Lucy's tips

Before you board that flight, make absolutely sure your school has finalised your work visa — not just applied for it. I've seen teachers stranded at immigration because a school was sloppy. Ask for a copy of the work permit or visa notification before you travel.

Any reputable school will happily send you photos of classrooms, the staffroom, and student facilities. If they dodge the question or only show you the exterior, that tells you something. Photos from current teachers on social media are even better.

Good schools will connect you with a current foreign teacher for a candid chat. If they refuse — or the teacher seems nervous or vague — trust your gut. I once turned down a job because the teacher kept saying 'it's fine' without once saying it was good.

Some schools advertise a salary figure but then make mysterious deductions for housing, meals, or fees. Get a detailed contract spelling out exactly what you'll receive in hand each month. If they won't provide one before you arrive, that's your answer.

Opening a local bank account as early as possible makes everything easier. Transferring money home, paying rent, receiving your salary. In Thailand, Bangkok Bank is ideal. In Korea, KEB Hana Bank is most foreigner-friendly.

Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and local expat forums for your destination city before you go. Having a community of fellow teachers in the first few weeks makes an enormous difference.

Many teachers, especially in their first year, feel guilty about using all their holidays. Please don't. Asia has some of the most spectacular places on Earth within a 2-hour flight. Use the time. Those memories are part of why you came.

Most Asian countries require authenticated or apostilled copies of your degree, criminal background check, and TEFL certificate. This process takes weeks. Start at least 3 months before your intended start date.

Learning even a handful of local words creates an instant connection with students and locals. Your Thai kids will laugh kindly and your Korean students will be amazed. It earns you enormous goodwill.

Silence isn't always confusion — it can be respect. Direct criticism in front of classmates can cause deep embarrassment in face-saving cultures. Learn the cultural norms of your host country before you step into that classroom.

Before signing anything, Google the school name plus words like review, scam, problems, Reddit. Check ESL job board blacklists. Ask in Facebook groups. One hour of research can save you a year of misery.

Some countries still require you to file a tax return even while living abroad. Speak to an accountant before you go. The UK has particular rules around the Statutory Residence Test that catch many teachers out.