when applying for jobs
As has always been true, there are many different levels of position, salary and conditions in teaching jobs worldwide, so it remains important that when you apply for an international position, you know what you are getting into. Be wary of red flags such as:
Mention of ‘competitive salary’ - if a school or institution won't tell you what the job pays in the job ad red flag it - immediately!
Always find out what the salary and conditions are before accepting. Also, find out what other benefits (accommodation, contact hours, holiday, insurance, etc.) are or aren’t provided by the school
Bonuses and end-of-contract payouts - be aware that performance-related pay such as these can be viewed subjectively. Find out exactly what needs to be evidenced by teachers to receive these extra payments, and how it balances with general salary and when it is paid
Tax - boring but necessary, check where and when you have to pay. Is there double taxation
Check your holiday allowance - always double check to see if National Holidays are actually holidays or they need to be made up over weekends
If a flight allowance is included find out if you're paying the flight up front and being reimbursed or the company is paying. If you're going to be reimbursed find out when - on arrival or at the end of the contract, get it in writing
If you have accommodation included get confirmation of the quality of the apartment, distance from your place of work and talk to another teacher already working there
Check where you'll actually be working, don't presume because you're hired by a centre in X place that's where you'll be posted
Check how often a centre/school/institution advertises - if they're consistently advertising for the same centre that means a high staff turnover. Red flag! High staff turnover equals high staff dissatisfaction
Make sure you're legal, ask about your visa
Job ads will give the basic information about positions, but as always, it is better to get information from the horse’s mouth. When you are in the application process, ask to speak to a current teacher and talk to them about the conditions they are working under.
Most importantly trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it more than likely is wrong.
Tom Garside is Director of Language Point Teacher Education. Language Point delivers the internationally recognised RQF level 5 Trinity CertTESOL in a totally online mode of study, and the RQF level 6 Trinity College Certificate for Practising Teachers, a contextually-informed teacher development qualification with specific courses which focus on online language education or online methodology.
If you are interested to know more about these qualifications, or you want take your teaching to a new level with our teacher education courses, contact us or visit our CertTESOL FAQ and CertPT FAQ pages for details.