Finding Your NQT Role (… and why going overseas is a viable option!)

After three years as a trainee teacher, or 4 years including a PGCE, you've finally gained your Qualified Teacher Status. Now comes the hard part: landing your NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) role. You've probably not thought about undergoing your NQT year abroad, but it's a completely viable option with incredible perks. Here's why I gave up my UK job search and chose to move abroad for my NQT year to kickstart my teaching career!

1. Lots of British schools don't want NQT teachers.

Whilst schools should be encouraging the professional development of NQTs by hiring them, lots of posts aren't suitable for NQTs, and even if they are, it is likely that - even if you are more than qualified - schools will still choose an experienced teacher over you. You can't really blame them, as with experience (usually... and hopefully!) comes better practice, but at the same time, you can't gain that experience until someone gives you the opportunity. I only applied for 3 jobs in the UK (in South Wales) before accepting a job in Kuwait. Two of them rejected me straight away, and when I asked for the reason they said it was because they had had more experience candidates apply, and one offered me a telephone interview, but as I would be an NQT decided not to pursue my application. It's disheartening when you've worked so hard to get to where you are, but it doesn't mean you're a bad teacher by any means.

2. There isn't always a job available.

I had looked in South Wales, as that is where my family home is. As an NQT, I couldn't have afforded to move out, so I chose to look in my home area and live with my mum and brother. The only issue was, there were no jobs available in South Wales, and if there were, they were posted as "unsuitable for NQTs".

3. I knew I didn't want to belong to a supply agency.

Call me stubborn, but I didn't want to begin my career on supply. I understand it's a great way to build experience and get your name out there, but it just wasn't ideal for me personally. I wanted to go straight into a full-time position, as I didn't want to have to juggle my diary. However, supply is a great experience for an NQT if you're not looking at going abroad.

4. I wanted to explore the world.

After finishing university, I was torn between taking the time off to travel or go straight into work. However, with a huge student loan overhanging me, I barely had the funds to pay rent anywhere, let alone travel. When the opportunity arose, I grabbed it with two hands. Yes, living abroad and travelling are two different things, but this way I could earn through teaching, and be in a more central position to explore the Middle and Far East. It was a win-win for me!

5. The perks are incredible.

Whilst a job abroad will push you out of your comfort-zone, it will likely come with excellent incentives. My job (and a very large majority of international teaching jobs) not only has a tax-free salary, but it includes free accommodation, return flights to the UK, transport around Kuwait, a gym and pool membership and transport to and from schools, meaning my only essential outgoings will be food and internet. It's a great opportunity to start saving too!

6. You can complete your NQT year.

It's often thought that if you teach abroad, you have to come back to the UK to complete your NQT year. This isn't always the case. My school is a member of COBIS (Council Of British International Schools), which means I can complete my NQT year there, just as anyone would in the UK. I have also chosen to undertake my NQT year in my second year of my contract, giving me a year to settle in Kuwait and get used to living abroad. You can find a full list on the COBIS website of schools that are qualified to take you through your NQT year.

7. It will be a great experience.

When I reach Kuwait, whether I love it or hate it, the process of obtaining a visa and moving abroad has been one I'd recommend. Even though it's been stressful, and I haven't moved yet, once I'm there I know I'll have achieved something not many people can do. I'll have uprooted myself, explored a new part of the world and integrated myself into a completely new way of life. It's not for everyone, but we only have one life, so why not make the most of it, seek discomfort, and live outside our comfort zone? Of course, you'll miss your friends, but when you went to university you left your friends behind then, and you can always keep in contact on social media... and make the most of your free flight home to visit them!

So... how do you find a job abroad?

I found mine at Bangor University's teaching fair - the school had a stall and I approached them for more information. I'll tell you more about the process of getting a job in my next post (including the visa process!). You can also find a number of opportunities on eteach.com as well, and many other job sites have an international section too!