As readers of Drama & Theatre are keenly aware, recent reports show that the number of students taking Drama GCSE in the UK has declined by 39.4 per cent since 2010. Uptake for A Level Drama is similarly suffering – the ruinous profile of the subject is enough for drama teachers to want to up sticks, but presumably there is more to this trend. Moving abroad is a big deal, both from the administrative and emotional side, yet the perks can make it worthwhile. We posed the question to drama teachers online; the following article summarises the responses.
One teacher who moved to Indonesia to teach in a primary school explained that the main challenge so far has been the distance from family and friends. But, with an increase in pay, a nanny and accommodation, the decision seemed a ‘no brainer’ for her and her family. She began her role abroad earning much more as a drama teacher than she did as a head of department teacher in the UK – and this figure has increased year on year. With less responsibility and more pay (in some countries) one can see how a teacher could be tempted further afield.
Because fewer students are signing up for Key Stages 3 and 4, schools are downscaling departments and asking teachers to teach other subjects to fill their timetable. If teachers are having to relocate anyway, the lure of working abroad can be strong. Other financial incentives for moving abroad include tax-free pay in certain countries, alongside potentially lower living costs than the UK. But, according to a 2024 study, the UK paid teachers the 15th highest salaries out of the 30 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries, and so moving abroad may not necessarily mean there is more money to be earned. While countries like Lithuania pay substantially higher, Italy, Hungary and France, for example, are paying on average much less. Alongside monthly pay, investigating the difference in pensions payments in a new country may need to be another financial consideration, as positions abroad may not pay into a teacher's pensions equivalent.
Finances are just one element to consider. Some teachers might enjoy a major cultural change, whereas starting from scratch away from family and friends is unthinkable for others. In our online discussions, teachers now based in warmer climes mentioned that the lifestyle change has been positive for their mental health. Let's face it, heading to the beach after work and year-round sun are attractive propositions.
However, (depending on the country of choice) language barriers may create a challenge and then alter the way in which a teacher would operate; if you choose to teach in a country where English isn't the predominant language, there may be the potential for a far higher percentage of EAL pupils. Some expats have also described issues with gaining access to resources such as live theatre or online clips that are banned or unavailable in certain countries. Finally, some teachers noted that settling down in particular countries was challenging especially in regard to getting a mortgage and so, longer-term a move back the UK to put down roots may be required (if homeownership is an overriding goal).
But the opportunity for adventure is an exciting prospect for many, thus resulting in teachers flocking further afield, even if it is just for a year or two.