Red Flags in International School Contracts

Before signing a contract for an international teaching position, it’s essential to thoroughly review the terms to ensure you’re entering into a fair and transparent agreement – and that there’s no red flags!

Unfortunately, not all international schools operate with the best interests of their staff in mind. Let’s take a look at some of the most common red flags when it comes to international teaching jobs – both in your contract and other factors. And how you can protect yourself from potential issues.

International Teaching Jobs – Contractual Red Flags

Based on our experience, here are some key red flags to watch out for when evaluating a contract before accepting any international teaching jobs.

Unclear Salary Terms

One of the most critical aspects of any contract is the salary structure. If the salary terms are vague or unclear, it could indicate future misunderstandings or financial instability. Ensure the contract outlines the following:

• Base Salary: The exact monthly or annual salary you’re expected to receive. And what currency will you be paid in? Where possible, aim for USD rather than local currency to help you stay protected if there are any major fluctuations in currency.
• Pensions: Does the school pay anything towards a pension fund for you? If so, how much? Are you required to put in any extra? Are you able to access this pension when you leave, or are there any exclusions to be aware of? This can often be subject to your citizenship.
• Allowances: These might include housing, flights, children’s tuition or health benefits. Be sure these are outlined clearly, including how much they cover and under what circumstances. For example, number of kids covered, annual flights, are all family covered for annual flights, etc.
• Deductions: Are there any deductions from your salary for things like taxes, housing, or utilities? Ensure you know the net amount you’ll take home after all deductions.

Vague Job Descriptions for International Teaching Jobs

Some schools may provide a job description that sounds appealing but is intentionally vague to avoid specific expectations. It’s essential to have clarity (or at least try to get it!) on your daily responsibilities and the scope of your role. Aim to get clarity on:

• The number of teaching hours per week.
• Expectations for extracurricular activities, lesson planning, and administrative duties.
• If there is support available for teachers (e.g., teaching assistants, resources, technology). If a school’s job description is overly broad or avoids specifics, it could mean you’re expected to perform tasks beyond your initial understanding.

Non-Compete Clauses

A non-compete clause restricts you from working in the same country or a specific region after leaving the school. While non-compete clauses are standard in some industries, they can be problematic in international education, particularly if you want to stay in the same country but get work at another school. Look out for:

• Specific Restrictions: Look for any restrictions on seeking employment at other schools in the area or country. Also check the duration of the clause (e.g., 6 months, 1 year).
• Penalties: Any penalties or legal action the school can take if you violate the clause.

No Clear Exit Clause

A well-written contract should outline the conditions under which either party (you or the school) can terminate the agreement. Be careful if the contract lacks an exit clause and take note if there are any penalties for resigning before the contract ends.

Key points to look for:

• Resignation Notice Period: How much notice must you provide if you want to leave before the contract expires?
• Penalties for Early Termination: Understand the consequences of leaving early (breaking contract). Some schools threaten to impose fines or withhold part of your salary (or flight allowance) if you resign prematurely.
• Conditions for Termination: Check to see if the contract specifies conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement, such as performance issues or personal reasons.

Red Flags Outside the Contract

In addition to checking the contract, keep your eye out for any red flags like the following when you’re liaising with the school or considering whether or not the role is right for you.

Delays in Communication

If the school takes an unusually long time to respond to emails or phone calls, this indicate inefficiency or disorganisation – which could be a problem down the line. It’s important to feel confident that the school is responsive and transparent in all stages of the hiring process.

Watch for:

• Slow Response Time: If it takes weeks to get a response to your initial inquiry or follow-up questions, this could signal future communication challenges. And bigger issues.
• Unanswered Questions: If the school is reluctant to provide clear answers to basic questions (e.g., salary details, benefits, housing), it may indicate a lack of transparency.

Unclear Benefits (Housing, Tuition, etc.)

International teaching contracts often include additional perks, such as housing allowances and tuition for your children. When you work abroad as a teacher, these benefits should be clearly outlined and agreed upon before you accept the position.

Watch for:

• Unspecified Housing Arrangements: If the school is unclear about whether they will provide housing or a housing allowance, or if the housing provided is substandard, this could be a serious issue.
• Ambiguity About Tuition for Children: If the contract doesn’t specify whether the school will cover tuition for your children or offers a vague commitment, ask for clarification.
• Healthcare Benefits: Ensure that health insurance, including coverage for your family, is provided and understand what it covers.

