Thank you Psyguy

I guess I lack confidence. My two years in the UK state system has not done much for my confidence. I never really feel like I was making much progress with my students - it always feels like an impossible situation and I think it will be hard to talk positively in interviews etc.

Thanks for the reply Vandsmith......

Why is ME considered a hardship location. Surely Not as hard as Central Africa and the like? Is it because they are perceived as boring culturally? UAE or Qatar, for example, strikes me as somewhat developed. I can see Saudi being tough for various reasons, but is it unsafe?

Hi all
I would welcome some feedback on getting into international teaching.
I am a 40yr old single male with no dependents. I have 2 years of Secondary English (language and literature) teaching experience in the UK, post PGCE (so 1 year as an NQT + 1 year after). I have an M.A. in English Literature from a UK Russell Group university. I have come into teaching later in life – my previous career was in journalism and PR/marketing.
Technically I think I have the minimum credentials to apply, however I think I am a bit borderline and that is why I here for some advice. To be frank my start in teaching here in the UK has been somewhat rocky. While I enjoy many aspects of teaching I’ve struggled in the UK public education system which I find highly pressured and frequently dysfunctional. I have been teaching in inner city London schools I have found managing behaviour with little support, alog with poor admins and tick-box culture, to have really ground me down. I had to move schools during my NQT induction year as the pressure was impacting negatively on my health. Fortunately I was able to complete my induction at another school, which while dysfunctional, was at least manageable and suited my personality. I stayed on there for another year. Unfortunately that school then came under new administration, the school started to change and work then became unmanageable again and I had to resign to protect my health.
I am about to put myself into the supply circuit to keep some income up and experience some other schools while I consider my options. Long term I am concerned that working in UK public education is not sustainable (at least for me). While I have improved as a teacher I always have the feeling of fighting a losing battle. I question my ability to make a difference within the system as it currently stands and looking to the future question if it will be possible to make a real impact. I don’t feel I have built a track record of success so far, although I have qualifications.
I wonder if moving abroad to teach might give me a new lease of life? I want to feel I am making a difference. I would not aim for the top tier schools (I suspect it would not be much dissimilar to working in the UK and I don’t feel it would be rewarding for me to teach diplomat’s children and the like). I feel that a lower tier school, perhaps in a regional city in Asia might be an option. I don’t need to be anywhere especially exiting or vibrant. I’ ve thought about taking a CELTA course - but just to ad another string to my bow - I’m not sure about going down the ESL route – as people on this forum of mentioned that could be detrimental if the goal is to teach in an international school. I do fancy a bit of an adventure but I want some development as a teacher, to make a bit of a difference. My goal is not to be a teacher-tourist and while I don’t expect (or need) a high salary, I would like to earn enough to be comfortable, have a good experience and save just a little bit.
What might my options be? Would taking a CELTA course be advisable? Should I focus my efforts in trying to gain good experience in mainstream UK education for a while yet? Any thoughts on this would be welcome.