The United Kingdom is one of the most interesting places in the world. It is also one of the countries popular among professionals wishing to build a stable career. For several years now, the UK has opened its doors to overseas teachers who are in search of greener pastures. While they may not become millionaires while working in Britain, many become financially satisfied in a matter of years. Of course, these teachers also have to give up a lot, especially in their personal lives, just to fulfill their financial and professional goals. This is why it is important to consider several things before deciding to pursue a teaching career in the UK, or in any foreign country.
Find Out More About the Country and the People
Before doing anything else, find time to study and learn all that you can about the United Kingdom and its people. Research comprehensively about its history, culture, and heritage. Learn all that you can about its people. How should you approach them? Is there a specific way of talking to them? Are there words or gestures that are taboo in the UK? Try to learn about even the most trivial thing about the country you are moving to. Doing this will not only help you get valuable insights about the UK, but this will also help you determine how you should interact with your fellow teachers and your students.
Get to Know the Rules
When you live and work in a foreign country, you have to adapt to its laws and policies – unless you want to end up in jail on your first day there! Therefore, it is essential for you to research and learn everything that you can about the laws and policies in the United Kingdom, particularly those about overseas teachers like you. One such example is the four-year rule for overseas teachers, which indicates that teachers who were educated overseas (not in the UK) and teaching in UK educational institution can stay in his/her post for four years. After that, another procedure is to be completed. This is just one of the many laws you need to familiarise yourself with before going to your first day of class.
Get Into the Local Scene
The only way you can adapt to life in the UK is by getting involved in the local scene. Make new friends and go out with them. Explore places, on your own or with your new friends. Join community activities. Watch movies and plays. Get into charity work. Join an organization. Find a hobby or a sport, or sign up for a gym. The keywords here are to “get out and live” so you can learn to live the UK way. If you need help on your journey fill out our contact form.
