Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about choosing, preparing for and taking part in a Global Teacher program — for prospective participants, current participants, and anyone researching international professional learning for teachers.
Global Teacher runs Professional Exchange Programs and Professional Learning Programs for educators and other education professionals across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Every program is a little different, so the answers below cover the questions we're asked most often — from choosing the right program, through to what to expect once you're there. Individual destination pages remain the most accurate source for a specific program's exact inclusions and itinerary.
Choosing a Global Teacher Program
Finding the right program and understanding who it's for.
Professional Exchange Programs (PEPs) are built around direct engagement with local schools and educators — usually including several school mornings, professional exchange and a group professional development workshop. Professional Learning Programs (PLPs) focus more broadly on observing education in another context, through school visits, facilitated professional learning and cultural experiences. Each destination page clearly identifies which program model applies.
It depends on the type of program. Professional Exchange Programs (PEPs) are designed for people with some education experience who are comfortable engaging in and supporting activities within a classroom setting — this doesn't mean you need to be an experienced classroom teacher. Participants have included classroom teachers, learning support officers and other education professionals.
Professional Learning Programs (PLPs) don't require any previous education experience, and are open to anyone with an interest in the destination and its education system.
Some individual programs may have their own additional requirements, so it's always worth checking the specific program page before you apply.
Group sizes vary by destination, but most Global Teacher programs are deliberately kept relatively small to support meaningful professional engagement and a strong group experience. Check the individual destination page for the expected group size for that program.
Absolutely. A large proportion of Global Teacher participants join independently rather than with a friend or colleague. Group meetings before departure help participants connect before travelling, and many long-term friendships have developed through Global Teacher programs.
Yes. Solo participants can book twin share where that option is available. Global Teacher will work with participants to arrange suitable room sharing, while private-room options are also available on most programs for an additional cost.
Most programs offer a private-room option for an additional cost. Availability and pricing vary by destination, so check the individual program page or WeTravel booking page for the current options.
This depends on the program. In some destinations, a non-participating partner or family member may be able to share accommodation or travel independently alongside parts of the itinerary, but participation in school visits, professional learning and other program activities is generally limited to registered participants. Contact us before booking so we can confirm what is practical for your chosen program.
Professional Exchange Programs & School Placements
What actually happens in schools and classrooms.
For our Professional Exchange Programs, a school placement generally involves structured engagement with a local school — this can include observing lessons, working alongside local teachers, supporting classroom activities, sharing teaching approaches, and taking part in professional conversations with educators.
It's a genuine two-way exchange, not a tour and not an opportunity to "take over" a classroom. The exact activities depend on the destination and the school you're placed with, and are shared with you in more detail before you travel.
A school placement is a more immersive experience used primarily within Professional Exchange Programs (PEPs). Participants spend structured time within a host school, working alongside local educators, observing teaching and learning, supporting classroom activities and exchanging professional ideas.
A school visit is generally shorter and may focus on observing the school, meeting educators and learning about the local education system, rather than actively supporting in classrooms. The exact format varies by program and host school.
Generally, no — most programs don't require you to prepare and deliver a full lesson of your own. Depending on the program, you might be asked to prepare a short, flexible activity, such as a simple introduction to yourself, your school or Australia.
The aim is to minimise disruption to the normal curriculum: local teachers continue teaching as they usually would, and participants observe, collaborate and support within that context. Many participants find that sharing practical ideas and approaches this way is valuable well beyond the program itself.
Exact expectations vary by program and are discussed with you before departure.
School visits, placements and professional activities are developed with local partners and host schools. The exact format can vary depending on the destination, school calendar, participating group and local priorities, which allows the professional experience to remain relevant rather than relying on a fixed one-size-fits-all program.
Professional Learning & Professional Development
PD hours, evidence, funding and tax.
The number of professional development hours depends on the program. Professional Exchange Programs commonly include a larger professional learning component, while Professional Learning Programs generally have a shorter formal PD allocation. The exact number of hours is shown on each destination page and on the participant's Certificate of Professional Development.
Global Teacher programs are structured around professional learning activities such as engagement with schools and educators, professional exchange, observation, reflection and, depending on the program, workshops or other learning activities. Participants receive a Certificate of Professional Development showing the program and hours completed.
How those hours are recorded, recognised or categorised varies between Australian states and territories, employers and teacher-registration authorities, so participants are responsible for checking and recording their own PD where required. We can provide supporting program information on request.
Participants receive a Certificate of Professional Development and can request additional supporting documentation where needed. This may include program information, itineraries and an evidence pack outlining the professional learning components of the program.
Participants should retain their own records of participation, employment and professional relevance where required by their employer, registration authority or tax adviser.
Teachers may be able to claim eligible costs associated with overseas professional learning where there is a sufficient connection between the program and their current income-earning work. However, tax deductibility depends on the individual participant's circumstances, the nature of the program and the relevant Australian Taxation Office rules.
Global Teacher does not guarantee that a particular expense or program will be accepted as a tax deduction. We design our professional programs around genuine educator learning and provide detailed supporting documentation on request.
