NoVa teacher with offers to teach abroad in Asia, Middle East, and Europe. WWYD?

[Anonymous]

I would not go to Dubai or China, but anywhere else would probably be an improvement, even still having to pay US taxes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Delusional

People talk a big game with plans to live frugally, but it rarely works that way and the big savings never materialize.

You think it’s delusional to someone to think they can save money with schooling and housing expenses paid for?

Not PP, but are they really going to sit at home and watch tv? Wouldn’t they take this opportunity to do a lot of local sightseeing and eating and regional travel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not go to Dubai or China, but anywhere else would probably be an improvement, even still having to pay US taxes.

what’s wrong with those countries?

[Anonymous]

Ive done this in Europe. I agree with the comment about not saving. When holidays come you will not want to stay put, you will want to travel. What about laundry, internet service, AC, hot water and electricity? Creature comforts that Americans are used are not standard everywhere. What's the work week like? More than 40 hours? If you have never lived abroad it will be a rude awakening. If you are interested in an experience, that's one thing. Saving money is not the reason to do this. I don't know about doing this so far into a career trajectory, though. To come back even five years later will be rough. Access to English is easier than ever with the internet and global television with closed captioning.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the country and the school. I’ve taught overseas before and still have friends in the circuit. Share the school names and I’ll let you know the 411. The best schools get a ton of applicants so if these schools are knocking on your door, I doubt they are any good.

[Anonymous]

Not China, there will be government honeypots targeting your husband. A friend got sucked into a scam practically the day he got off the plane.

[Anonymous]

Do it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not China, there will be government honeypots targeting your husband. A friend got sucked into a scam practically the day he got off the plane.

What was it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the country and the school. I’ve taught overseas before and still have friends in the circuit. Share the school names and I’ll let you know the 411. The best schools get a ton of applicants so if these schools are knocking on your door, I doubt they are any good.

Yeah this is a good point. The best schools definitely don’t reach out themselves for interviews. You need to look very carefully at the package and check with others that are already there about cost of living and potentials for savings. Start with Reddit. Also check carefully about being able to work remotely. A lot of jobs just say no automatically if it’s not on US soil. Currently at a Tier 1 intl school as a trailing spouse but they laughed in my face when I first applied because they only hire their own. (Got desperate and finally hired me).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the country and the school. I’ve taught overseas before and still have friends in the circuit. Share the school names and I’ll let you know the 411. The best schools get a ton of applicants so if these schools are knocking on your door, I doubt they are any good.

Yeah this is a good point. The best schools definitely don’t reach out themselves for interviews. You need to look very carefully at the package and check with others that are already there about cost of living and potentials for savings. Start with Reddit. Also check carefully about being able to work remotely. A lot of jobs just say no automatically if it’s not on US soil. Currently at a Tier 1 intl school as a trailing spouse but they laughed in my face when I first applied because they only hire their own. (Got desperate and finally hired me).

+2. I've known people in jobs like these that sound great, but are terrible. You need to hear from people in these positions or at least familiar with the specific area to get a better idea of what life would be like if you move.

[Anonymous]

How old are your kids? The impact in ES would be relatively small and they may acquire some local language, but not Chinese in 2 years.

If older, please carefully consider the social dynamics of the school.

It can be a good gig, but the best schools aren’t going to be chasing you. Try to find out the current faculty vibe- there are lots of international school franchises that are sketchy. The Financial Times just ran a big article on one in Singapore you should read.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are your kids? The impact in ES would be relatively small and they may acquire some local language, but not Chinese in 2 years.

If older, please carefully consider the social dynamics of the school.

It can be a good gig, but the best schools aren’t going to be chasing you. Try to find out the current faculty vibe- there are lots of international school franchises that are sketchy. The Financial Times just ran a big article on one in Singapore you should read.

And definitely check out government COLA rates for countries. When a pumpkin costs $80 at Halloween, it gives you a sense of how homesick people are and what they are willing to spend for some familiarity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The IRS taxes US citizens on global income.

For many overseas places, but not for every overseas place, a tax treaty means that the US IRS gives credit for foreign taxes that were paid. The specific language in tax treaties also varies widely. One needs to check carefully into what the tax implications are for each country being considered.

This.

The fact that you said this: "What are the U.S. tax implications?

[b]None, paying taxes at local country eliminates Uncle Sam’s authority"

Shows to me you don't understand the tax issues of living abroad as a US citizen. You will still need to file a US tax return.

Agreed. Wide-eyed idiot syndrome.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s certainly worth considering, OP. I’m guessing the packages are best in places like China and UAE. I will say that as an Arabic speaker, it’s a very hard language to learn, especially in a place as diverse as UAE where most of the population is an expat. Locals tend to keep to themselves. Most operate in their own bubbles. Western expats tend to congregate. Very few expats leave Dubai having learned any Arabic beyond shukran. A friend currently residing in Dubai with her husband is strongly considering leaving the country because she feels the education (even in private schools) is not rigorous enough.

I have a friend (single mom) who is raising her daughter in China at a very highly regarded private school. They love it and have been there for a decade now. Both speak Mandarin pretty well.

I’m not sure of the income threshold for a family but I think you are exempt from taxes on the first 100-120K you earn outside the US. I’m guessing you won’t exceed that on a teaching salary. You will still need to file a US tax return. If you do own, be aware specialized accountants are required and those are expensive.

European countries have extraordinarily high taxes in comparison to the US. I doubt you would be exempt from local taxes and would likely pay more than you do in the US.

It could be a great experience for your family. I do agree with others that you likely won’t save much money because you will quite obviously want to experience lots of adventures while abroad. But then again, there are state departments families who crack the code and save a boatload while overseas. Perhaps learn about those families and their methods.

Finally be aware that being outside the US will make it financially hard to return. We moved to Europe six years ago and life in the US is insanely expensive when we come back to visit. We still own a house that we rent but it would be really hard to re-enter the US housing market with the way prices have increased if we didn’t already own. Plus we’ve taken a pretty sizable pay cut to leave.

Please keep us informed. I hope it will work for you too. In the six years I’ve been gone, I’ve probably one had regret less than a handful of times. It’s hard but worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Delusional

People talk a big game with plans to live frugally, but it rarely works that way and the big savings never materialize.

You think it’s delusional to someone to think they can save money with schooling and housing expenses paid for?

Not PP, but are they really going to sit at home and watch tv? Wouldn’t they take this opportunity to do a lot of local sightseeing and eating and regional travel?

Not to mention the op thinks she doesn't have to pay taxes.

100% delusional