Moving across countries to live and teach sounds glamorous. And in many ways, it is. I’ve taught and led in Bangladesh, Brazil, Qatar, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and each chapter of this journey has been filled with learning. But alongside the beauty, there are challenges you rarely hear about. International teaching isn’t just about new classrooms; it’s about navigating cultures, communities, and sometimes, the quiet loneliness of being “the outsider.” Over time, I’ve discovered lessons that go beyond pedagogy, lessons that make you laugh, shake your head, or simply smile at how human this profession is.
Starting Over: The Expat Reality
No matter how many times you’ve done it, arriving in a new country always feels like stepping into the unknown. There will always be “agents” ready to make a profit off the newcomer. Do your homework. Research local food, safe areas, and housing options before you arrive.
Learn three words in the local language immediately: “straight,” “right,” and “left.” Believe me, they will save you with taxi or ride-share drivers.
When renting, read every line of your contract. Human Resources may be helpful, but often you’ll be reminded that “the job itself was already a big favor.” Smile, say thank you every time, but also protect yourself. Having a lawyer or local support group on speed dial can save you future headaches.
Everyday Life: More Than Teaching
Being an expat teacher means people assume you are wealthy. From landlords to shopkeepers, even teaching assistants, the expectation is there. Always be polite but be wise. For groceries, seek out government supermarkets. They often have subsidized organic corners and both local and international goods.
Cargo? Compare international and local companies. Often, the local option is faster and cheaper.
And when it comes to local culture, remember to watch and learn. Smile respectfully, but don’t comment. Don’t roll your eyes, sigh, or critique. In Asia especially, traditions run deep and respecting them, even in silence, goes a long way.
Religion? Same rule: show respect and be quiet, both in class and in public.
As for nightlife, keep your guard up. Social media is full of cautionary tales. Know the safe places, know the time limits, and remember that the fun is not worth the risk.
Inside the Classroom: Culture Meets Curriculum
Students will be your greatest teachers. The classroom becomes a window into the local culture: how students behave, how families interact, how communities define success. Observe first. Your respect for culture will build trust faster than any lesson plan.
Humor also goes a long way. Once, while sipping coffee and watching world news, I was jokingly accused of being a “CNN fan” instead of “BBC.” Another time, a colleague teased me for not having my own laptop. “Halal teacher!” they laughed. Instead of reacting, I smiled. These small, funny exchanges actually became the glue that made teaching abroad enjoyable.
Here’s the harder part: race, gender, and identity always shape how others see you. No matter how responsive, proactive, disciplined, or loyal you are, sometimes you’ll feel “not enough.” You might know your craft inside out. You might never miss a deadline, mentor students long after hours, or spend twelve-hour days at school with a smile. But promotions may still pass you by. From teacher to coordinator to Head of School, the criteria often stretch beyond competence.
This reality can hurt. But it has also taught me resilience. Because even without the title, the work matters: the hours you counsel students who don’t get time with their parents, the mentoring, the creativity, the loyalty—it still changes lives.
Small Joys That Keep You Going
Despite the struggles, there are so many small joys that make the journey worth it. Sitting on the school bus with colleagues, swapping advice and jokes, turns into the highlight of the day. A student’s smile, or a parent’s quiet thank you, can dissolve the fatigue of a 60-hour week. The moment a team member says, “That was a great meeting,” you remember why you do this. Appreciation, no matter how small, is the fuel that keeps us going. After 27 years, I’ve realized that positive energy is contagious. Staying positive, even in difficulty, creates an environment that shines. And that light spreads to your colleagues, your students, and even to you when you’re most tired.
Final Thoughts
Living and teaching abroad is not easy. It’s unpredictable, sometimes unfair, and always demanding. But it’s also rich, humbling, and full of lessons that shape you as a teacher and as a person. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to keep humor close, positivity closer, and success often looks different than we imagined. Remember that international education is less about the systems we teach and more about the resilience we grow.
Mushfiqua Zabeen leads curriculum development at Peninsula International School Australia, where she fosters inquiry-based learning and actively supports English language learners. She is an educator with over 20 years of experience in international schools, specializing in Middle Years Programme (MYP) Individuals and Societies, humanities, English as an Additional Language, and Diploma Programme Environmental System and Societies. She holds double master's degrees in English Language Teaching and geography, along with a City and Guilds diploma in Teaching and Learning and an Applied Scholastics Teaching license. Recently, Mushfiqua completed certifications in leadership and coordination for MYP, Service as Action (SA), Community Projects (CP), International Baccalaureate Lead and Managing Team. Having taught in diverse countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, and Qatar, she is passionate about enhancing student engagement through innovative curriculum design. Her commitment to global mindedness is reflected in her extensive professional development and community initiatives, including her work with underprivileged students in Bangladesh. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new educational practices and sharing insights through her blog.