Yes. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, so participants should seek advice from a registered tax agent or accountant familiar with their employment and professional-learning situation. Global Teacher can provide program documentation to support that discussion.
Some participants receive full or partial support through school professional development budgets, employer contributions or other funding. Global Teacher can provide program information or a formal quotation where this assists with an internal funding request.
No. An employer letter is not normally required to participate in a Global Teacher program. However, where a participant is seeking employer support or keeping evidence for professional or tax purposes, a brief letter confirming that the school considers the program relevant or beneficial to the participant's current teaching practice may be useful.
Travel, Accommodation & Transport
Flights, transfers and extending your trip.
Generally, yes. International flights are usually not included in the program fee, giving participants flexibility over where they depart from, which airline they use and whether they extend their trip before or after the program.
Global Teacher provides participants with the relevant arrival information so they can coordinate their travel with the program arrangements. Always check the individual program page for the exact inclusions and arrival information.
Yes. Participants are welcome to arrange their own travel before or after a Global Teacher program, making it easy to extend their time in the destination or explore somewhere else. Travel outside the official program dates is independently arranged, so participants are responsible for their own accommodation, transport, insurance and other arrangements during that time.
Inclusions such as included accommodation and airport transfers generally apply only within the scheduled program dates unless specifically stated otherwise.
This varies by program. Where private airport transfers are included, they apply on the scheduled program arrival and departure dates only. Participants arriving earlier or departing later generally need to arrange their own transfer. Some programs, such as those moving between multiple countries or cities, may not include airport transfers at all. Check the individual destination page for the exact inclusions.
Many programs offer optional extensions or additional travel experiences. Where available, these are shown on the destination page and WeTravel booking page. Participants are also welcome to arrange their own independent travel before or after the program.
Costs & What's Included
Program fees, payments and cancellations.
Inclusions vary by destination and may include accommodation, scheduled program transport, selected meals, professional learning activities, school engagement, excursions, local guides and Team Leader support. International flights are generally not included.
Every destination page contains a detailed Included / Not Included section, which should be treated as the source of truth for that program.
Most programs begin with a A$100 refundable Expression of Interest, followed by a 10% program deposit. The remaining balance is generally due 60 days before departure. Exact payment dates and amounts are shown on the WeTravel booking page for each departure.
Where available through WeTravel, participants may choose bank transfer as an alternative to card payment. Payment options and any associated fees are shown during the booking process.
Cancellation and refund conditions depend on the timing of the cancellation and the terms attached to the relevant program booking. Participants should review the booking conditions provided through WeTravel before confirming their place and contact Global Teacher as early as possible if their circumstances change.
Preparation, Safety & Support
What to expect before you go and while you're away.
Participants receive pre-departure information, online group meetings and support from the Global Teacher team before travel. During the program, a dedicated Team Leader is available to participants throughout the trip and works alongside our local partners, guides and suppliers.
The Team Leader helps coordinate the group, supports participants throughout the program, liaises with local partners and assists with practical issues that arise while travelling. Team Leaders are experienced educators and are briefed on the destination and program before departure.
Every program includes in-country leadership from a Global Teacher Team Leader, who is your point of contact throughout the trip and is available to participants around the clock during the program should you need support. This isn't a staffed call centre or a medical assistance service — it's your Team Leader, on the ground with you.
Before you travel, you'll also receive detailed pre-departure information and take part in online preparation meetings. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance, and any specific safety, entry or destination requirements are communicated as part of your pre-departure preparation.
Yes. Participants are required to hold suitable comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Your policy should be appropriate for your destination, activities, health needs and any additional travel you arrange before or after the program.
Global Teacher works with schools, education organisations, local coordinators, guides and travel suppliers in each destination. These relationships provide local knowledge and help ensure that professional activities are planned in a way that reflects the needs and context of the host community.
The professional learning and school components are an important part of the Global Teacher program and participants are expected to engage fully with them. Some cultural, sightseeing or optional activities may allow greater flexibility depending on the itinerary. If you have health, mobility or other concerns, contact us before departure so we can discuss the program requirements.
Global Teacher programs have a structured itinerary, but we deliberately build in free time so participants have opportunities to relax, explore independently or simply have some downtime.
During these periods, Team Leaders will often suggest optional activities and can assist with planning and logistics for participants who want to make the most of their time in the destination. There's no expectation to join optional activities — free time is yours to use as you choose.
We ask participants to provide relevant dietary information before departure and pass this on to our accommodation and local partners where meals are included. While reasonable dietary needs can usually be accommodated, options can vary by destination and participants with significant allergies or medical requirements should contact us before booking.
Activity levels vary considerably between destinations. Some programs include walking, hikes, boats, uneven terrain or other active experiences, while others are less physically demanding. Each destination page outlines the major activities, and participants should contact us before booking if they have concerns about accessibility or mobility.
Every Global Teacher experience is a little different
No two Global Teacher programs are exactly the same. Each one is built around a real destination, a real school, and real educators and local partnerships. Individual program pages provide destination-specific itineraries and inclusions, and you'll receive further information and preparation before you travel.
Still have a question?
Every program is a little different. If there's something you'd like to know before choosing a program, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.