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Teacher Contracts
First, you should know that for the most part the salary the school
offers you is not negotiable in order to make sure all teachers
are on the same level in terms payment and employment. When a school
does offer you a contract, feel free to ask for a few days to think
it over.
Once a school makes you an offer, here are a few things to ask about
or to make sure are covered in your contract or else in writing somewhere
else (like in an email).
Health Insurance
- Is it included? If so, what are the conditions and coverage
limitations?
- Important: If health insurance isn't included don't
let it be a deal breaker for you because travel health insurance
is very affordable (unlike Stateside health insurance!). You can
read more about it on our website here: Living
Abroad - Health and Living
Abroad - Insurance.
Salary
- Remember, your salary doesn't mean anything until you consider
the cost of living of the country. A better question than "what
is my salary" is "how much will I be able to save".
- Your salary should be clearly noted in your contract, including
the currency you'll be paid in (local or USD). Also, ask how you'll
get paid (i.e. US bank account or a local bank account) to help
you prepare.
- Will you owe local taxes on the salary? If so, what is the tax
rate? If you are a U.S. citizen you will have to file a tax return,
but will be exempt from paying taxes on all your income up to
$90,000 (sorry, but you can bet that you won't make more than
that!). U.S. citizen teachers can read more about that here: http://www.irs.gov.
Other Benefits and Questions
- Flights to and from your city of origin should be provided by
the school or the cost of them should be reimbursed by the school,
at least partially, if not 100%
- What vacations and holidays are included?
- How do teachers get to and from the school from their housing?
- Does the school provide any allowance for excess baggage? (If
not, then you can get a 5% discount off the shipment of baggage
when you tell the shipping company X.S. Baggage you are with us:
http://www.xsbaggage.com/).
- When does the contract/school year begin and end?
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