Anna Coquelin has just completed her second year teaching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and says: "It's the best thing I've ever done; I really love it here."

29-year-old Anna, a native of Scotland, is working at the British International School in Riyadh. "The children are from all over the world," she says. "The children at the school 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. "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 learnt 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: "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 3-years-old upwards. ABS teaches from age 3 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."

• Work through a reputable organization when searching for foreign teaching positions. There are a few unscrupulous owners in some schools who do not take the appropriate procedures to ensure that foreign teachers have the correct visa back-up, health and safety coverage, or suitable accommodation. Teachers have been known to find themselves in grave difficulty a long way from home. So working with an established organisation to oversee your placement will give you the security you need.
• Make sure that the organisation helping you with your appointment selection works with accredited international schools, or personally vets non-accredited schools in advance of your interview.
• Ensure that the organisation you work through cross-checks all your terms and conditions once an appointment is offered, to give you the peace of mind you need when taking up a new foreign post.
• Work with an organisation that is experienced at recruiting for the international market, as they will be able to give you all the advice and expert support that you need.
• Start your planning early. Most international schools begin recruiting for the new academic year in January and February, so the more preparation you can do in advance of this, the better.

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.