Footprints Recruiting

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With high wages, long paid vacations, and free accommodation in mind, Stacey Siebritz talks to three experts about landing a teaching job abroad.

1. Location, Location
   • Before you even begin applying for positions, take some time to research the areas – know what you’re getting into and what you think you can handle. Broward says: “Be honest with yourself. Can you live comfortably out in the sticks? Can you cope without a grocery store or a department store? If you take these things into consideration, you’ll be much happier in the long term.”
2. Be meticulous in your application
   • Your initial application is your first opportunity to impress potential employees, so make sure that you do. Bolen says: “Triple-check your resume and cover letter for spelling and grammatical errors. Look professional in your picture. If the job ad states that they want scans of your diploma, send them! Ditto with reference letters. Incomplete applications just get thrown out.”
3. Know your employer - you picked Footprints for a reason - what about the school?
   
   • Assuming you did some research before you picked Footprints, it is important to make sure you know where you're going to go.  The schools want to know that you are interested in who they are, it sends a message that you care about where you are going and who you are going to spend a year of your life with. Ask to speak to current or former employees who can report that the company is reputable and reliable. Broward warns that not all employers will treat you fairly: “ESL employers fall into three basic categories: Great bosses who do everything they can for you, ordinary fair bosses who are simply in a business relationship, and scum bags who will use you if they can. Once you become an immigrant, you are vulnerable, and your employer knows that even if you don't.”
4. Suit up
   • Appearances are important, not only during your time as a teacher, but also during the application stages. Bolen says: “A modern and professional headshot is your golden ticket to the best positions”. One couple that I know who were applying for university jobs in South Korea decided to dress in their best work clothes and go for a professional photo-shoot. Within days of sending their applications, they were invited to interviews. Shallow? Maybe. Worth four months of paid vacation? Definitely!
5. Mind Your Manners
   • You cannot over-estimate the importance of politeness when teaching English in another country. Be aware that many cultures have different rules depending on age and status. In South Korea, for example, the younger person is expected to greet the older person without waiting to be acknowledged. Kim states: “Be pleasant and polite. Showing anger is not respected or admired. One is expected to be able to control one’s emotions and expressions.” Time to start working on your poker face.
6. Get involved
   • Don’t limit your contact with your school or university to work hours. Most places have activities and events taking place outside of teaching time. Kim says: “Showing an interest in your school as more than just a place of work will make you appreciated and well-liked.”
7. Take it easy on yourself
   • In a new city, with a new circle of friends and a wad of shiny new currency burning a hole in your pocket, it’s tempting to party as hard as possible, because, well, you can. However, the work-hard-play-harder ethic is not practical in the long run.
   • “To keep the job, you’ve got to take care of yourself and develop a sustainable lifestyle,” says Broward. “Staying out til dawn drinking every night might seem fun, but will screw you up. Then again, hiding out in your apartment to avoid culture shock will mess with your brain too. Join a book club, a church, a sports team – anything that will develop relationships that are good for you.”
8. Broaden your horizons and your social circle
   • A strong social network is important when living overseas, but avoid limiting your social circle to fellow expats only. As Bolen points out: “It might be easier to make friends only with other expats, but having a few local friends will make your experience so much more fulfilling as they can introduce you to experiences that you might otherwise be oblivious to.” Kim adds: “Try to enjoy the local food with your co-workers from time to time. It makes them so happy when you like the things they like.”
9. Don’t assume you’re always right
   • You will find yourself facing cultural differences on an almost daily basis, and there will be times when your knee-jerk reaction is to criticise the other culture. But Kim, who has lived in South Korea for over thirty years, preaches patience and politeness. “Don’t assume the other person is wrong; ask about it politely. You may learn something interesting.”
10. Be generous
    • As in any job or relationship, your willingness to go the extra mile can reap unexpected rewards. Kim states: “Don’t ask how much money they'll give you as your first response to every request. Of course in many ways, teachers are selling their time. But if you are willing to give a little without expecting anything in return, you will probably get much more back over time as you are recognized as a sincere and interested person.”