Relocation guide

The teachers who settle best abroad are usually the ones who did their reading before they applied. Look at the country, the city and the school as three separate questions, because a strong school in a city that does not suit you is still the wrong move.

Talk to people who have taught in the region recently. Online forums are useful for atmosphere and useless for regulations, which change more often than posts get updated.

Document preparation is the single most common cause of delay. Start collecting well before you need anything, because some steps involve third parties and cannot be rushed.

In most cases the employing school sponsors and coordinates the work permit and residence process. Your part is usually to supply accurate documents promptly and to attend any appointments required.

PIT Recruitment is a recruitment service. We are not immigration advisers, and we do not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Requirements differ by country, by employer and over time, so confirm the current position with the school making the offer and with the relevant official authorities.

Arrangements vary widely. Some schools provide accommodation, some help you find it, and some leave it entirely to you. Ask early, because it changes both your budget and how quickly you can settle.

If you are arranging your own, find out how local tenancies work before you arrive, including how deposits and payment schedules are usually handled in that country.

Ask what medical cover the employer provides, when it begins, and whether it extends to family members. Check whether you need separate travel or contents insurance for the period before local cover starts.

If you have an ongoing condition or take regular medication, check availability and any import rules for that medication in the destination country before you travel.

You will usually need residency documentation before you can open a local account, so plan for the first few weeks. Think about how you will move money between countries, and keep your UK arrangements in order while you are away.

Tax residency is genuinely complicated and depends on your personal circumstances. Take qualified advice rather than relying on what colleagues tell you.

Read about local customs, public behaviour, dress expectations and the working week before you arrive. Much of it is straightforward once you know, and knowing in advance saves awkwardness.

Learning a few phrases of the local language is rarely required and is always appreciated.

If you are relocating with a partner or children, ask early about dependent visas, school places for your own children, and whether a partner will be permitted to work. These points influence the decision as much as the role itself and are best resolved in writing before you accept.