At Teachanywhere, we place teachers all over the world: from Dubai to Malaysia, and from China to Kuwait. Once our teachers have settled into their new roles teaching abroad, they are happy to share their insights into their new life with us.

We've spoken with two teachers who we placed into new jobs in 2017 - one who now lives in Dubai, and one in China. Take a look below to get a fantastic insight into working in these two popular destinations.

Tim Raine - DT teacher in Dubai

How did you find the initial on boarding process?
Teachanywhere were extremely helpful from the start to the finish of the process, even replying to emails out of office hours when we were unsure about aspects of the process such as document attestation. 

How did you find the transition to a brand new country and what have you experienced so far? 
I found that I settled into the school very quickly, and although it took longer to get settled into an apartment as we had to find our own, it gave us the chance to live in an area of our choice.  It was very easy to settle into Dubai as English is spoken everywhere, most western products are easily available and there is a large expat community. The only question myself and my wife have ever asked ourselves is why we didn’t do this sooner!

What are your three favourite things about working at the school?
Community feeling amongst staff, small class sizes and enough PPA time to plan and prepare lessons.

How are you involved in the school community? 
The school has good links to the local community and we get involved with these events where possible.

If you could recommend to a new colleague to take some items to help settle in, what would they be?
Whatever you need to settle quickly. We brought clothes, documents and hard drives with our resources on.  Other people shipped out toasters and bedding, etc.

What is the expat community like in the location that you are living?
It's excellent.  There are lots of Facebook groups where you can find out nearly anything and get recommendations, and there are lots of activities to get involved with.

What things are there to do in your spare time where you are based? 
Anything you could do at home really.  There is a cycle track in the desert where cars aren't allowed, free exercise classes all around the city, 2 for 1 cinema with most credit cards, pub quizzes, fine dining, skiing, dune bashing, kayaking, beach days, water parks and hiking trails in the mountains.

Have you had the chance to travel much at weekends and during the holidays?
Yes, since moving we have visited India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, cycled through Vietnam, trekked to Everest Base camp, skiing in the Alps and the Monaco Grand Prix as well as a weekend to Bahrain.

Do you feel you have grown as a teacher and if so, how?
Definitely! In the UK I worked mainly in more challenging schools and this has given me the opportunity to challenge myself to push more able pupils to achieve higher grades.  

Matthew Uffindall – athletics director in Shanghai, China

How did you find the initial on boarding process?
It was quite simple, as the communications were clear which made it an easy move.
 
How did you find the transition to a brand new country and what have you experienced so far? 
It was great, nothing better than immersing yourself in a new culture, embracing the crazy and also finding little parts of home for the days you want that too.
 
What are your three favourite things about working at the school?
The students at my school are amazing, so driven and lovely. In addition, the proactive nature of the school and the ability to grow the department.
 
How are you involved in the school community?
The Athletics Division that I work in is heavily involved. We offer a coaching course to parents, we open the campus to families to use the facilities and hold numerous events throughout the year such as the ‘Mad Run’, a 5km fun run for a local hospital. 

If you could recommend to a new colleague to take some items to help settle in, what would they be?
I always have my Yorkshire teabags and if you have big feet, bring shoes! Asking for UK size 11.5 brings a funny look here!

What is the expat community like in the location that you are living?
The community is good and as with most places sport is a great way to meet people. I joined the local football team and from there your network grows quickly.
 
What things are there to do in your spare time where you are based? 
Shanghai is never dull, there are so many places to eat and drink, it is a really sociable city. Then there are events, gigs that are on, F1, tennis, golf, Diamond League athletics, Beyoncé was here last year, the marathon is soon so lots going on!

Have you had the chance to travel much at weekends and during the holidays?
China is massive, it is only when you fly home and after 10 hours in the air you realise you have only got over China, Mongolia and now Russia!! But travel is great! Japan for skiing is unbelievable, the islands and beaches of South East Asia just a short flight away and of course there is the Great Wall, the pandas in Chengdu and Harbin Ice festival as well.
 
Do you feel you have grown as a teacher and if so, how?
Totally, the standards are high but so are the rewards. We were top in China for IGCSE PE results this year, we have launched IB Sports Exercise Health and Science and beyond that there is just the nature of teaching in a new environment. Moving overseas is the best idea ever!
Feeling inspired by these stories? Want a slice of the action for yourself? Click here to share your CV with us today and kickstart your international teaching journey. Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our specialist consultants for advice.