Can I bring my family with me to teach abroad?

Okay, so I’m really interested in teaching abroad. I’ve been researching different programs and countries, and I think I’m ready to start applying. But I have a HUGE question that’s kind of a deal-breaker. I have a wife and two kids (ages 6 and 8), and I’m not going anywhere without them! So, can I even do this? Is it realistic to bring my whole family with me if I get a job teaching abroad?

I’m mostly interested in teaching English, and I’ve been looking at places in South Korea, Japan, and maybe even some countries in Europe. I’m worried about a few things specifically:

• Visas: What kind of visas would my family need, and would I have to get them separately from my own work visa? Is it a pain to get dependent visas?
• Schools: Are there good international schools or English-speaking schools for my kids in these places? And how expensive are they? I wouldn’t want them to fall behind on their education.
• Housing: Is it possible to find family-sized housing, or would we be crammed into a tiny apartment? And would my employer help with finding housing, or would I be on my own?
• Cost of Living: Can I actually afford to support a family of four on a teacher’s salary in these countries? Are there hidden costs I should be aware of?
• Healthcare: What’s the healthcare system like for expats and their families?

Basically, I need to know if this is a pipe dream or if it’s actually feasible to pack up my entire family and move overseas for a teaching job. Any advice or experiences from people who have done this would be amazing!

Answer

The ability to bring your family with you when teaching abroad is a complex issue with many factors influencing the outcome. It depends heavily on the specific country, the school or organization employing you, your family’s citizenship, and your own qualifications.

Factors Influencing Your Ability to Bring Family:

• Visa Regulations: Each country has its own immigration laws. Your ability to bring your family hinges on whether the country offers dependent visas or family reunification visas for individuals on work visas like the one you’d obtain for teaching. Some countries have very restrictive immigration policies, making it difficult for families to immigrate even when a family member has a work visa. Other countries are more accommodating.

  • Dependent Visas: These visas allow spouses and children to join the primary visa holder (you) in the host country. The requirements for these visas vary widely and might include proof of financial stability (to show you can support your family), marriage certificates, birth certificates, and potentially health checks.
  • Sponsorship Requirements: Even if dependent visas are available, the sponsoring employer (the school) might need to provide documentation or support to facilitate the visa process for your family. Some schools are willing to do this, while others are not.
  • Age Restrictions: Dependent visas often have age limits for children. Typically, dependent children must be under 18. Some countries might extend the age limit if the child is a full-time student.

• Contract and School Support: The teaching contract you sign and the level of support offered by the school are crucial.

  • Housing: Some schools offer housing as part of the employment package. This might be limited to accommodations suitable for a single person, or the school might offer family housing. If family housing is unavailable, you’ll need to find and afford suitable accommodation on your own, which can be challenging and expensive in some locations.
  • Insurance: Check if the school’s health insurance covers your dependents. If not, you’ll need to arrange and pay for private health insurance for your family, which can be a significant expense.
  • Schooling: If you have school-aged children, investigate the availability and cost of international schools or local schools in the host country. Some international schools are very expensive, and spaces might be limited. Language barriers can also be a factor if you consider local schools. Some contracts include a tuition allowance for children.
  • Salary: Teaching salaries vary greatly from country to country. Consider whether the salary offered is sufficient to support your entire family, taking into account the cost of living, housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and schooling.
• Your Qualifications and Experience: Your qualifications and teaching experience can indirectly influence your ability to bring your family. Schools that are highly selective might be more willing to provide support for families to attract the best candidates.
• Spouse’s Employment: Some countries allow spouses of work visa holders to obtain work permits themselves. If your spouse can find employment in the host country, it can significantly ease the financial burden and provide a sense of purpose for your spouse. However, finding employment can be challenging due to language barriers, qualifications not being recognized, or restrictive labor laws.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living in the host country is a major factor. Some countries offer relatively low teaching salaries but also have a low cost of living, making it feasible to support a family. Other countries have high salaries but also very high living expenses, negating the benefit.
• Cultural Considerations: Think about the cultural adjustment your family will face. Language barriers, different customs, and social isolation can be challenging, especially for children. Research the cultural environment and consider how well your family might adapt.

Steps to Take:

1. Research Destination Countries: Start by researching countries that interest you and investigating their visa requirements for dependents of work visa holders. Contact the embassies or consulates of those countries in your home country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
2. Search for Family-Friendly Schools: Look for international schools or organizations known to be supportive of teachers with families. Read online forums and reviews to gather insights from other teachers who have brought their families abroad.
3. Inquire During the Interview Process: When interviewing with schools, be upfront about your intention to bring your family. Ask specific questions about housing options, health insurance coverage for dependents, schooling options, and any support they can offer with the visa process.
4. Review the Contract Carefully: Before signing any contract, carefully review all the terms and conditions, paying close attention to clauses related to housing, insurance, and benefits for dependents.
5. Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents for visa applications, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, educational records, and financial statements. Ensure these documents are properly translated and notarized, as required.
6. Financial Planning: Develop a detailed budget that accounts for all expenses, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, schooling, and other living costs. Ensure you have sufficient savings to cover initial expenses and any unforeseen circumstances.
7. Language Learning: Begin learning the local language, if applicable. This will make the transition easier for your family and help them integrate into the community.

Teaching abroad with a family is possible, but it requires careful planning, thorough research, and a realistic assessment of your financial situation and your family’s adaptability.