Working Abroad as a Teacher: Cindy’s Story as a Lifelong Traveller 

If you’ve spent any time researching international schools and thinking about working abroad as a teacher, you might picture a life of generous packages, free tuition for your kids, and endless travel opportunities. But for families, the reality can be much more complicated!

I recently caught up with Cindy, a seasoned international teacher who has worked in schools across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the US. Her journey began at just 22, but really, the seeds for her international life were planted much earlier.

A Childhood Abroad

Cindy grew up as a third culture kid, living with her family in countries including Kenya, France, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Living abroad for her father’s work, her mum taught English as a second language (ESL) at various international schools. Her global upbringing shaped her perspective on the world – and ultimately, what she wanted out of life.

“I didn’t plan on teaching,” she says. “I literally fell into it.”

Falling into the Classroom

After graduating with degrees in French and acting, Cindy was working in France when she ran into visa issues. A theatre colleague suggested she apply for his job at the International School of Geneva. He was going on sabbatical and thought she was far more qualified than the current applicants, even without a teaching degree.

“He said, ‘You speak French and English, you’ve got an acting degree – you should apply.’ So I did. And I got it. I was immediately hooked.”

That first role launched a career that has taken her all over the globe, and inspired her to complete a master’s degree in education.

Working Abroad as a Teacher in Venezuela: Beauty and Instability

After leaving France, Cindy headed to Venezuela, where she met her husband amid a backdrop of political unrest. But one that didn’t phase her, given her upbringing.

“I didn’t even realise how much living in Caracas affected me until I left,” she recalls. “I was always looking over my shoulder, and was constantly prepped for danger. It just became second nature.”

Despite the instability – and a few coups – she thrived professionally. However, the family eventually relocated to the United States to raise their three children. It was a decision shaped by family priorities, but not without its own challenges.

“Having never really spent much time in the US, I didn’t feel like I belonged when we first moved to Florida,” she says. “It was a big adjustment.”

A Rocky Relationship with Nord Anglia

While living in Florida, Cindy worked for a private school, that after a few years was purchased by Nord Anglia. But unfortunately, minus the perks you might get working in an international school abroad (e.g. no tuition for her kids). 

After her eldest daughter headed off to college and having separated from her husband, Cindy returned to international education. Through the Nord Anglia network, she secured a role in Prague, taking her two youngest children with her.

After a few years in Prague, she secured a new role within Nord Anglia, based in Thailand. However, after receiving an offer seven months earlier, she had her contract rescinded at the last minute. “They told me in June. I’d resigned from my role by then and was about to finish for the summer break. I had a family to support. They told me that the school I was due to work for in Thailand wasn’t offering any contracts to new hires, which turned out not to be true.”

The experience left a sour taste. And not a huge amount of options. Although it wasn’t her first choice, the group offered her a role in Yangon shortly after, and she took it. It turned out to be an amazing experience (even with an evacuation because of the coup where she spent a year in Pattaya – working out of offices in the school that had originally offered her a job!).

Parenting While Teaching Abroad

Cindy has raised her children across different continents. From Venezuela to the U.S., then Prague to Myanmar, each move came with logistical and emotional challenges.

In Prague, she was raising two children on her own. Before moving, she says she repeatedly asked the school’s HR team whether the salary package would be livable for her and her family. She was told not only was it liveable, but that many teachers had even purchased properties in Prague. 

However, it was only after arriving that she discovered the people HR referred to were on a completely different package tier than hers. It’s a common frustration in international schools, where HR departments can be slow to respond, vague, or simply unaware of the realities for families.

“You’re not just moving for a job – your whole family is relocating,” Cindy says. “You just want honest answers before you sign a teaching contract.”

In Yangon, things were better professionally, but it was challenging for her teenage son. The school used the British system, which didn’t align well with his American educational background. Ultimately, she sent him back to the U.S. to finish high school with his dad. But even that came with challenges, as his prior learning wasn’t instantly recognised back in the States.

“If you’re an American family in a British or IB system, be prepared. The systems don’t always translate,” she warns.

Raising Global Citizens

Despite the bumps along the way, Cindy sees the international lifestyle as a gift to her kids. Her children are confident, independent, and culturally aware. They’ve kept friendships across countries and see the world as their home.

