How to Compare Teaching Job Offers Abroad: A Practical Checklist

A higher salary does not always mean a better teaching job. Two offers can look similar on paper while producing very different workloads, savings and day-to-day experiences. Before accepting a position abroad, compare the complete package and confirm important promises in writing.

1. Compare guaranteed pay, not advertised pay

Start with the amount the school guarantees rather than the maximum salary in the advertisement. Ask whether you will receive a fixed monthly salary or hourly pay. For hourly roles, confirm the minimum number of paid hours and what happens during holidays, cancellations and school closures.

Check whether the figure is gross or net. Income tax, insurance, pension contributions, housing charges and other deductions can substantially change take-home pay. A responsible employer should be able to explain the normal deductions and provide a realistic example.

2. Calculate the real workload

Teaching hours are only part of the job. Compare office hours, lesson planning, grading, meetings, training, student events, parent communication and weekend duties. Ask which tasks are included in your salary and which receive additional pay.

A position with 20 classroom hours and limited office duties may offer better balance than one with 25 classroom hours plus extensive unpaid preparation. Request a sample weekly schedule whenever possible.

3. Review housing carefully

Employer-provided housing can be valuable, but it should not be treated as automatically free or convenient. Confirm whether the school pays the full rent, whether utilities are included, whether you must share, and whether a deposit will be deducted from your salary.

If the offer includes a housing allowance, compare it with actual rent near the school. Ask when the allowance begins and whether you must pay several months of expenses before reimbursement.

4. Check visa and work-authorisation support

The employer should explain which visa or work permit applies to the position, which documents you must provide, who submits the application and who pays the fees. Do not assume that arriving on a visitor status and changing it later is legal or possible.

Requirements differ by country and school type. Taiwan, for example, has different rules for language schools, public schools and international schools. Some positions may only be available to applicants who already hold suitable residency or independent work rights. Never rely on a recruiter or employer telling you that everyone works informally.

5. Compare benefits that have real value

Health insurance, pension contributions, paid holidays, annual flights, relocation support, completion bonuses and severance can add significant value. Confirm eligibility dates and whether benefits are guaranteed or discretionary.

For bonuses, check the conditions. A completion bonus that can be lost for vague reasons should not be valued the same as guaranteed salary. Flight reimbursement may also require you to finish the full contract and submit specific receipts.

6. Look closely at leave and the school calendar

Ask for the academic calendar before signing. Confirm how many vacation days are paid, whether national holidays are paid and whether the school can require work during breaks. International schools, public schools and language academies often follow different calendars.

Also review sick leave, personal leave and emergency leave. A contract should explain how leave is requested and whether unused days carry over or are paid out.

7. Understand probation, termination and notice

Compare probation length, notice requirements and termination clauses. Watch for contracts that allow the employer to dismiss you immediately for broad reasons while requiring you to provide months of notice or pay a large penalty.

Ask what happens to housing, visa sponsorship, final salary and return travel if either side ends the contract early. Local labour law may override parts of a contract, but it is better to identify an unfair clause before relocating.

8. Investigate the school, not just the recruiter

Confirm the school's legal name, location and operating status. Search for consistent information across its website, job listing and communications. Ask to speak privately with a current teacher in a comparable role.

Teacher reviews can reveal useful patterns, but one review should not determine your decision. Look for repeated comments about late pay, changing schedules, unpaid duties, visa problems or high turnover.

9. Put every promise in writing

Verbal assurances about salary increases, preferred schedules, housing, class sizes or promotion opportunities are difficult to enforce. Ask for important terms to appear in the contract or a signed addendum.

Before choosing, create a simple comparison sheet for guaranteed take-home pay, total weekly hours, housing cost, paid leave, benefits, visa support and contract risk. The best offer is the one that remains attractive after every cost and obligation is included.

Global School Scout helps teachers compare opportunities, research schools and apply with a clearer understanding of what each position offers.