Unfortunately, problems can occur when living and teaching English abroad. Most notoriously, NOVA in Japan went bankrupt leaving more than 4,000 English teachers stranded. Here are some tips to dealing with problems that may occur when living abroad, and resources to help you move forward.
Find a new job
If you find yourself out of a job, chances are there are plenty more available. There are many online TEFL job resources available to help you find a job close to home. Here are my favorites:
Belong to the National TESOL Association
National TESOL associations should be able to provide you with the most accurate information and guidance concerning the job market in the country you are living in. They will probably also have insider information on the school you are having problems with. This exhaustive TESOL organization list will help you find the organization you are looking for.
Find out about your legal rights
There may be some confusion regarding your legal rights to back pay, VISA requirements, etc. Get informed as soon as you can about your legal right to work in the country you are currently living in. If you need legal assistance to fight a dishonest employer, EFL-Law may be of help. Finally, you should definitely contact your local embassy or consulate for their advice.
Ask your government for help
Make sure to register with your local consulate when living abroad. Your consulate can help you in times of trouble. It's easy to forget to do this, but when the you know what hits the fan, you'll be glad you did! The Embassy World database will help you find the closest consulate or embassy.
Keep informed about possible problems
Let's face it, there are a number of shady operations out there. There are now a few blogs that will help you keep up with possible offenders. I can't vouch for everything they say, but they certainly will help you identify schools and recruiters that may have a problematic history.
Find a teaching job on the internet
Teaching via the internet is still relatively new and risky. However, a number of companies are offering the opportunity to teach via the internet. Online Tutoring World provides excellent resources for teachers looking to take advantage of this trend.
Find a volunteer position
Many volunteer positions offer food and housing. In a pinch, you might be able to find a volunteer position while living abroad. Volunteer Abroad offers a comprehensive resource for these opportunities.
Think about other job possibilities
There are a number of industries that are looking for temporary help. Finding a temporary job might help you get through the tough times until you find a new teaching position. Here are some suggestions for finding temporary jobs:
- Hostels and hotels
- Tour operators
- Tourist restaurants
Consider going home
Be honest with yourself. Do you really want to deal with the hassle of trying to figure out something new while living abroad? It's a difficult call. In fact, it's one I've faced. In the end, I chose to stay, but it wasn't easy. You may be better off just getting on the plane, going home and starting over from your home base.
