What It’s Really Like Teaching Overseas: The Joys and Realities

Teaching overseas had been on our minds for a while, not just for me but also for my husband and our young daughter. We dreamed of sharing new experiences as a family, exploring different cultures, and creating memories together, all while I continued doing the work I love.

It wasn’t only about travel (though that’s been a wonderful bonus). More than anything, we were looking for a lifestyle that would give us the chance to grow personally and professionally and, importantly, to spend more time together as a family.

Back in Australia, daily life often felt rushed. Between long commutes and weekends filled with chores, we found it hard to carve out the quality time we wanted. One of the biggest changes since moving to Vietnam has been having domestic support. With help around the house, we’ve been able to reclaim that time and spend it doing things we truly enjoy as a family.

When the opportunity came up to move to Ho Chi Minh City, we decided to take the leap. Together, we packed up our lives, said goodbye to familiar routines, and began this new adventure, one we’re so grateful for every day.

The Biggest Joys of Teaching Overseas

There’s so much I love about teaching internationally – far beyond what I imagined.

A truly global classroom

Every day, I have the privilege of working with students and colleagues from all over the world. It’s incredible to see how different cultures, languages, and experiences shape our learning community in such positive ways. This year, I was actually the only one in our classroom who didn’t have a second or third language – I was the one at a disadvantage! From a parenting perspective, this has been just as special. Our daughter has made friends from all over the world, and she’s not only experiencing Vietnamese culture but also learning from the rich mix of cultures that make up her class. It’s such a gift to see her grow up in such a diverse and inclusive environment.

Endless opportunities for growth

Moving overseas made me rethink so many aspects of teaching, from classroom management to curriculum design. I’ve had to adapt, reflect, and try new approaches, and I know I’m a stronger educator because of it. I’ll admit I was initially apprehensive about how my understanding of explicit teaching and the science of learning would fit within an inquiry-based IB school. But what I’ve found is that the international school where I work values both. There’s a strong balance between explicit instruction and open-ended, inquiry-based learning, which together create a rich, robust curriculum. There’s often a lot of debate about inquiry-based learning versus explicit teaching. But really, it shouldn’t be about choosing one over the other. The true strength lies in how we thoughtfully combine both approaches to support our learners.

Life beyond the classroom

Yes, there’s travel and it’s wonderful! But what’s made this experience truly special are the little things: the food, the festivals, and the everyday moments of living in a new place. As a family, we’ve shared so many adventures we’ll never forget. We loved celebrating the Moon Festival and Tết, both at school and around Ho Chi Minh City. We’ve also been lucky to make some incredible friends here. I think that because we’re all in the same boat – expat families without relatives nearby – people are often more outgoing and quick to connect. One of the best pieces of advice we received before moving was from another expat family: say yes to every invite when you first arrive! It truly helped us settle in and build a community.

The Challenges Nobody Talks About When Teaching Overseas

It’s not always easy — and that’s okay.

Navigating new systems

Every school and country has its own unique approach to doing things. It takes time and plenty of patience to learn new routines, expectations, and ways of working. Sometimes, small things like communication styles or how meetings are run can feel surprisingly tricky. Different cultures also have varying expectations of teaching, and what’s valued in one place may look quite different in another. I’ve found that keeping an open mind, staying curious, and being willing to give things a go makes all the difference. I feel fortunate to work in a school that genuinely values good ideas. When my colleagues or I suggest a different way of doing something or ask for clarification, the response is never, “That’s just the way we’ve always done it.” Instead, there’s a real openness to reflecting, adapting, and finding what works best – together.

Missing home

Of course, there are moments when I miss family, friends, or even familiar routines. But technology helps, and we’ve found ways to stay connected across the miles; regular video calls, messages, and sharing little updates help bridge the distance. And then there are the things you don’t think you’ll miss until you do – like familiar foods! Imported items are always more expensive, but sometimes you just need that comforting taste of home. For me, it might be a baked potato stuffed with cheese or a bowl of Weet-Bix. And every time we visit Australia, we make sure to bring back a jar of Vegemite because some things are just non-negotiable!

Navigating bureaucracy and the hidden costs

One of the trickier parts of teaching overseas is dealing with all the practical stuff that comes with living in a new country. Things like visas, work permits, healthcare, banking, or even just setting up your phone or internet can take a lot of time, paperwork, and patience! And it’s not just about the time; all of this costs money, too. There are fees for documents, medical checks, and other bits and pieces that add up. I think sometimes people imagine teaching overseas as some kind of luxury lifestyle, but the reality is that it’s just real life with bills to pay and forms to fill out, just in a different country! The good news is you do figure it out over time. And usually, there are colleagues or friends who’ll help point you in the right direction when you’re stuck.

Is Teaching Overseas Right for You?

If you’re flexible, open-minded, and up for an adventure, teaching abroad could be an incredible next step, not just for you but for your whole family.

For us, this move became so much more than a career decision. It’s been a shared journey. One where we’ve discovered new places together, learned from different cultures and built memories as a family that we’ll treasure forever.

It’s not about having everything perfectly planned. It’s about being willing to learn, to adapt, and to embrace the unknown – knowing that the best parts of the adventure are often the ones you couldn’t have imagined.

Final Thoughts

Teaching overseas has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and my life! It’s stretched me, challenged me, and filled my days with moments I never could have planned.

If you’re considering it, I say explore your options, ask lots of questions, and trust that amazing things can happen when you take that leap.

Got questions about teaching overseas? Send me an email bigworldteaching@gmail.com

And while you’re here, make sure to have a look around Big World Teaching for more tips, resources, and inspiration!

PS. I used Search Associates to find my job!