Relocation Packages Explained: What’s Normal and What’s Generous?

When you’re considering moving abroad with a family, the relocation support your employer offers can make a huge difference to your planning – and even whether or not it’s worthwhile accepting a role.

That’s because a good relocation package can save you thousands of dollars. It can also significantly reduce the stress that comes with a big international move with kids. And it can set you up for a smooth start in your new home.

In contrast, a poor (or non existent) relocation package can leave you scrambling to cover unexpected costs before you’ve even stepped into the classroom.

Let’s explore what a “standard” relocation package includes and how you can spot one that’s truly generous (a big plus for teaching families!).

Why Relocation Support Matters More Than You Think

Relocating internationally doesn’t come cheap!

Flights, visas, shipping, and temporary housing all add up — especially if you’re moving with a partner or kids. A comprehensive relocation package can offset many of those costs and significantly reduce your logistical load during an already stressful time.

When we moved from the UK to Thailand the salary looked good on paper. But it was the relocation support that made the move possible for our whole family. Without that, we would’ve spent our first few months digging ourselves out of debt from set-up costs.

What’s Usually Included in a Standard Relocation Package

Most international schools offer some level of relocation assistance. But what that includes varies widely by region and school type.

At a minimum, you can typically expect:

• Flights: Economy flights for the teacher and family (though not all dependents are always covered, it depends on each school’s policy).
• Shipping allowance: Usually a set amount that you can use to cover shipping your items (or for costs associated with excess baggage).
• Temporary accommodation: Short-term housing (often 1–2 weeks) while you search for something permanent.
• Visa and work permit fees: Schools usually cover teacher’s visa costs; support for dependants is more variable. If you need to pay to have documents apostilled or reproduced check if the school covers this too.
• Airport pickup: Transport from the airport to your temporary housing is standard in most regions.

These basics are designed to get you from point A to point B – but the quality and comprehensiveness of packages can differ dramatically. A lot of this can come down to the skills, professionalism and empathy of your school’s HR team. It’s good to ask other teachers about their experiences to be prepared!

Normal vs. Generous: How to Spot the Difference

The gap between a “standard” package and a truly generous one can be thousands of dollars and weeks of peace of mind. Here’s how they compare:

Element	Standard	Generous
Flights	One-way economy for teacher	Return flights or flights for whole family
Shipping	Teacher only	Covers all dependents
Accommodation	1–2 weeks in hotel	4–6 weeks or until permanent housing is secured
Visa fees	Teacher only	Teacher + dependants
Settling-in support	Airport pickup	Local SIM card, banking help, school tours, city orientation
Relocation bonus	Rare	One-time payment for initial expenses (often $1,000–$2,500)

Many well respected international schools will also offer a relocation bonus that helps with set up costs (like paying bond for your new apartment). This can range from USD$500 to upwards of USD$2,000 depending on the school’s policy.

Generous packages are designed to help you settle in successfully, not just arrive. Moving to a new city (and a new country) is stressful at the best of times, but with kids it can be incredibly challenging. Having a smooth relocation with a helpful and supportive HR team can make all the difference and make a positive first impression – setting you up for long-term success at the school.

How Packages Differ by Region

Relocation support varies not only by school but also by where in the world you’re headed. Here’s what to expect in different destinations:

Middle East: Often the Most Comprehensive

International schools in the Middle East (especially in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) frequently offer some of the most generous relocation packages.

• Flights are usually provided for the teacher and dependants, often with annual return flights included.
• Full shipping allowances are common, sometimes even including furniture or pet transport.
• Temporary housing can last a month or more, and schools may assign a dedicated relocation coordinator.

When we moved to Dubai, the school arranged everything — from our visas to a driver picking us up at the airport. We even had a stocked fridge waiting in our apartment. It made a really positive first impression for our family – that the school was looking after us.

Asia: Solid Support, But Varies by Country

Schools in East and Southeast Asia typically offer strong relocation benefits, though not always as comprehensive as in the Middle East.

