Getting the Best Paid International Teaching Jobs

I want the Best Package Possible!..Sure who wouldn’t

What to look out for when deciding so you can earn

the highest Money & Benefits!

When it come to getting a good remuneration package in an international school you need to consider more than just the amount of zero’s that are at the end of the pay cheque.  In addition to the salary international schools also offer a great number of benefits that you would not normally get when you teaching in your home country.  In addition, depending on where you are teaching the amount of income tax could either add or subtract to what’s left at the end of the money.  Here are some things you should consider when looking for the best paying international teaching job…

When you are looking at getting the best paid salary package, most teachers easily get excited by the salary that is being offered, and some of those teachers end up finding that they are not actually saving a lot or any better off then when  they left their previous job.  It’s important to remember the types and the amount of benefits a salary package has to offer and review it as a whole package before making a decision.

There are many types of schools internationally and as a result the pay and packages vary immensely.  The places you are likely to get paid the highest is in an international school, college or university.  The reason is the demand for native speaking English Teachers is high to serve the population.  In addition the type of students who go to international schools are often looking for the best teachers, whose command of English is native rather than learnt.  As a result the fees for these schools is a lot higher and respectively the salaries for teachers are as well.

With an increase number of international schools, currently at 5000 and rapidly increasing the supply of quality teachers is less and so schools pay higher to get the right calibre staff for their pupils.

Salary Packages

As mentioned previously, you should review the overall package before making a decision to take on the job.  While its appealing to take the job which just pays you the highest salary, this alone may not make it profitable for you.  Here some additional aspects to look out for

Housing – schools often provide you with housing so you don’t have to pay rent!  For some teachers this alone could be a huge saving.  If the school does provide you with accommodation you should find out what type of accommodation is provided.  If it’s not provided the school may offer you an allowance to spend at your free will on where you want to stay

Utilities – schools either provide all your utility bill costs, or provide you with a set rate and anything you use on top you have to pay for.  You should find out what you’re getting in your package.

Flights – in most cases the flight to and from and country are paid for.  In some cases you may have to purchase the flight yourself and the school reimburses you upon arrival.  They may also give you a free flight after one years services

Bonuses – yes you read right! International schools give you bonuses.  They often use the term Gratuity and this varies based on the country and the labour law.  For example, once you have done 1 years service you may be entitled to 1 months salary bonus.

Tax – this is a big one to consider.  You may find some countries pay so well but when you see how much tax you are paying that you really have little of or no money left at the end of the month and if you do have some money, the general cost of living is so high that you don’t have much money left at the end of the month in savings.

In some countries you may find that the benefits you get are taxable also, which further brings down your savings. You should definitely do the maths, if you find you are having to pay tax.  Also check if you have to pay tax in your home country and if you have to make any voluntary contributions to say your pension fund.  The last thing you want is to return home and find a huge penalty or bill to pay off.

If you are applying to teach overseas, you should be able to find out this information from your employer, or from the employers website.  Ensure you have this before making a decision, especially as you may be going into the unknown for the first time.

We would love to hear from you if you have any advice to give fellow education professionals about salary packages you have come across when teaching abroad, be it a good or bad experience

Wishing you all the success in your international job search.

Regards

The SeekTeachers™ Team

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