Of course, the question of where you are going to live is an important one to consider when you move abroad, but don’t let it stress you out!
Some overseas TEFL teaching posts include the provision of some form of temporary accommodation until the TEFL teacher can find somewhere to live, but during this period you should make an effort to find suitable accommodation.
Other educational institutions actually provide accommodation or at least a contribution towards the complete or partial cost of renting somewhere to live. You may even be able to share a house or apartment with one or more other TEFL teachers in your school or area.
Further still, some educational institutions have a member of staff whose additional duty is to help new TEFL teachers find accommodation.
Another good place to look for accommodation to rent is in the local English language newspapers or on local websites. These often have advertisements for rental accommodation. Some ads are placed by the owners themselves; others are placed by estate agents. Once you have found a property that you think may be appropriate for you, you can contact the owner or agent directly or you can ask a staff member at your school to contact them on your behalf.
When you go to inspect the property, you would be well advised to take a local with you (preferably from your place of employment or a recommended local lawyer who speaks English): the presence of a national who, obviously, speaks the local language will reduce the chance of you being deceived by an unscrupulous landlord or agent, and make sure you are very clear on the rental arrangements.
Before you sign the rental agreement, here are a few things that you should check:
- How far is the accommodation from your school? How can you commute to and from work?
- Are utility bills included in the rent or extra?
- Is there good wifi?
- When and how is rent payable every month?
- Who can you speak to you if you have any problems.
If you take these simple precautions, you should have no problems when it comes to finding accommodation.