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Teach Abroad with Family

Can you teach English abroad with your family? Of course you can, but there are important factors to consider!

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One of the most exciting things about teaching English abroad is that you can change your life. If you’re stuck in a career rut, you’re tired of where you’re based, or you need some fresh impetus in life more generally, you can get a TEFL certificate, take up English teaching, and be in a completely new environment within months. What’s even more exciting is that you can bring your family along for the ride.

Yes, TEFL isn’t just for single people. While sure, there’s more to consider when you factor in a family, teaching English abroad is a gateway to a new lifestyle for a family unit. Not only can you broaden your career and your cultural horizons, your family can follow suit. Your partner can join you for sunset beach walks on far-flung coasts. Your children can enrol in amazing schools overseas and make friends with youngsters worldwide. Families move around all the time, and teaching English is one of many ways to make it happen.

So how can you start teaching abroad with family? Where are the best destinations for teaching English abroad with a family, and what are the most important things to consider before launching into a new life overseas with your partner and kids? Where are the best places to find teaching jobs and where do many families move to? Let's explore.

Teaching abroad with your family: an overview

When it comes to moving your family overseas, there’s a lot to think about. Above all, though, are you TEFL qualified? 

Completion of a 120-hour TEFL course is the industry standard in terms of qualifications to teach English as a foreign language. However, to be certain of your job prospects - and for your family’s peace of mind - having a degree and some advanced TEFL courses on your CV, such as Business English or English for Academic Purposes, can ensure interest from employers. 

The requirements to teach English abroad will be different everywhere, but you’ll need to meet the criteria for visas to move yourself and your family abroad. Our best advice - and the likeliest course of action you’ll need to take - is to secure a job offer before you leave for pastures new. 

While we encourage adventure and want to spark wanderlust and amazing journeys, teaching abroad with your family means exercising more caution and attention to detail in your planning. The less risk, the better! 

What to expect 

So, what can you expect when you start teaching abroad with family?

Firstly, having children can be a double-edged sword from an employer’s point of view. It does, of course, mean you have valuable experience with children. So if you’re looking for teaching jobs abroad, or you've already working in a school, it’s an attribute. However, cynical employers may see your obligations to your kids as a hindrance - this is discrimination, and you should be wary of employers who express any negativity!

You don’t necessarily have to be anyone’s employee when you teach abroad, though. The rise of digital nomadism means you can be self-employed and work in a range of countries, provided you meet the minimum income threshold and visa conditions. So, you can still work from home while teaching abroad - perfect for childcare - while setting your own hours and rates. 

Why move your family abroad

Moving overseas to teach abroad with your family has many advantages. As a family unit, it can strengthen your emotional bonds, as you navigate unfamiliar surroundings together. You’re all in the same situation, as fish out of water in a new country, and that builds empathy and understanding across generations. You’ll develop an understanding of new cultures together, sample new food, entertainment and ways of life together, and learn together. That’s an advantage of teaching abroad, and it's something you can’t simulate in your home country. 

Raising a family abroad, especially if your child or children are on the younger side, is great from an educational perspective. Your kids will meet people from different cultures, meaning they should develop a more well-rounded worldview than they might’ve otherwise. They’ll most likely learn a second language, which comes with a range of amazing benefits. They’ll make friends from around the world that they wouldn’t have otherwise, travelling the world won’t seem scary as they get older, and they’re likely to want to see even more of the world as time goes by. 

Can I teach English abroad if I have children? 

Yes, you can teach English abroad if you have children. That said, there are some important elements worth thinking about, so you can consider whether it’s the right option for you.

Childcare

Depending on the age of your children, your working situation could either be ideal, or a bit of an issue. If you work in a school, you can potentially share childcare duties with a partner, depending on their working schedule. Alternatively, some schools may provide childcare as part of the job. If neither of those options is available, it’s worth seeing whether your family can afford private childcare before you make the move abroad.

If your children are of school age, it’s less difficult, though afternoons and school holidays can pose problems. 

