BUDGETING FOR MOVING ABROAD
Are you thinking about moving abroad to teach English? Or, if you’re already teaching English abroad, are you looking for a new destination?
Budgeting is the most crucial step for being able to teach English abroad. When should you start your budget? Immediately. If you are still living at home, you will need to begin thinking about things like the cost of moving (including visas, transportation, and possible packing essentials), and a starter fund to get you through your expenses abroad before you get paid (rent, security deposit, groceries). It will likely be one month or more before you see your first paycheck.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Some programs will offer to pay for your flight (Asia, the Middle East). Typically, this is offered as a flight reimbursement, so you will have to pay the money upfront.
Other programs, like mine, the North American Language and Culture Assistants in Spain, also known as Auxiliares de Conversacion, definitely do not offer such benefits, but there are still lots of ways to find a cheap flight. The point is, you need to be prepared to budget for it.
So, what do I recommend? Where you’re going and what incentives your program offer will greatly affect this amount. Spain will be more expensive than China. Saudi Arabia will offer lots of benefits that you won’t see elsewhere.