Unclear Relocation Support for International Teaching Jobs

Moving internationally requires significant preparation, and many schools offer relocation assistance to help with things like flight costs, visa arrangements, and settling-in support. If the school doesn’t provide clear details about their relocation support, it could mean you’re on your own when it comes to managing these expenses.

Look for:

• Flight and Visa Support: Is the school covering your travel expenses, and are they helping with visa applications and processing?
• Settling-In Assistance: Will the school assist you with finding accommodation, opening a local bank account, or other essential tasks to get settled?

Delays in Pay

A history of delayed pay is a red flag. Timely payment is essential for financial stability, so make sure you research the school’s history of paying teachers on time.

To do this:

• Check Online Reviews and Forums: Sites like Glassdoor, International Schools Review, or expat forums often provide insights into the reputation of schools and whether there have been any issues with timely payments.
• Ask Current or Former Teachers: If you come across issues, you can also reach out to current or previous employees for feedback (e.g. via Facebook groups) on their experience with salary payments.

Red Flags and International Schools – How to Protect Yourself

Here are a few suggestions that can help you ensure you’re signing on with a reputable and reliable international school, to avoid any big surprises later!

Ask to Speak with Current Teachers

Speaking directly with current staff can provide invaluable insights into the school’s culture, management, and actual working conditions. Current teachers can tell you whether their experience aligns with what the school has promised.

Ask about:

• The school’s support for teachers (professional development, classroom resources).
• School leadership and communication.
• Living conditions (accommodation, local amenities).
• Teacher work-life balance.

If a school won’t let you talk to current teachers (or leaving teachers) consider it a red flag! Another option is to reach out on LinkedIn or Facebook groups rather than going via the school. This could give you a more unbiased, honest response as the school won’t have any oversight of the communication.

Research Schools on Forums and Expat Networks

Online forums, social media groups, and expat networks can provide honest feedback from teachers who have worked at the school.

Be sure to:

• Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn networks dedicated to international educators.
• Use websites like International Schools Review or teaching agencies to find detailed reviews and ratings of schools.
• Look for patterns of negative feedback or recurring issues (e.g., poor working conditions, financial instability).

*One bad review shouldn’t be enough to put you off. Look for consistently poor feedback that highlights the same issues from more than one employee – this is a sign of an ongoing issue that isn’t being addressed by the school or their management team.

Check Accreditation and Reputation

Accreditation ensures that the school meets specific academic and operational standards. If the school is an IB (International Baccalaureate) candidate or fully accredited, it is more likely to be reputable. But make sure you don’t just base your decision on accreditation.

Key points to consider:

• IB Candidate Status: Confirm whether the school is an accredited or candidate IB school. Full accreditation ensures the school meets global educational standards.
• National Accreditation: Verify if the school is accredited by local or international educational bodies.
• International Networks: Check if the school is part of recognised international school networks, which can provide additional credibility.

Understand Local Labour Laws

Before signing the contract, ensure you fully understand the local labour laws and how they may affect your rights as an employee. This includes:

• Work Permits and Visas: Are you provided with a visa, or is it your responsibility to secure one?
• Employment Benefits: Does the contract meet or exceed the minimum legal requirements for benefits such as vacation time, sick leave, and health insurance?
• Dispute Resolution: If you encounter issues with the school, understand the legal recourse available to you.

*Sometimes the terms in your contract may actually breach local labour laws. For example, a school may threaten to withhold payments if you don’t complete a contract. This may actually go against the laws in the country. This is important to understand if you do have issues while at the school and can get support from a local lawyer if necessary.

International Teaching Red Flags – Reviewing Your Contract

By being diligent and proactive when reviewing an international school contract, you can avoid many common pitfalls that could lead to dissatisfaction or legal issues.

Watch out for vague contract terms, unclear salary structures, and restrictive clauses that could limit your career mobility. Additionally, pay attention to potential issues outside of the contract, such as delays in communication, unclear benefits, and lack of relocation support.

Protect yourself by speaking with current teachers, researching the school’s reputation, and ensuring the contract complies with local labour laws. Taking the time to ask the right questions and carefully consider the contract terms will help ensure a positive experience teaching overseas.