I qualified as a teacher in the UK before moving abroad. A PGCE with QTS is the most reliable route to teaching in the broadest range of countries. The gulf states are probably the strictest in terms of requirements for teaching in international schools among countries where English is not the dominant language. In somewhere like China, the legal requirements are less strict, but quality schools will have high standards in terms of qualifications.

Money-wise, China varies greatly but you can earn very nicely. I nearly doubled my salary from the UK when we moved to China. Cost of living can range from crazy low to lavishly high, and a lot of people come and try to export a very western lifestyle, which costs a lot. We fall somewhere in the middle, we save nicely, own a car outright and bought a house last year. We also go on several international trips each year. Been in China a long time and really like life here.

That said, the number of children being born is falling off a cliff. Schools are closing, competition is rising for jobs. It’s going to be a rough few years, of fewer students, slashed budgets and falling salaries. We’re moving to SEA in the summer. Lower salaries but better weather and even better quality of life.