How to Choose an ESL Contract That Fits Your Needs

Remember, there is a high demand for ESL teachers. If there is something you are not happy with on the contract, you can ask for changes. If the company isn't willing to work with you, time to start that job search again...there are plenty of companies out there who are more than happy to consider your needs and make sure that they are taken care of!

How often do you get paid? Are you paid overtime? Do you have paid sick days? Do you pay for your work visa? Are you allowed to private tutor?

Many overseas schools pay their teachers on a monthly basis. Sometimes this is on the 15th of the month, and others not until the last day of the month. Either way, you could go up to six weeks before getting your first pay - ensure you have brought enough money to support yourself for this time period!

If you work hours above and beyond what your contract states, you are entitled to overtime. The contract should state how much you extra you get paid; this can be determined either hourly or on a per class basis.

If you are paid on a salary, it is common to have a certain number of paid sick days. You may also be eligible for sick leave pay if you have a doctor's note. If you are paid hourly, it is uncommon to receive payment for days off due to illness.

If you are in a country such as China or Korea, private tutoring can double what you make a month! Parents really want to see their children succeed, and know that learning English is very important for businesspeople. Hourly rates can be quite high in a city. If you are interested in private tutoring, make sure your contract clearly states that you are allowed to do so.

How many hours a week are you expected to work? Do the hours include teaching, prep-time, and marking time? What about office hours and extra-curricular activities? Will you have split shifts and/or work weekends?

A lot of ESL jobs advertise the number of "teaching hours" you have each week. This only includes the time that you are actually up there, in front of the class!

Prep-time can vary greatly depending on how many times you see each class during the week. For example, I teach three levels: Junior 1, Junior 2, and Senior 1. I have 21 classes per week, and teach each class only once throughout the week. This means that I only need to create three lesson plans each week. Prep-time also varies on your experience at creating lesson plans - when I first started making them I could spend an hour and a half on just one! Now, I can create plans within 15 minutes, which makes my prep-time only 45 minutes per week! You will also have to spend time marking any homework, or tests you give - unless, you have a job like mine! I teach Oral English, and am not required to mark the students at all - we just practice listening and speaking skills.

Some schools will require you to have regular office hours. This gives your students the opportunity to stop by and ask you specific questions in regards to your lessons, or their other English classes. Sometimes, the students will just pop by to say "Hello" and practice their English! Other English teachers may also want to practice their English, or learn some Western teaching styles. When no one else is around, this is the perfect time to use for your prep and marking!

Some schools will require you to participate in extra-curricular activities. If this is the case a maximum should be stated on the contract. Your school may also invite you to dinners or other events around town, this is because they want to "show you off." It is a big deal to be able to afford a foreign teacher, and they're proud of you! It's a good idea to attend these events, not only to make your school happy, but you also get the opportunity to experience some new flavours and the local culture!

Another thing to consider is the shifts that you may be given. It may be difficult to experience all your town has to offer if you have split shifts every day. It may not be important for you to have weekends off, but having two days off in a row could be! This will allow you to travel to some of the towns around your school.

Does your school provide you with accommodation? What's included in your accommodation? Who pays the bills?

Depending on where in the world you go, many schools will provide you with an apartment. If you are applying in conjunction with another person this may be a one or two bedroom apartment. If you are applying alone, you should find out if you will have a roommate (or two), and consider if you are more comfortable living alone or with company.

Schools should also give you a list of items included in the apartment - an important one for me was a Western-style toilet! I don't mind using a squat toilet every now and again, but in my own home I know what I prefer! (If you're currently asking yourself, "what the heck is a squat toilet?" Take a look at this lens: Squatty Potty) I also really appreciate the HOT shower! Other things that may be included are: computer with internet access, telephone, colour television, DVD/VCR player, air conditioner, heat lamps, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, furniture, bedding, and kitchen supplies (pots, pans, glasses, plates, etc.). Not all of these things will necessarily be included, and some apartments will come with more! Decide what items are necessities for you.

It is common for your school to pay for your electrical, hot water, and gas bills. Most will give you a maximum, and if you go over that you will be required to pay the difference.

If the school does not provide you with accommodation, it is very common for them to assist you in finding somewhere to live.

Are you offered airfare and/or transportation reimbursement? How do you get from the airport to the school? How far away is your apartment from your school, and how will you get back and forth?

In Asia, it is common for your school to offer you airfare reimbursement. Some schools will require you to keep your receipt and pay the bill for you, but this probably won't happen until you have completed your contract. Other schools will give you an airfare supplement, in this case you may end up paying for some of your flight, or you could come out with a little extra! This option is great if you are already in the country and are just paying for a domestic flight or train travel, consider it a bonus!

It can be overwhelming when you first land in a new country; most schools understand this and will pick you up from the airport. This saves a lot of hassle and confusion for you - it will also give you a chance to start asking questions and learning about your school, although it may take awhile to get the answers! At least, that's my experience in China, check out my lens Q & A China Style for more details on this!

It is also important to know how far away your apartment is from your school, and what transportation method you can take to get there. Some schools will subsidize a bus pass, or offer you a bicycle for transportation if the apartment is located far away. Other apartments are located right on campus.

Does your school pay for your medical examination? Does your school provide you with healthcare insurance? If not, do you have access to healthcare within your school?

A lot of countries have a mandatory medical examination to ensure that you are healthy and able to work in the country - they can be quite pricey too!

Your school may offer you healthcare insurance; it is important to make sure that you are fully covered. If you are not, I highly suggest that you purchase this, before you leave your home country. Some larger schools also have a healthcare office which you may be able to use for minor injuries and illnesses, such as cuts, scrapes, colds, and flus.

How much holiday time are you given? Is it paid? Will you have to make up the holiday time at a later date? Do you get a travel bonus?

You should have time off during national and local holidays, and most likely there will be a festival or celebration of some sort - take advantage and soak up the culture! Your contract should state the number of days you have off, but may be vague on the exact dates. It is important to note whether your holidays are paid or not. For example, it is common in China to get a month off in between semester 1 & 2, but it is also common to be unpaid. Sometimes a holiday will occur in the middle of the week, and you may be required to teach on your normal days off to make up for the day off.

At the completion of contract, or after one semester your school may offer you a travel bonus! This is a thank you, and will help to make up for the fact that you may not be receiving a salary during your holidays.

Will your school cover printing costs? Is there chalk/dry erase markers in the classrooms? Are the classrooms equipped with computers, internet, and/or other multi-media devices?

Some schools have their own printing lab, which you would be able to use free of charge, or your school may provide you with a computer and printer, but you could be responsible for the paper and ink.

You may be responsible for bringing your own writing materials to class, while you may not be concerned about finding this out before you sign the contract, you will want to find out before the first day of class! There's nothing more embarrassing, or frustrating than not being able to complete your lesson as planned, due to a lack of materials - which you could've prevented!

Classrooms can be equipped with a wide variety of mulit-media devices. Some have a simple blackboard, while others have "smart boards" (interactive white boards). Again, not necessarily important to know before signing your contract, but something you'll want to consider before heading overseas to teach. This will affect what you plan and pack for your ESL games and activities.