Treading Safely in Parts Unknown

When you land your first overseas teaching job and start imagining all the exciting ways your life will transform, it’s easy to overlook the less glamorous side of international work: the potential threats that could arise. Who wants to contemplate how cyber threats, natural disasters, civil unrest, or other emergencies might disrupt the incredible experiences you and your family are about to have—often halfway across the world? Yet, for international educators, preparedness must go hand in hand with possibility.

March 11, 2020, marks five years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. At that time, I was teaching in Indonesia, far from my Caribbean home—and I know many international educators share a similar story. None of us were truly prepared. Those years reshaped our world: transforming pedagogical practices, reconfiguring learning environments, and altering how we live and work. COVID-19 showed that while international educators are known for adaptability, even the most seasoned among us can be caught off guard by crisis.

As global educators, we are not naive—we are curious, courageous, and ready to step beyond comfort zones. We embrace otherness, challenge assumptions, and navigate unfamiliar systems. We’re also realistic. Most reputable international schools today have safety measures in place:

• Contingency plans
• Crisis communication protocols
• Human resource support for expatriate staff

In fact, during the pandemic, some schools swiftly facilitated the safe return of teachers to their home countries to work remotely. Others required educators to remain in-country. Experiences varied—and continue to vary widely across schools and regions. 

Even now, schools are offering contracts in countries experiencing civil unrest or weak infrastructure. I once declined such an offer after learning that teachers had been airlifted to a neighboring country during a crisis—relying solely on themselves for months before repatriation was possible. That decision, based on precaution and planning, reaffirmed something I’ve come to understand deeply: while the promise of global education is rich and rewarding, the risks are real.

Based on lived experience and lessons learned, here are four key recommendations to help you prepare for the unpredictable:

1. Understand the Country’s Landscape

Before signing any contract, assess the infrastructure and political context:

• Is the country currently experiencing unrest or instability?
• What is the quality and availability of local healthcare?
• Is the power, water, transportation, or banking system reliable?

Familiarize yourself with both governmental and non-governmental organizations that support disaster relief and crisis response in the region.

2. Ask the Right Questions During Your Interview

It’s easy to focus on curriculum and compensation, but don’t skip questions about safety:

• What are the school’s evacuation plans?
• What role do teachers play in emergency response?
• How does the school support staff wellbeing during crises?

Make safety and contingency planning a key part of your decision-making process.

3. Independently Research the School and Its Surroundings

Don’t rely solely on the school’s narrative. Use online forums, alumni networks, and third-party sources to understand the reputation of the school and the safety of the surrounding area. Look beyond the school walls to get a fuller picture of what living in that context might actually feel like.

4. Build Local Relationships Early and Intentionally

This is perhaps the most powerful form of preparation. In moments of crisis—whether a medical emergency, a power outage, or being pulled over on a narrow motorbike-filled street—relationships with local colleagues and community members offer a lifeline. These connections can ease the isolation, provide trusted information, and offer cultural insight that bridges the gap between foreignness and familiarity.

International education is full of promise. But that promise is sustained not just through passion and pedagogy—it’s sustained through preparation. By asking tough questions, researching independently, and investing in local relationships, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re strengthening the foundation of your global teaching journey. As international educators, we hold the privilege—and the responsibility—of navigating the world with eyes open.