Moving abroad to take on a role at an international school is always a big decision.

But as a solo parent, it could seem almost too daunting to consider. However, as someone in this situation - and who has met many other solo parent households around the world - I can tell you that it can be done and it’s not as difficult or lonely as you may imagine.

I’ve worked in Bermuda and Turkey, and now I work in Peru. It’s been an incredible experience for me and my child. However, there are certain things that an educator looking to move abroad as a solo parent should be aware of before taking the plunge.

Single parents teaching overseas

Legal considerations

The first thing to be mindful of are the legal requirements of the country you are considering moving to. Legal and custody considerations vary from country to country and depending on your specific circumstances.

For example, divorced and widowed parents usually have certificates to show their parental rights whereas parents who have not been married may have to gather legal advice and obtain a no-objection letter from the other parent - likely requiring a government apostille.

Peru has some of the strictest child protection laws in the world, and even with documents that have been legally approved with an apostille, the country did not accept the British apostille because the document was in English and not Spanish.

This meant a costly flight for my child’s father to visit Peru and sign documents written in Spanish that gave approval for my daughter to leave the country during holidays.

Human resources departments in international schools will guide you through the process of what is legally required when you move, but it is always beneficial to ask specific questions about legal requirements. Sometimes you just have to trust the process because it can feel stressful - but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

Choosing the right school

Choosing the right school for you and your family is also important. Does your child already speak the language of the country you want to move to?

There is a huge difference between an international school where the student body is 100 per cent international and a school that might be a private school with a small number of international students.

When I took the position in Peru I was aware that more than 90 per cent of the students were Peruvians with Spanish as a first language, so I ensured that my child had Spanish lessons before we moved. Within a year my child can now speak Spanish to her peers due to half of her curriculum being in Spanish.

Language should not be the only consideration in choosing a school, especially if you have a child registered with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Look at school websites and ask in interviews about the options available for students with SEND.

Consider your finances

Financial pressures should also be given consideration before making the move. Do you have an income from the other parent to support your child’s needs?

Is the school charging you a percentage of the yearly fees or is it all covered? Some international schools now charge for second and third children or only offer discounts, so you should work out how this will affect your cost of living.

Also consider whether your new contract would include housing or a housing allowance as part of your salary. It is always useful to speak to other staff members at the school you are applying to, or in the same country, and ask about activities that your child might want to do.

Use external help

There are positive aspects of moving internationally as a solo teacher, such as quality of life improving for both you and your child. Never in a million years would I be able to afford a nanny in my home country to help with childcare, but here I can.

The nanny is there for my child when she returns from school and available when I am required to attend fieldwork trips or when I go for coffee with colleagues after work.

Career options

Finally, some parents may worry about their career growth when moving internationally, especially if they are solo parenting. But international schools value expertise and want to see you grow because it benefits both the school and students.

I have worked at schools that funded external training, and I have attended courses back in the UK and in the US when conferences could not be offered online. My current school offers funding towards Master’s programmes, and I get to widen my subject knowledge in an international setting.

Overall, while there are unquestionably additional challenges to being an international teacher and a solo parent, it can be done and it can offer you and your children a fantastic new experience and opportunities - anywhere in the world.

Briley Habib is a geography teacher at Markham College in Lima, Peru

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