If you go abroad to teach English it is important that you choose a school that offers a good salary and benefits. This article offers teachers some advice on choosing the right school.

There are really two types of schools to choose from, Private Language schools or International Schools using British or American curriculum.

A teacher who is looking to work abroad needs to take sometime to asses the pros and cons of working in the different types of schools that are available. It is important that they make an informed decision as the outcome will have a substantial effect on their working life and also upon their lifestyle.

For an English teacher, the advantages of an International School are as follows:

Salary - The amount of disposable income you will benefit from will be much higher if you work at International school. The salary is higher and there are many more benefits. You will be able to save more money and be able to plan for your future or pension. You could also earn enough to take out a mortgage on a house. This is especially important if the teacher plans to settle down and start a family.

Holidays - When you are in a full time teaching position a regular vacation is very much a necessity. At international schools contracts include holidays so you get to have a paid holiday to relax and refresh between terms. You will also benefit from paid public holidays. At Private Schools you will be required to teach a Summer Program during the vacation that will cut into your holiday. You will also get a decent mid term break which is usually non-existent at a Private School. If holidays are important to you it is essential that you strive for a job at an international school as they offer much better holidays.

Hours - The hours you are given at an International school are considerably less. You will be working normal school hours and will have the evenings free. This will offer your more opportunities for extra curricular activities and more rest time, so it is an important factor to consider.

Preparation - You contact hours will not be more than 20 hours a week, giving you plenty of time to prepare your lessons. This time given for preparation will be paid unlike at a Private Language school.

Respect - You will be treated with more respect at an International school and be considered a professional teacher.

In conclusion it could be said that getting posted at an International School is the far better option.

Mark enjoys writing articles about ESL and TEFL. Come and visit his latest web blogs at http://eslenglish.org/esl-games.html and http://eslenglish.org/esl-activities.html for more info on teaching ESL.