When embarking on a journey to teach English abroad, a paramount consideration for many teachers, whether novice or seasoned, is securing suitable accommodation that melds comfort with safety. Fortunately, given the precedence of foreign educators in most teaching destinations, there is a well-trodden path to finding housing.
Table of Contents
When is accommodation included in a TEFL contract?
What if accommodation is not included in my TEFL contract?
What else can I do to find accommodation?
When is accommodation included in a TEFL contract?
When securing a TEFL position, a notable perk that frequently accompanies the contract is the provision of accommodation. It is common practice in countries like China, South Korea, and several Middle Eastern nations for schools to offer teachers either free or heavily subsidized housing. Additionally, when participating in established government-led initiatives, such as Japan's renowned Jet Program, teachers are often assured housing throughout the contract.
What if accommodation is not included in my TEFL contract?
Although many teachers have their accommodation organized by their employer, the majority of those teaching English abroad do not have housing benefits as part of their contract. In this situation your employer is still likely to be the best place to start your search for somewhere to live. Chances are they have employed many people in the same situation before, so they should be able to recommend reliable landlords or housing services in the local area. It is also common for new teachers to move straight into a house or apartment recently vacated by a departing teacher. If you plan to look for a job once you are actually in your country of choice, it is common practice to initially stay in a hostel, guest house or hotel until you secure employment. Once employed, you can then look for long-term accommodation within easy reach of your place of work. Your new work colleagues are likely to be a great source of knowledge in this situation. You might even get an offer of a shared house or apartment with one or more of the existing teachers at your new school.
What else can I do to find accommodation?
If word of mouth doesn't solve your housing issue then there are plenty of other simple ways to find a solution. Local newspapers, yellow pages and notice boards are all typical places to start. Many big cities also have websites dedicated to the expat community which offer all manner of advice and guidance, not only regarding accommodation. When planning to teach English abroad there are many things to consider; not least, where will you end up living? However, by utilizing the local knowledge of your employer and workmates, and conducting some research, you should find it is not as big an issue as you initially think.
