Why We Built “What I Wish I Knew” — And How You Can Add Your Voice

One of the things I’ve learned while building Wondering Staffroom is this: salary data is just the beginning. What really brings the international teaching community together is shared experience — the honest, sometimes messy, often helpful stuff we wish someone had told us before we took the job, packed the bags, or stepped into the classroom. That’s why we’ve launched a new section of the site: “What I Wish I Knew.”

It’s a space for international teachers to anonymously share the tips, lessons, and hard-earned wisdom they wish they’d had at the start of their journey. From visa headaches and housing surprises to school culture shocks and hidden contract quirks — this is the kind of advice you won’t always find in the job ad.

Whether you’re a veteran of ten countries or just starting your first post abroad, your voice matters. ➡️ https://wonderingstaffroom.org/wish-i-knew/

And if you’re just browsing, we hope this growing collection helps you feel a little more prepared, a little less alone, and a lot more connected to the wider community of educators doing this work around the world.

Like everything else on Wondering Staffroom, this lives and grows through the community. So if you’ve got something to add — however big or small — we’d love to include it.

Thanks for being here, and thanks for helping others with what you wish you knew. 🌍