Okay, so I’m planning on teaching English abroad, maybe after I graduate. I’m pretty excited, but also, you know, a little nervous. I’ve been researching a lot, but safety seems like a really big, complex topic.
I’m mostly worried about physical safety, like crime, violence, and natural disasters. But also, I’m a queer woman, and I’m trying to figure out what the risks might be in countries where being LGBTQ+ isn’t widely accepted, or even legal. Are there resources that specifically address that?
Basically, I want to know what kinds of things I should be thinking about before I even apply to a job or commit to a country. What are some specific questions I should ask recruiters? Are there any red flags to watch out for when researching schools or programs? What about cultural norms I might not be aware of that could inadvertently put me in a vulnerable position?
I’m not just looking for general advice; I’m hoping for practical tips and resources to help me make informed decisions. Thanks!
Answer
Safety considerations for teaching abroad vary significantly depending on the host country’s political stability, crime rates, environmental factors, health infrastructure, and cultural norms. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and consider these factors before accepting a teaching position.
General Safety Considerations:
- Political Instability:
- Risk: Civil unrest, political demonstrations, terrorism, armed conflict.
- Considerations: Assess the current political climate, the likelihood of future instability, and the government’s ability to maintain order. Check government travel advisories regularly. Understand evacuation procedures.
- Crime:
- Risk: Petty theft, robbery, assault, kidnapping.
- Considerations: Research crime rates in the specific city or region. Learn common scams targeting foreigners. Take precautions against theft, such as avoiding displaying valuables and being aware of surroundings. Be cautious when using public transportation or walking alone at night.
- Health and Medical Care:
- Risk: Exposure to infectious diseases, inadequate medical facilities, difficulty accessing medication.
- Considerations: Research prevalent diseases and required vaccinations. Ensure access to quality medical care, including hospitals and doctors. Understand the local healthcare system and insurance options. Learn how to communicate medical needs in the local language or identify English-speaking healthcare providers. Pack a personal first-aid kit with necessary medications.
- Natural Disasters:
- Risk: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions.
- Considerations: Understand the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Learn emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and safe shelters. Have a plan for communicating with family and friends in case of a disaster.
- Transportation Safety:
- Risk: Traffic accidents, unsafe public transportation, unreliable transportation options.
- Considerations: Research the safety of roads and public transportation. Consider alternative transportation options like ride-sharing services, where available and deemed safe. If driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and driving habits.
- Cultural Differences:
- Risk: Misunderstandings, discrimination, unintentional offenses.
- Considerations: Research local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and respectfully. Learn basic phrases in the local language. Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and personal space.
- Food and Water Safety:
- Risk: Food poisoning, waterborne illnesses.
- Considerations: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid street food from vendors with questionable hygiene practices. Be cautious about consuming raw or undercooked food.
- Air Quality:
- Risk: Respiratory problems, aggravated health conditions.
- Considerations: Research air quality levels. Consider wearing a mask during periods of high pollution.
- Cybersecurity:
- Risk: Hacking, phishing, identity theft, surveillance.
- Considerations: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Be cautious of suspicious emails and websites. Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Be aware of potential surveillance.
Region-Specific Safety Considerations:
- Latin America:
- Risks: High crime rates, drug trafficking, political instability in some areas.
- Considerations: Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas. Be aware of surroundings and avoid displaying wealth. Research safe neighborhoods and transportation options.
- Asia:
- Risks: Varying levels of air pollution, risk of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, typhoons), food safety concerns in some areas.
- Considerations: Monitor air quality levels. Understand local customs and traditions to avoid unintentional offenses. Be aware of food safety practices and drink bottled water.
- Africa:
- Risks: High crime rates in some areas, political instability, risk of infectious diseases, inadequate medical facilities in some areas.
- Considerations: Research safe neighborhoods and transportation options. Take precautions against theft. Be aware of potential health risks and ensure necessary vaccinations.
- Middle East:
- Risks: Political instability, terrorism, cultural restrictions.
- Considerations: Respect local customs and traditions, particularly regarding dress and behavior. Be aware of potential political unrest and security threats. Understand local laws and regulations.
- Europe:
- Risks: Relatively low compared to other regions, but petty theft, pickpocketing, and terrorism are concerns in some cities.
- Considerations: Be aware of surroundings and take precautions against theft, especially in crowded tourist areas. Be vigilant about potential terrorist threats and follow safety guidelines.
Steps to Take Before, During, and After Your Teaching Assignment:
- Before:
- Thoroughly research the host country and city.
- Register with your embassy or consulate.
- Obtain necessary visas and permits.
- Get appropriate health insurance.
- Learn basic phrases in the local language.
- Make copies of important documents.
- Inform family and friends of your travel plans.
- During:
- Stay informed about current events.
- Be aware of surroundings and take precautions against crime.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Maintain contact with family and friends.
- Report any safety concerns to the appropriate authorities.
- After:
- Evaluate your experience and provide feedback to your program or organization.
- Share your experiences with other teachers who are considering teaching abroad.
Specific Considerations Related to the School/Workplace:
- Emergency Procedures: Understanding and practicing emergency procedures for fires, lockdowns, natural disasters, and medical emergencies is paramount.
- First Aid: Schools should have adequate first aid supplies and trained personnel. Teachers should know basic first aid.
- Bullying and Harassment: Schools should have clear policies and procedures for addressing bullying and harassment, both among students and towards teachers.
- Child Protection Policies: Schools must have robust child protection policies in place, and teachers must be trained on how to identify and report suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Classroom Safety: Assess the physical safety of the classroom environment, including furniture, equipment, and potential hazards.
- Student Behavior Management: Schools should provide support and training for teachers to manage student behavior effectively and safely.
- Communication: Establish clear communication channels with school administrators and other staff members to report concerns and emergencies.
By carefully considering these safety factors and taking appropriate precautions, teachers can minimize risks and enjoy a safe and rewarding experience teaching abroad.