The 29-year-old Anna, a native of Scotland, is working at the British International School in Riyadh. She says:

"The children at the schools are from all over the world, are very well travelled and this reflects in their personalities; they are without doubt internationally-minded. I used to work in a very tough school on the outskirts of Edinburgh and there's no comparison. The children here are very polite and generally know exactly how to behave."

I've made friends here who are American, Lebanese, Australian and Canadian; and not just teachers but lawyers, engineers and other professions, too. Most expats travel abroad during the holidays. This year alone I've been to Bahrain, Cairo, Jordan, Dubai and America, and I've just returned from Argentina.

It has been a massive lifestyle change for me. Back home everyone tends to stay at home, partly because there isn't the money to travel, but also there isn't the expectation. Here I have more money to do these things, and everyone does it. Plus I'm meeting so many interesting people from around the globe; it's opened my eyes up to a whole world and that's been an amazing thing."

Cultural understanding

Anna admits the experience is making her much more internationally-minded. She continues:

"I'd never met people from Palestine, Jordan and Syria before, and it's been a really interesting and positive experience for me.

There are some very strict rules about men and women here. For example, single men and women can't travel together which can be very restrictive for people in relationships unless they are married.

Out in public, as a woman I have to dress in a long black cloak called an Abaya to cover my head, neck and arms. However, in school and on the compound where I live I can dress in normal European clothes.

There are no bars and no clubs because there is no alcohol. For me, none of the restrictions are a problem, but some people complain about it and find it very restrictive. I personally love it. I love the cultural differences."

Making the move

Anna recommends the experience to other English-speaking teachers:

"Some people don't leave home because of family and friends but they don't realise what they're missing. It's been a massive change for me as a person and it's not just about the money; I've learned and done so much, and yet I still have my family and friends at home. Being here, not having a mortgage, not paying tax, I'm earning very well. I'm managing to save money and I don't think I could get anything better than this."

What others have to say

Hannah Brunton moved from London to Harrow International School in Beijing two years ago:

"I have enjoyed the experience thoroughly and have been well supported both in and outside of school. Professionally, working in a growing and successful school has enabled me to grow as a teacher and I've enjoyed the freedom to try out new teaching skills.

Personally, working abroad has given me the freedom to travel during holidays, experience a different culture, meet people from all walks of life and form lasting friendships."

Michael Wainwright taught primary music and drama at the Overseas School of Colombo and described his time there as an incredible journey:

"It was a quite amazing opportunity that I thoroughly recommend to any teacher that is willing to take a risk. You're expanding your knowledge, teaching different people and in different ways, and you're expanding your wisdom of the world and your cultural perspective. It's also a massive confidence-builder. It really does allow you to find a little more about yourself."

Andy Wallace, a primary teacher from Devon who is now at the Antwerp British School says positive things as well:

"Most of our students at Antwerp British School are Indian and do not speak English as a first language. However, we treat them as if English is their first language and they are very able to deal with this, from three years of age upwards. ABS teaches from age three up to age 16, when they take the IGCSE.

I think it is a fantastic resource though, and I have used the secondary specialists several times to make our learning that much more exciting."

Andy sums up by saying: "Try it. I live in a beautiful, relaxed city, teaching in a friendly and welcoming school and I am developing professionally and personally."

TIC provides a free service for teachers, helping them to find the right job in the right international school. For advice on what to consider when thinking about working abroad and teaching internationally, visit www.findteachingjobsoverseas or call 02920-212-083.