How To Prepare for A New International Teacher Move

Between visa applications, document attestation, cultural preparation, and the hundred other details that go into an international teacher move, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many teachers find themselves frantically Googling “how to get documents attested” or “what’s the cost of living in Dubai?” just weeks before their departure.

Landing your dream international teaching position is just the beginning. The real work starts now, and an international teacher move is more complex than many educators realise.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone.

That’s where a trusted recruiter like chk Education makes all the difference. Our support goes far beyond matching you with the right school, we’re your guide through every step of the preparation process. Our aim is to help you arrive confident, organised, and ready to excel from day one.

International Teaching Preparation – Reality Check

Let’s be honest: preparing for an international teaching move involves more moving parts than a Swiss watch. You’re not just changing jobs – you’re changing countries, cultures, and often continents.

The typical timeline from job offer to start date is 3-6 months – although because of regional trends some educators may have accepted a job role in December but do not start until the following August. Either way, that window can feel impossibly short – especially if you leave preparation and paperwork to the last minute. It can feel a bit daunting and a juggle to prepare for:

Complex documentation requirements that vary by country
Visa applications with strict deadlines and specific requirements
Housing arrangements in a market you’ve never seen
Financial preparations including banking, insurance, and currency considerations
Cultural adaptation and practical lifestyle adjustments
Family considerations if you’re relocating with dependants

Add to this the emotional aspects, leaving friends, family, and familiar surroundings, and it is clear why many international teachers describe the preparation phase as more stressful than the actual teaching role.

Your Essential International Teacher Move Checklist

Before you board that plane, you’ll need to have your documentation in perfect order. Here’s what typically needs to be gathered, often with attestation (legalisation) for overseas use:

Core Documents

Valid passport with at least 6+ months validity beyond your contract end date
Degree certificates and teaching qualifications (PGCE, QTS, state teaching licenses)
Academic transcripts from all institutions attended
Police clearance certificate/ DBS/ ACRO (usually must be issued within 3 months)
Employment references from your last two employers/schools and teaching portfolio
Signed contract and employment documentation

Have originals for attestations and then a folder on your laptop or Edoc folder with copies of all these documents for ease of access (you’ll be required to evidence them many times!)

Family-Related Documents (if applicable)

Marriage certificate for spouse visa applications
Birth certificates for dependant children
Educational records for school-age children
Medical records for family members with ongoing health needs

Additional Requirements

Medical clearance and health certificates
Professional teaching certifications specific to your destination
Photographs meeting specific visa requirements
Financial statements proving economic stability

Pro tip: The attestation process can take 4-8 weeks depending on your location and destination country. Start this process immediately after accepting your offer.

Pro tip: Depending on the country – visa applications can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks so don’t be concerned if you are hotel-based until then.

How Recruiters Transform Preparation Experience

Country-Specific Expertise

Every destination has unique requirements. UAE documentation rules differ vastly from those in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Qatar. Your recruiter can provide precise, up-to-date guidance on what you need, when you need it, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can delay your visa or cause arrival complications.

Comprehensive Support Resources

Rather than leaving you to figure it out alone, your recruiter can provide:

Country-specific advice and expectations tailored to your destination
Consultation support – whenever you have a question or a panicky wobble. At chk Education we are always contactable at every stage to provide you with information and ease any concerns.
Template letters for reference requests, medical clearances, and official correspondence
Visa application support including form reviews and submission guidance

Contract and Benefits Optimisation

A recruiter will always help you understand and aim to maximise your package:

Contract review to clarify terms, entitlements, and obligations
Benefits explanation including housing allowances, healthcare, and professional development
Tax implications and financial planning considerations
Professional development opportunities available in your new location

Ongoing Advocacy and Problem-Solving

When challenges arise, and they often do, we’re your advocate. Your recruiter should be your first point of call for:

Visa complications and documentation issues
Housing challenges or last-minute accommodation changes
School communication and expectation management
Family settlement support and local resource connections

Other things to consider

Moving internationally requires reliable service providers. Ask your school or recruiter to connect you with:

Vetted document attestation services that understand international requirements
Reputable international moving companies with education sector experience
Temporary accommodation providers for your initial weeks
Local banking and insurance contacts to streamline your financial setup (most schools require you to have a local bank account for receipt of salary.)

Cultural and Practical Preparation

Landing in a new country is about more than paperwork. We recommend connecting with online expat groups/teaching community/family support networks (Facebook is great for this) to help prepare you for what life is really going to be like in your host country. Seek information on:

Housing market – including neighbourhoods, rental processes, and budget expectations
Cultural norms and etiquette to help you integrate smoothly
Practical living tips from shopping and transport to social customs and local laws
Cost of living to enable to you budget

These groups can also help begin essential community building. Starting fresh in a new country can feel isolating. Avoid this by asking your school for peer introductions to other teachers at your school or in your city or utilise professional networks and teaching communities.

The chk Education Difference: Your Success is Our Mission

At chk Education, we understand that finding the right position is only the beginning of your international teaching journey. Our comprehensive support continues through your preparation phase and beyond, because we know that well-prepared teachers are successful teachers.

Our experienced team has guided thousands of educators through international teacher moves and even lived in many of the regions ourselves. We’ve seen every challenge, navigated every complication, and developed systems that work.

When you select to work with chk, you’re not just getting a job, you’re getting a partner committed to your success.

Your Next Steps

Ready for your international teacher move? Don’t let the preparation overwhelm you.

Download our free International Teacher Move Checklist – a comprehensive one-page guide covering everything from essential documents to cultural preparation tips.

Our advice? Start early, stay organised, and lean on your recruiter. We’re here to help you succeed before, during, and after your move.

Considering teaching abroad? Get in touch with chk Education for expert guidance on finding the right role and preparing for it the right way.