Regardless of the country, remote schools often suffer from very similar situations. Some have buildings, while some do not. Transportation to and from the school may not include roads or rails. Energy and water resources are often in short supply. Some areas have no fresh foods available. Access to medical care may be infrequent. Inclement weather is common. Trained urban teachers may find that cultural and language barriers are severe, and funding for supplies insufficient.
Governments worldwide have recruiting programs for motivated teachers willing to take positions in rustic conditions. Urban, successful teachers and new graduates trained to teach in remote areas are sought in nearly every continent. Some travel to the Australian Outback, for example, while others find spots in the Alaskan Bush. Some move to mountainous regions in China or secluded islands of the Philippines. Rural schools are tucked away in North and South America, and even Saudi Arabian deserts.
Highly qualified teachers in many remote teaching programs must demonstrate their proficiency before they are hired. Typically, previous experience teaching in similar indigenous or native settings is desirable. For those that make the cut, incentives include things such as higher pay, paid housing, study leaves and even paid tuition for those seeking higher educational degrees and training. The rigorous nature of working where transportation is problematic and amenities are few demands more pay and perks.
Some teachers end up leaving soon after arriving at a difficult posting. Moving to these remote areas requires teachers to adapt to native villages, customs and distrust of foreigners. Personal grooming and clothing may require significant changes to respect local modesty expectations. Expatriate teachers may find that local governments are willing, but unprepared for dealing with paperwork and legalities. It may also be daunting to achieve a welcome place in a community that is isolated and insular.
Remote teachers who stick with it for the long haul typically learn to enjoy the students they teach, to feel differences in the rural lifestyle that are appealing to them and come to care for what becomes their community. Some will find that they like living without city distractions.
The challenges posed by living difficulties is often offset by the feeling of satisfaction derived from believing that their work is worthwhile.