• Family flights are common but not guaranteed.
• Shipping allowances are usually smaller, with some schools offering a cash relocation stipend instead.
• Temporary accommodation typically ranges from two to four weeks.

Expect more support in countries like China, South Korea, and Singapore, and slightly less in places like Vietnam or Cambodia, where salaries and cost of living are lower. But like every teaching benefit, what you get comes down to the individual schools.

Europe: More Modest Packages

Because many schools in Europe attract candidates without needing large incentives (especially UK teachers who don’t have far to relocate), relocation support here is often the most basic.

• Flights may only be covered for the teacher, and return flights are rare.
• Shipping allowances are limited or replaced by a relocation stipend.
• Temporary accommodation may not be included.

However, the trade-off is often a desirable location and quality of life. So it’s important to weigh relocation support alongside other benefits.

Latin America: Modest Packages, Big Lifestyle Trade-Offs

Relocation packages in Latin America tend to be more modest overall, reflecting lower costs of living and often tighter school budgets. That said, many schools still offer enough support to make the move manageable. And some of the top schools can offer very generous packages to support your whole family.

• Typically one-way economy for the teacher, with some schools extending this to dependants. Return flights are less common, though a few schools offer annual flights home after the first year.
• Air freight allowances are often small or replaced by a flat relocation stipend. Because importing goods can be expensive in countries like Peru or Brazil, many teachers choose to travel light and buy locally instead.
• Expect around 1–2 weeks in school-provided housing or a local apartment.
• Most schools handle the teacher’s paperwork, but you’ll want to clarify if dependent visas are covered.

What Latin America sometimes lacks in financial perks, it often makes up for in lifestyle and cultural experience.

Our relocation package didn’t quite stretch for our accommodation bond (which was two months in Peru), but the school was very helpful getting us set up. They gave us SIM cards, organised bank accounts, stocked the fridge for us on arrival and picked us up from the airport.

Africa: Highly Variable Packages

Relocation packages across Africa vary widely depending on the country and whether the school is well-established or newer. In major hubs like Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, support is generally stronger and more in line with Asia, while smaller or newer schools may offer only the basics.

• One-way flights for the teacher are standard, with family flights offered by more established schools. Return flights at the end of contract are typically standard.
• Many schools offer a cash relocation allowance, giving you flexibility to choose what to bring (and how to bring it – consider alternatives to international shipping to keep costs down).
• Expect 2–4 weeks of accommodation in most cases, sometimes longer in regions with challenging rental markets.
• Visa support is usually comprehensive for the teacher; support for dependants varies by school and local immigration rules.

Some schools also include extras such as help with setting up utilities, local SIM cards, or even guided orientation tours. This can be incredibly helpful in countries where systems and services can work very differently from home.

Beyond the Basics: Hidden Perks That Add Real Value

Some schools go beyond flights and freight to offer support that makes a significant difference, especially for families:

• End-of-contract relocation support: Covering shipping when you leave at the end of your contract (as well as on arrival).
• Home-finding support: Help with finding a rental property (with an English speaking local realtor), legal paperwork, and setting up utilities.
• Pre-departure webinars: Guidance on what to pack, cultural expectations, and school logistics.
• Settling-in services: Help opening your bank account, enrolling kids in school, or navigating healthcare.

These extras often reflect a school’s commitment to teacher wellbeing — and can save you both money and time.

Final Thoughts: Look Beyond the Salary

A relocation package might not seem as exciting as a high salary, but it can make a world of difference innate having to pay out substantial initial costs.

Generous packages can save you thousands, reduce stress, and help your family settle in faster and more comfortably.

When comparing international job offers, look at the whole picture. A slightly lower salary with excellent relocation support (and other benefits, like kids’ tuition) might be worth far more in the long run than a higher salary with little help attached.

Related: Family Moves Made Easier: What Good Relocation Support Looks Like