Knowing when to travel and teach overseas is critical in the decision making process but it can also effect your enjoyment once overseas.

First things first: WHY are you thinking about teaching overseas?

Are you trying to run away from something? Are you bored? Are you unhappy where you are? Is it your only option? If you can say “YES” to any of these questions, then you might want to rethink your plans.

Going overseas to travel is one thing, but to live and work overseas is a whole other ball game. Keep in mind (that even from the other side of the world) if there are problems at home, they will still find their way to you. Worse, you won’t have your usual friends and family to support you through them which makes it even more difficult.

And, If You Really Are Ready to Teach Overseas:

Make sure you are interested in traveling and teaching overseas because of the adventure, the experience, and please make sure to go with an open mind.

You will have many things to deal with, including new: culture; curriculum; home; school/schools; friends; currency; and possibly language.

The teachers who enjoy themselves the most while teaching overseas are those that are willing to ‘give anything a shot’. Being flexible, open-minded, and taking the opportunity to enjoy travelling during your experience is essential.

Teaching abroad is a fantastic opportunity and one you will cherish forever, but just remember to think it through before making the leap overseas.

So after you have considered all of the above, when should you teach in Australia?

Australia’s school year starts at the end of January and ends in mid-December. There are 4 terms during the year with 2-week holidays separating each term and then a 6-week summer break over Christmas. If you are from overseas then you will be looking at casual relief (supply) work or short-term contracts (up to 6 months because that is all your visa will allow).

Keeping all of this in mind, the best time to come to teach in Australia is between April and November. Many schools look for teachers for 6-month contracts starting in July that end in December or April until September. Casual relief (supply) teaching starts up in March/April but really gets busy in May through til November.

The other thing to keep in mind, it will be up to you and your enthusiasm and teaching ability to get schools interested and asking for you each day! For work in good quality schools, get involved and reach out and those are the kinds of teachers that get a lot of work.