Advice about teaching overseas – from teachers who are doing it right now
Teachers offer advice on how to find the right international school job for you
The school year’s almost done. Are you wishing that you could be packing your bags and heading off this summer to a new and exciting teaching job overseas? A few opportunities are still available for international school jobs starting in September and now is also a great time to begin your planning for next year. Start here by checking out this advice from expat teachers who are working in international schools right now:
“Thoroughly research any potential schools and countries,” says Ursula Inta
Ursula moved with her partner to The ABC International School in Ho Chi Minh City. Her advice: “Normally a school's website is a very good indicator of what the school is like. Visit the country first if at all possible, or at least talk to people who have visited that country and get their honest opinion. Make sure you know what you want from the experience, the country and school.”
“Ask as many questions as you can,” says Bruce Ashton
Bruce took the job as Headteacher of the International Preparatory School in Mauritius this year. He says: “Do your homework. Ask as many questions as you can to be sure you're making the right move for everyone in your family. Trust your gut instinct. If the school doesn't feel like it's the right fit, it's probably not going to be. In which case, don't be afraid to look for something else!”
“Don't have with too many expectations,” says Sarah Curran
Sarah moved out to Vietnam this time last year to work at the British International School there. She says: “Make sure you prepare before you leave but don't come with expectations; go with the flow and take the experiences as they come. If you are coming with a family, make sure both parents are happy. There may be challenging behaviour from your child while he or she adjusts, so having a strong relationship really helps.”
“Research recruitment agencies in depth,” says Ronald Saw
“It’s so important to find a recruitment company that will support you through the process of applying for jobs,” says Ronald. “Watch out for recruitment companies that charge you fees – there are lots of good ones that don’t. We used TIC, and even now the staff contact us to check how everything is going.”
“Go for it!” says Ian Robertson
Ian is teaching at the British School of Guangzhou in China. “I would have to say, very passionately, go for it!” he says. “Teaching abroad, in an international school, will be the best decision of your professional life and one of the best life choices you will make. You will receive many new and exciting experiences and you will enhance your standard of living beyond your expectations!”
Ursula, Bruce, Sarah, Ronald and Ian all found their jobs through TIC Recruitment. Here’s more advice from the TIC team about what to consider before moving overseas. And register with TIC now! It’s free, absolutely no obligation, and, as Ronald says, we will help you every step of the way.
You might also be interested in these informative articles:
What do international school teachers do in their spare time?
Can teaching in an international school help you get a better job when you return?
Why teachers are quitting to work overseas
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Anne Keeling
Anne handles the media relations for TIC. She researches and writes the articles that appear in the press and on websites about how TIC is supporting teachers and the international schools, and how teachers who have been placed by TIC are getting on with their international teaching experience. She has spent over 25 years in media relations.
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