As a teacher with a family, the destination you choose, whether it’s in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East or Africa, shapes every part of your family life — from daily routines and cost of living to your kids’ education and overall family wellbeing.

While recruiters often focus on the highlights, the reality can look very different depending on the country, city, and even the neighbourhood you settle in. Taking time to thoroughly research all your options before you start applying for international teaching jobs can help ensure you find a place that is right for your entire family.

Here’s what to consider when deciding where to teach overseas.

1. Safety & Security

Safety is obviously often one of the first concerns for any family moving abroad — and with good reason! Every country has neighbourhoods that feel welcoming and secure, and others that are best to avoid.

When considering the safety of various destinations, make sure to look beyond headlines and travel advisories. It’s important to get a feel for what daily life is really like for expats (and locals).

Research and consider:

• Crime levels and safety rankings (but remember that this is usually an indicator of the entire city or country, not necessarily the specific area you’ll be living).
• Areas popular with expat families (especially in big cities as expat areas and more affluent suburbs are typically much safer).
• Local attitudes toward foreigners (which can impact how comfortable you feel).
• What daily life looks like beyond the tourist zones.

Related: Safety Considerations for Teaching Families Abroad

2. Adaptability & Community

A strong sense of community can make or break your overseas experience. Look for destinations where it’s easy to build a strong support network with like-minded people, which can help you and your family integrate into daily life.

Research and consider:

• Is English widely spoken, or will you need to learn the local language (even just basic for day to day essentials)?
• Are there established expat communities or parent groups?
• How many international schools are available in the area?
• Are family activities, childcare, and healthcare services easy to access?

Related: Teach Abroad with a Family – Top Countries to Consider

3. Cost of Living

A salary package can look amazing on paper, but its real value depends on the local cost of living! For example, on Jeju Island in South Korea salaries at top international schools can be incredible – but the cost of living is also insanely high (think USD$50 for a watermelon).

Expenses like housing, groceries, utilities, transport, and childcare vary widely across regions — and even between cities in the same country.

Research and consider:

• Average rent or housing costs (sites like Numbeo aren’t perfect but they can give you a general idea of what to expect).
• Price of groceries and household essentials (consider your family situation and what you’re likely to need).
• Utility and transport expenses.
• School fees and childcare costs.

Related: Cost of Living Abroad Considerations

4. Education & Language for Children

If you’re relocating with children, schooling is obviously a huge factor to consider when choosing the right destination. It’s not just about finding a good school for you as an educator, but also if it’s going to be the right type of environment for your kids to thrive.

Research and consider:

• Make up of the student body (if it’s predominantly local students it may make it more challenging for kids to integrate, particularly for teens).
• Language of instruction and language support for the local language (does the school offer local language lessons or support for your kids?)
• Waiting lists and ease of securing school places (not all schools will offer an automatic place for your kids – which is a red flag that it’s probably not a family friendly environment for teaching families!).
• Whether the school covers full tuition for your kids (or discounted tuition)?

Related: Do All International Schools Offer Children’s Tuition?

5. Work-Life Balance

Teaching expectations differ significantly from country to country. Some school systems prioritise long hours, strict academic results, and a high-pressure environment (think British international schools – especially those that offer boarding). While others also focus on creativity, flexibility, and staff wellbeing (e.g. the UWC group of schools has a strong reputation for holistic enquiry-based learning).

Research and consider:

• Working hours and after-school commitments (extra-curriculars and whether or not weekend work is required).
• Holiday allowances and school calendars (each school has their own set number of required teaching days throughout the year).
• Staff turnover and retention (can be a good indication of wellbeing levels at the school).
• Policies around work-life balance (to make sure it fits your lifestyle and supports your family commitments).

6. Healthcare & Family Services

Ensuring you have access to good quality healthcare and support services can greatly impact your experience abroad.

Research and consider:

• What your employer’s health insurance covers (for example, dental and optometry, maternity coverage etc).
• Quality and cost of public healthcare (in some countries, especially in Europe, you’ll typically be relying on public healthcare as many schools won’t offer private healthcare in your package).
• Availability of English-speaking doctors and pediatricians (you don’t want to be relying on Google Translate in an emergency situation).
• Family services like childcare, recreation, and counselling.

Public healthcare is excellent and affordable in some destinations, while in others it may be expensive or inconsistent — making private insurance essential.

7. Culture, Travel & Lifestyle

One of the biggest perks of teaching overseas is the lifestyle beyond the classroom. Proximity to beaches, mountains, cultural hubs, or travel opportunities can give you and your family access to incredibly (and regular) experiences you wouldn’t dream of back home.

Research and consider:

• How you’d spend weekends and holidays (for example if you love the outdoors and hiking, consider if the location you’re considering offers easy and safe access to outdoor trails).
• Access to travel hubs and regional destinations (can you access nearby locations easily and affordably as a family?).
• Climate and outdoor lifestyle (hotter countries may make it more challenging to spend too much time outdoors – such as in the Middle East).
• Cultural activities and events (consider the range of cultural festivals and events and how easy these are to access if this is something your family enjoys).

Deciding Where to Teach Abroad With a Family

The “best” place to teach abroad isn’t the same for every family.

Your ideal destination depends on your values, budget, and lifestyle priorities — and taking the time to research safety, community, education, and cost of living will help you make the right choice.