Single parents

It’s extremely important to consider whether a teaching salary is enough to support a family in the case of single-parent families. In some locations, starter teaching wages can be low - having enough money to support the whole family is clearly imperative. There is also, shamefully, still a great deal of stigma attached to single parenthood (specifically single motherhood) in certain parts of the world. It’s worth researching and reflecting on whether an environment is safe and comfortable for a single parent before committing to a move there. Having a robust support system in place is crucial.

With all this said, teaching abroad is also a fantastic opportunity for single parents. You can establish a new and exciting life, living abroad somewhere where single parenthood is a cultural norm, meet all sorts of new people, provide enriching experiences for your children, and have the career you always wanted to have. 

What to consider 

So, what do you need to really think about before committing to teaching overseas with your family?

We’ve researched some of the most crucial elements you’ll need to consider before launching into familial bliss overseas. Without any further ado…

Finances 

  • Can you afford to do it?: If the wages being offered in a particular location are better than what you’re earning currently, then sure. If you have some savings, that’s ideal. If it’s a financial risk, talk it through with your family.
  • Start-up capital is crucial: The first couple of months after you’ve moved somewhere can be so expensive. It’s not just the big stuff like accommodation, transport and the rest, it’s the little things. If you’re able to, save up well in advance.
  • Rent or buy?: How long do you want to live in your exciting new locale? Is it worth trying to buy, or is renting a place the best move? What’s affordable? Do you want to live in the city centre, in the suburbs, or in the countryside?
  • Does your new job provide accommodation?: You could be quids in if your prospective employer is offering accommodation. If it suits your family’s needs, that’s a major expense ticked off!

Best destinations to teach English abroad with family 

So, where are some of the best places to teach English abroad with your family?

We’ve picked out some of our favourites, and you can decide for yourself whether they sound like your family’s ideal landing sport!

Japan

With considerable demand for English lessons from infants to senior citizens, Japan is a major TEFL destination and an immensely popular choice for intrepid English teachers. With plenty of jobs, a fantastic education system and very decent salaries, there’s plenty of incentive to teach English in Japan.

Can you move your family there? Well, yes - if you have a work visa and/or a residence visa. Japan has a specific visa category for teachers, and with a work visa, you can bring your family over to live with you. Children brought over to Japan will be classed as “long-term residents”, and be eligible for state education.

South Korea 

Neighbouring South Korea is on a real English-learning kick these days, with hagwons (language schools) providing additional classes for hundreds of thousands of students, and government programmes providing teachers and students a route into immersive English teaching. Like Japan, wages are good, and the quality of life means teaching English in South Korea could be an ideal choice for your family.

Is it possible? Yes, if you’re married. Your dependents will need an F-3 Visa, which is for the spouse and dependents of someone with an E-2 visa, the specific type of visa an English teacher needs for work in South Korea. You will need to provide a marriage certificate, birth certificates for your children and other important documents. Unfortunately, you’ll be ineligible for employment if you’re the partner on the F-3 visa, so it’s worth considering whether or not both members of the marriage want to work in Korea. 

An F-3 visa will entitle a family to public education, healthcare, social and welfare benefits where applicable.

Taiwan 

If you’re from a small country, but you like the buzz of the city, Taiwan might be perfect for you. It’s about the size of Scotland or the Netherlands but has a population of about 23 million. The island nation also has some of the best English teaching wages. In addition, there’s a considerable demand for English lessons and a low cost of living. Teaching English in Taiwan, then, is well worth considering for a family.

The visa requirements for English teaching in Taiwan are quite strict; you need to be a native English speaker, hold a bachelor’s degree and have a passport from an English-speaking country. However, there is the benefit that if you qualify for a visa and work permit in Taiwan, you can bring your family. Dependents can apply for Dependent Residency. Employers will usually help out with visa and work permit applications - you need a job offer before you can move to Taiwan and work as an English teacher, should you meet the visa requirements.

Vietnam 

If you want to raise a family in a country with a fascinating history, unbelievable countryside views, idyllic drives and cycling routes, cutting-edge fashion and a real entrepreneurial spirit, teaching English in Vietnam is an excellent idea. Vibrant cities like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City provide all the culture you could hope for, while wages and the scope of job opportunities won’t leave you disappointed.

