Navigating the Expat Community as an International Teacher — Black Edition (6/9)

When researching moving abroad there is always a lot of talk concerning ‘expat communities’ but who are the people who comprise these communities and will they welcome you?

As we engage with this topic, it is important to identify the fact that the use of the term expat is used along lines of skin-colour, ethnicity, income, and education level. As such, BAME teachers must enter this space mindfully and with awareness. But simultaneously, this is not a damning indictment of expat communities. Though I will guide you towards fair expectations, there is a wonderful diversity in the expression of ‘expat communities’ around the world. This article guides you to be critical in your research and your engagement to manage both your expectations and your safety.

The elevated status fair-skinned, middle-class economic-migrants from western nations gain in the world of international work is undeniable. The existence of this series reflects that truth strongly. But a secondary impact of this systemic bias in international work is an expat community which is predominantly white and English-speaking. As such, these communities may present challenges or resistance to BAME people, and where they are more inclusive, they may not be able to provide the specific social support needed.

This article will look at the expat community along four brief topic areas:

1. Expat communities as a resource
2. Expat communities as a source of stress
3. Expat communities as a springboard
4. Expat communities as a necessity

Before we begin, if you are looking for a community of teachers in preparation for an international role, or are interested in connecting with those who are, please join our LinkedIn community to support teachers investigating their next opportunity: BAME International Teachers Support Network (Free Resources).

1. Expat Communities as a Resource

While migrating as a BAME person, you will likely be a distinct minority in any expat community. Despite this, having access to an English-speaking community is invaluable in all senses. Whether having an easy base to make initial social circles or getting that information about where to shop and which companies have multi-lingual customer service, the expat community is definitely something that you want to engage with on some level.

Yet, there are likely to be limitations to the usefulness of the information available; information about where to get a haircut ‘just like home with an English-speaking barber/hairdresser’ is unlikely to include someone who can do braids or a Jamaican barber to straighten up your edges.

The list of where to find common food items from home shared on the WhatsApp group may not include the specific items that you think of as comfort foods or things which remind you of home. Thankfully, with more diverse diets in the Western world, you may be pleasantly surprised, but some items like yams, okra, curry leaves, plantain, etc may be harder to get advice on.

The expat community will be an undeniable resource that you definitely should engage with but be prepared for some limitations for more personal and culturally/ethnically specific needs.

2. Expat Communities as a Source of Stress

Unfortunately, as with any scenario where a person is a distinct minority or can easily be ‘othered’, there is also the potential for micro-aggressions and unacceptable comments to have become normal and commonplace within the expat community as there has not been a counter-narrative present.

Poorly thought through or ignorant comments can rapidly become a source of unhappiness and stress. The absence of BAME people within the community means their needs and sensitivities may not be a natural consideration in people's comments and phrasing. In fact, unnecessary comments may initial be thought of as positive as people are unaware of how hurtful it can be to be reduced to your race. The often-discussed comments on black hair or black bodies may have ‘good’ intentions but are looking at the racialised being, not the actual person. It is important to be aware of this to consider how you may navigate these challenges, and if you have the emotional capacity, challenge them where appropriate.

From my first international placement, I experienced comments that made me feel uncomfortable. Expats saying things such as ‘This summer is so hot I’m going to be as dark as you soon’ or a colleague telling me that ‘you guys build muscle better’ in response to an unrequested comment on my physique. Alongside various versions of, ‘how come someone like you is here?’.

Sigh…

These comments, made similarly to other BAME colleagues, were made with seemingly no awareness of the sleight and no challenging of it by anyone else. Such environments where this form of communication is normal and accepted can be incredibly challenging and it is important to remember that it is not your job to fix it. But you must be prepared for it, and consider how you will navigate and look after yourself during this journey.

