There has been a lot of talk about our quality teachers moving abroad during the current recruitment crisis. And moving away from the paperwork and stress of school life in the UK does look appealing.
However, it made me think of my daughter, Sophie, who after a couple of years teaching in this country did exactly that: moved abroad. As parents, we were quite shocked. But, as you would expect, we supported her in this venture, even though we knew we would miss her so much.
As so many teachers seem to be thinking about this direction for themselves, I asked her to present some views on her experience of teaching in Spain. Here is what she said…
Advantages
- Goodbye, routine. Hello, adventure
One of the most obvious advantages of living abroad has to be the chance to broaden your horizons and embrace a new culture. Each day will bring new adventures and experiences and most likely provide you with unparalleled travel opportunities. You’ll live like a local and understand a country in a way that tourists just will not be able to.
- The chance to further yourself
By this I mean both professionally and personally. Working in a British school meant that I was part of a hugely diverse team of energised and highly skilled teachers who taught me a significant amount on a personal and professional level. It can be eye-opening at times, but you’ll learn how to interact with many different types of people quickly. You’ll become more independent, adaptable and brave, embracing experiences you never thought that you would before. And you’ll learn a new language as well.
- The global classroom
All children, no matter where they live, share some common (beautiful) qualities. But we are all shaped by our culture and traditions, and you’ll find that your lessons and teaching experiences will be different as a result. This can surely only serve to improve your teaching. My Spanish children were utterly gorgeous, a little more naïve (not a bad thing in my eyes) and a pleasure to teach. International work on your CV will also make you stand out from the crowd, should you return.
- Friends for life
Moving abroad is an incredibly intense experience. Sharing so many new experiences can really draw people together and you may well feel like you’re floating in a dreamlike bubble together. I was lucky to meet people I’ll call friends for life, one of whom became my husband.
Disadvantages
- You’re not on holiday
Let’s be clear: you could well have the most incredible time, but don’t let fantasies run away with you completely. If you are going to teach in a British school, you’ll be teaching the British curriculum, and will therefore have all the planning, assessment, report-writing and parents’ evenings that go along with that. You can’t escape all the paperwork completely. But I still believe the work-life balance to be far healthier abroad. I didn’t feel like I was expected to give every ounce of myself to teaching in order to be seen as doing a good job. You may also be able to escape the political grey cloud which seems to be looming over us here, and all the systems, league tables and procedures which serve to dampen creativity and enjoyment.
- Home, sweet home
How much leaving your family and friends behind will affect you will obviously depend on your own personality and circumstances, but it can be tough. I’d moved away to university and was used to being far from my family. But moving overseas was a different psychological ballgame. In the end, the homesickness was too much for me and I returned home. But does that mean I regret going out to Spain? Absolutely not. My advice would be to move out with an open mind and consider whether your salary will allow you to travel back as often as you might like.
- Pensions, and other boring stuff…
You clearly can’t live your life just around a pension, but just keep it in mind that every year out of Britain is a year of not paying your contributions. And for those wondering whether they have to pay student loan contributions abroad: you do.
- Salary uncertainty
My salary in Spain was significantly less than my salary in England, and it went down (yes down) after my first two years, as I moved from a British contract to a Spanish one. My school didn’t have any pay scales, so the only way to earn more was through negotiation, and taking on significantly more responsibilities. Some countries offer hefty salaries, but it’s often hugely expensive to live there. Just do your research and think it through.
On balance
I asked Sophie whether she would consider teaching abroad again. She said:
“In a heartbeat! Do I regret coming back though? Personally, no. My partner and I returned to have our children here among family and I wouldn’t change it for anything. We still often daydream about returning, but Britain is our home. The education sector may well be in turmoil right now but, as my headteacher told me, do you really think about that when you enter the classroom? I certainly don’t, despite the fact we all know I have a politically active father.”
As Sophie’s father, I saw so many changes in my little girl. She grew personally and professionally. Her experiences will be with her for life, and this cannot be taken from her. She also brought back a husband, and surely this must be an excellent reason for going abroad…
Colin Harris is headteacher of Warren Park Primary School in Havant, Hampshire
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