Can you bring your family, though? The answer is an emphatic yes. The TT visa for foreigners is given to spouses and dependents of those who have successfully applied for a visa and work permit for Vietnam. There is a specific Vietnamese visa process for English teachers, so although there is some paperwork to complete, the process is still relatively straightforward. 

China 

Thinking about teaching English in China? You’re far from alone. Home to the most job opportunities for English teachers anywhere in the world, the Chinese TEFL industry is enormous. Even discounting public education, it has the most private language companies, the most online language schools and the most prospective learners across a range of ages. Enormous in scope, no two parts of China are truly alike, so there’s so much to explore with your family.

How about moving the family there, and the visa process? The teacher will need a Z visa, and once they’ve managed to attain this, family members will need to apply for an S visa. This process involves writing a letter of invitation from the Z visa holder and providing proof of your relationship. You’ll need to include your marriage license (if applicable), birth certificates for children and other relevant evidence.

UAE 

If your priority is financial security for your family, and you have excellent qualifications and experience as an English teacher, teaching English in the UAE is undoubtedly a fantastic option. With the best wages for TEFL teachers anywhere, if your family can adjust to the culture shock, the UAE might be a great option. 

If you’re an English teacher and you’re looking to bring your family to the UAE, there are conditions you have to meet as a “sponsor”. You must earn “a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation”. This salary of AED 4,000 is equivalent to £855/$1,090, while AED 3,000 is equivalent to about £640/$816. 

The UAE will not admit “medically unfit” applicants. You can sponsor parents, spouses, daughters, sons and stepchildren. There is a specific procedure for sponsoring newborns, whose residence visa must be applied for within 120 days of their birth, in order to avoid a financial penalty.

In terms of documents, you’ll need:

  • Application form 
  • Scanned copies of passports belonging to your spouse and your children
  • Photos of the spouse and children
  • Medical clearance certificate of the spouse and children (if 18+)
  • Copy of the teacher’s employment contract 
  • Salary certificate 
  • Marriage certificate
  • Certificate of tenancy 

Portugal

If you and your family crave a Mediterranean lifestyle, teaching English in Portugal might just be the ideal move. With a more relaxed attitude to dining and late nights, but still an eager outlook on learning and class participation, TEFL teachers tend to love working in Portugal. As for families? The Portuguese are friendly and welcoming people - expect strangers to strike up friendly conversations!

The first step to working and bringing your family to Portugal is actually your employer’s job. When you’re offered a contract, whether or not you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need your prospective employer to apply for an Autorização de Trabalho (work permit). This will help you to achieve long-term residency status in Portugal as an English teacher. From there, you will need a work visa, and a residence permit.

Once you have all those for yourself, you can start the process of bringing over your family. Only immediate family members of people with residence permit holders in Portugal can apply for Family visas. Immediate family members qualify as:

  • Married or registered partner
  • Minors, including adopted children
  • Any children cared for by the applicant
  • Children who are of age, but are dependent on the applicant and are enrolled in Portuguese education 
  • First-degree relatives who are dependent on the applicant (elderly relatives, anyone requiring specific care etc)
  • Minor siblings under the legal custody of the applicant
Applications can take about 60 days to process. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Can I teach abroad with a family?

    Yes, you can teach abroad with a family! As long as you’re qualified to teach English as a foreign language, you’ll be able to secure employment overseas as an English teacher. 

  • Q. Where is the best place to teach abroad with kids?

    Of course, this is subjective, but we’d suggest that Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, the UAE and Portugal are among the best places to teach English abroad with kids. Some advice: learn the local language before you head abroad with a family, as it's a great bonding experience and important for integration.

  • Q. What country pays the most to teach abroad?

    If you’re looking for the best English teaching wages, the Middle East is usually your best bet, though countries like Singapore and Hong Kong also offer exceptional wages to highly qualified TEFL teachers. 

  • Q. Can you make a lot of money teaching abroad?

    If you have a degree and a TEFL certificate, as well as teaching experience, you can make excellent money teaching English abroad. Locations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Hong Kong pay excellent salaries, though the job market is competitive.