However, one piece of advice she encourages expat parents to consider is establishing a home base. Somewhere that your kids will always know is home, and that you can go back to during summer breaks and holidays. To give them a sense of connection. She didn’t have this in her own childhood, but she’s given it to her kids. 

She also wants anyone considering teaching abroad with a family to realise that once you start on this lifestyle, it will change you. 

“You won’t belong in the same way when you go back ‘home’,” she says. “You’ll be forever changed. And that’s not a bad thing – it just is what it is.”

What She’s Learned Working Abroad as a Teacher

Cindy has seen the best and worst of international schools – from world-class facilities to broken promises. She has gained plenty of wisdom that she’s happy to share with those considering making the move internationally.

1. Ask Better Questions

Teachers often focus on selling themselves in interviews, especially early on in their careers. But Cindy stresses the importance of flipping the script.

“You need to ask the right questions,” she says. “Is this school the right fit for you? For your family? Do you feel safe? Supported?” 

She recalls a job interview she once had where, halfway through the conversation, she realised the role would have been a terrible match. She respectfully withdrew, and the school agreed. It was a reminder that international hiring is, and should always be, a two-way street.

One thing Cindy appreciates is an interview process that goes beyond the formal HR call. In one particularly positive experience, she spoke with the person she was replacing, the head of department, and others across the school community. That insight helped her make a more informed choice. It also made her feel like she was joining a team, not just filling a vacancy.

She has also sat on the other side of the table for interviews and now makes it a point to include more people. “It shouldn’t just be the head of school making the call,” she says. “They don’t always know what your day-to-day life will really look like.”

2. Get Clear, Written Answers

When moving with a family, don’t rely on vague verbal assurances or half-baked emails.

“Ask about benefits like housing, tuition, and flight allowances. And make sure you see policies in writing. Don’t assume anything when it comes to international schools.”

3. Know What You Want – And What You Don’t

Cindy has gone through phases in her career where she was interested in stepping into leadership roles. But now? “I don’t want to manage people. Thank you very much.” She encourages others to really think about what they actually want. And not just focus on what looks good on a CV or what they think will land them their next role.

She’s also come to understand what kind of school she thrives in. “I’ve worked in amazing theatre departments – but I get the most joy building programs from the ground up.”

She also points out how rare it’s becoming for schools to accept multiple dependents. For families with more than one child, the list of viable schools narrows quickly. But she believes that teacher’s kids bring huge value to international school communities, particularly in less diverse settings where having kids from different backgrounds enriches the school culture.

4. Consider the Local Culture – Especially with Kids

Some countries are safer or more welcoming than others when working abroad as a teacher. Some are also more restrictive, especially for women and girls. Cindy always asks: Will I feel comfortable here? Will my children be safe and accepted?

She encourages families to do their homework, ask hard questions, and prioritise things like school culture, community dynamics, and local values, not just the teaching benefits and total package.

Safety, school culture, gender dynamics, community support, and local attitudes toward foreigners all matter, especially if you’re raising daughters abroad. She’s seen firsthand how cultural expectations and student behaviour vary widely between regions, and how that can impact both learning and family life.

She also reflects on how important it is to feel at ease in a new country, whether it’s about what you’re allowed to wear, how secure you feel walking alone, or how inclusive the culture is for spouses and children. “You can’t assume these things, you have to ask so you know exactly what you’re getting into,” she says.

5. Know Your Limits

Cindy also cautions against comparing yourself to other families, especially when it comes to money. “When you work at international schools, inevitably, teacher’s kids are likely to have less money than a lot of their peers. Especially if there are wealthy locals sending their kids to the school to get an international education”. 

Your kids can feel pressure to “keep up” – especially in elite environments. “You’ve got to be honest with your kids about your budget. Teach them to manage money early. And that ultimately, they may have to miss out on things. It’s impossible to keep up with the spending of others.”

Working Abroad as a Teacher: Cindy’s Advice

Today, Cindy has just finished her contract at a top international school in Malaysia. She’s preparing to head back to the U.S. – for now. 

“I think the beauty of teaching internationally is you stay four to six years and then move on. You’re constantly writing new chapters.”

Her advice to others considering working abroad as a teacher?

• Know your values as a teacher and parent.
• Talk to real people at the school – not just HR.
• Make sure your family is part of the equation.
• And don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not the right fit.