ITP - 019: Onboarding and Arrival Overseas

Greg: Welcome to the International Teacher Podcast with your host Greg, the single guy, and Matt, the family guy. We’re recording episodes from around the globe to tell you about the best-kept secret in education. That’s right, it’s teaching overseas. We’re glad to have you.

Greg: Welcome to the International Teacher Podcast. I am Greg, the single guy, and with me again—Matt is still golfing from last time—it’s Kent. Kent, the cat guy, back with you.

Kent: I’m so glad that me and the hundred listeners that I bring to the table are all here. I’m sure they’re out there saying, “You’ve got to listen to this—Kent’s back on.”

Greg: I think we have fewer than that. I think your mom listens. Does your wife even listen?

Kent: I listen seven times. Does that count?

Greg: Oh, it’s you that keeps our numbers up.

Kent: I listen every week. I love the podcast. I love the work that you do, and I’m excited to be here. I’m sorry Matt’s not here, but pretty soon we’ll have a big episode where all three of us are back together.

Greg: He’s busy taking courses, and that’s one thing a lot of international teachers do. They find time to take online courses or continue their education to stay current with their qualifications.

Greg: Depending on what state you’re from, you need a certain number of hours or credits to maintain your teaching certification. A lot of people do that from overseas—during the summer or online throughout the year.

Kent: And the last couple of years have really expanded online options. I know many teachers who do exactly that. They get credits for their certification or pursue things like a master’s in library science or ESL.

Greg: A lot of schools say they provide professional development, but that’s a whole different discussion. Many teachers go out on their own to get certifications or degrees. They take summer programs or online courses throughout the year.

Greg: A lot of people want to get their master’s, and there are more options now than ever before. You might teach all week and then have to log into a class at three in the morning because of the time zone.

Kent: One of my coworkers woke up at 3:45 in the morning for an online class while working on his principal certification.

Greg: That’s dedication.

Kent: There’s a wide range of opportunities available overseas. You don’t always need your master’s before going overseas. Some people earn it while they’re abroad.

Greg: Some universities even come to your campus. I know programs like Framingham and SUNY have done that, and others like Lehigh as well.

Greg: When I was in Kuwait, I got my master’s degree through one of those programs. The professor would come to the school, and we’d do long weekend sessions.

Greg: In the Middle East especially, there are a lot of American university satellites, and sometimes professors are based in the region or come directly to you.

Greg: So one of the main points here is that as an international teacher, you have to stay up to date with your certification. You never know when you might want or need to go back home.

Greg: If something happens or you decide to return to teach in the States, you want your certification current.

Kent: And it’s not just about staying current—you have to understand the rules. Some states make it difficult to maintain certification from overseas.

Kent: Some require in-person components or specific documentation, so you need a plan for how you’re going to maintain your certification.

Kent: That five-year window goes quickly, and it’s never too early to start planning.

Greg: And if you’re planning to recruit again in a few years, you need your credentials in order. Some schools require your certification to be current.

Greg: Others might give you time to renew, but it’s always better to stay on top of it.

Kent: Some countries also require certain certifications for your visa. Even if a school wants to hire you, the government might not allow it if you don’t meet the requirements.

Greg: Exactly. And that’s something people don’t always think about.

Greg: So let’s shift gears a little bit and talk about something that doesn’t always come up in interviews—arrival and onboarding in a new country.

Greg: When you land in a new country, what happens next? That depends heavily on the school, but it’s something you should ask about during the interview process.

Kent: That onboarding process can tell you a lot about the school. If they have a clear answer, they’re prepared. If they don’t, you might want to ask more questions.

Greg: One of the first questions you should ask is: will someone meet me at the airport?

Kent: That’s a big one. Because if no one is there, you’re stuck trying to figure everything out—no phone, no idea how transportation works, maybe not even the language.

Greg: And remember, when you arrive, you’re exhausted. You’ve probably been traveling for 12 to 15 hours or more, and you’re not at your best.

Kent: Even seasoned travelers can struggle in that situation.

Greg: Ideally, a school will meet you at the airport, help you through the process, and take you to your housing.

Kent: Some schools go further. They’ll have multiple staff members there, help with luggage, and get you settled right away.

Greg: They might already have your apartment set up with basic supplies—food, water, essentials—to get you through the first day or two.

Greg: That kind of preparation makes a huge difference.

Kent: Otherwise, you’re landing in a completely new place with no support.

Greg: Another thing to ask is when you’re expected to start work. Usually, it’s at least a week before students arrive.

Kent: That week is critical. That’s when orientation happens.

Greg: And orientation isn’t just about school—it’s about life. How to get a phone, how to get internet, where to shop, how to get around.

Kent: All the small things you take for granted at home suddenly become challenges.

Greg: Some schools pair you with a mentor—someone who’s already been there and can help you navigate everything.

Kent: That can make all the difference.

Greg: Others might take you as a group—getting SIM cards together, going grocery shopping, learning the area as a cohort.

Greg: You start building relationships right away.

Kent: That cohort becomes your support system.

Greg: Not every story goes smoothly. I talked to a teacher who landed in a new country and no one was at the airport. No one.

Kent: That’s a nightmare scenario.

Greg: It was a small startup school with a breakdown in communication. She arrived exhausted, with all her luggage, and had no idea what to do next.

Kent: You don’t have a phone set up, you don’t know the language, and you don’t know how transportation works. That’s a rough start.

Greg: On the other hand, I’ve had great experiences. At one school, I landed at two in the morning and there were multiple staff members there to meet me. They walked me through everything and took me straight to my apartment.

Greg: The place was set up—food in the fridge, basic supplies, even a little spending money. They told me to rest and that they’d check in the next day.

Kent: That’s how it should be done.

Greg: That first week is key. You’re not just preparing for teaching—you’re learning how to live in a new country.

Kent: Things like getting a SIM card, setting up internet, and finding grocery stores are huge.

Greg: Some schools assign a mentor to help with all of that—someone who’s already been through it.

Kent: That’s invaluable. Having someone show you the ropes makes a big difference.

Greg: Other schools handle it as a group. They take all the new teachers out together—set up phones, go shopping, and get familiar with the area.

Greg: You start building relationships right away.

Kent: And honestly, that onboarding period can be one of the most exciting times.

Greg: You’re learning everything from scratch—new culture, new systems, new people.

Kent: It can also be overwhelming.

Greg: You’re dealing with culture shock whether you realize it or not. Your classroom might feel like the only familiar place at first, while everything outside can feel completely foreign.

Kent: That’s where good support from the school really matters.

Greg: Over time, you become that support for someone else.

Kent: That’s the cycle.

Greg: So if you’re interviewing for a position, ask about onboarding. Ask about housing, support, orientation, and what happens when you land.

Greg: Don’t assume anything.

Kent: Because every school is different.

Greg: And those differences can have a huge impact on your experience.

Greg: All right, we’re going to pause here and pick this up in part two, because there’s a lot more to talk about when it comes to onboarding and arrival overseas.

Kent: Plenty more stories to tell.

Greg: This is Greg, the single guy.

Kent: And Kent, the cat guy.

Greg: And we’ll see you next time.