A slightly more complex consideration which may also present itself professionally within your school may seem very positive at first. Inadvertently becoming the go-to or representative for all BAME people. Though flattering in a sense, being considered the voice of ‘Black interests’ or ‘The Asian Community’ can be burdensome. In a professional context, this may include being pushed towards roles regarding diversity, or finding that BAME students are more commonly pushed towards your classes or your mentorship. This DonorsChoose report investigated by Naaz Modan discusses how black male teachers can frequently find themselves in these situations. Though within a US context, the story rings true in my conversations and experiences with international schools. Though many BAME teachers may actively take on these roles both socially and professionally (such as myself) there are instances where you may be expected to do so when perhaps you are not happy to or are not suitably compensated for your work as if it is just something you should passively do.

Be aware of taking on work and issues that are, without your consent and active engagement, not your responsibility.

Now, despite these experiences, the expat community is not a monolith. I also made wonderful friends and met progressive-minded people. The current expat communities may not be the most enlightened but that is not a reason to avoid them, rather it is something to be aware of. The better you can navigate the challenge, the more likely you can reap the benefits. For non-BAME readers, you can support by considering how you can be an ally in disrupting the normalisation of various comments and interactions.

· Expat Communities as a Springboard

In countries where I have found the expat community to be somewhat challenging, I invested more of my energy into making local friends. This included ‘natives’ (people who live in the country but not as a migrant worker) and people who may also not have found a home in an expat community.

This is easily done and being willing to travel around and go to social places which are accessible and safe can lead to great new connections. This will require some effort and research though and your starting point will likely be expat events and socials where people come to practice their English or find an expat partner.

I strongly recommend carving your own path but do this with knowledge of the country that you are in (as discussed here) as racial tensions may make this more difficult to do safely or independently. A key example is in parts of Asia where colourism and outright xenophobia may stop you from entering certain establishments etc.

A good starting point for independent exploration can come from asking colleagues and perhaps asking for tips from your language teacher if you have one. Another interesting option is the use of dating apps.

With a clear bio stating your intention (looking to socialise etc), you may be surprised at what you find. During my time in China, using TanTan led to several strong (non-romantic) friendships and being introduced to a social group that was a central part of my adventure. For the purely romantic side of using these apps, there is another article coming up for that.

· Expat Community as a Necessity

Ultimately, it is worth researching the expat community in the area you are hoping to go to. Often there are specific websites, WhatsApp groups or Facebook groups etc for even smaller/less popular locations around the world as discussed here in the ‘Good Research’ section.

Though welcoming, the expat community may not be as much of a safe haven for you as it may be for the typical ‘expat’. Thus, it is important to research and consider your options and strategies if you find yourself isolated or uncomfortable in the company of those who are in the community.

Key points:

• Expats are commonly very white spaces and may not offer all of the supports that BAME teachers may be looking for
• The relatively new entry of BAME people into these spaces may mean that you are exposed to expressions of racism and ignorance that you weren’t expecting
• Research and try to make contact with existing BAME communities in your location/city
• Be prepared to make new friends whether locals or finding other migrant workers through independent exploration
• The expat community will definitely be an important support and refuge and you may make some brilliant friends and connections there
• Be open-minded regarding where you look for friends and socialising and avoid travelling thinking that you will be able to replicate your life at home — this is near-impossible for any expat but even more so for BAME expats.
• Open communities such as BAME International Teachers Support Network (Free Resources) and r/internationalteachers can be good starting points.

Have you found a school that you are excited to apply to? How and why did you select it? Do you have any concerns about the process or any potential barriers? Feel free to share your stories with me here on Twitter @dsinclair17 or here on LinkedIn.

Check out the articles below to find out more about how to get the best from your international teaching experience!

· Abstract

1. Introduction: My Perspective on Teaching Internationally — Black Edition

2. Introduction: Why You Should Teach Internationally — Black Edition

3. How to Secure an International Teaching Job — Black Edition

4. Safety Checks: How to Research the Locale of your International Teaching Opportunity — Black Edition

5. Three Reasons Why International Teachers Quit and How to Buck the Trend — Black Edition

6. Navigating the Expat Community as an International Teacher — Black Edition

7. How I Used Dating Apps to Find Companionship as an International Teacher — Black Edition

8. For the Money or for the Experience? The Moral Dilemma of International Teaching — Black Edition

9. International Teaching; It’s Okay to Say No — Black Edition