I moved overseas to develop my skills and teach a progressive curriculum

Published on 6th October, 2017 by Gemma McSweeney. Published in For Candidates / TIC News

Rachel Reynolds is a recently qualified History teacher from Ireland. In 2016, she moved to Dubai to teach at Uptown School Dubai. Here Rachel talks about her first year living and working in Dubai:

I was excited to learn a new curriculum

I wanted to work overseas as a teacher to have the opportunity to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. After comparing it to the British and the Irish education system, I could clearly see how progressive the IB was and how much more I could learn by being part of it.

I was excited to teach at a school where I could develop my skills and be introduced to a progressive curriculum that is advanced in its methods. My training in Ireland, in particular my Professional Masters of Education, gave me a good grounding in the foundation of ‘active learning’; skills that I knew I could build upon at an international school.

The Uptown School community is a positive one. We are constantly striving to improve and progress, and the staff and students are motivated. I’ve also been offered opportunities to develop professionally, helping me to craft my teaching skills.

My friends in Dubai are like family

This was my first overseas position so it did take some time for me to adjust to the culture and country.

One of the things I love most about Dubai is the large international community. The majority of people in Dubai have been in the same boat at some point, as the ‘new person’. It was challenging and overwhelming at first but I have made the most incredible friendships. Everyone is away from their families and so we have become each other’s ‘family’. It’s very comforting knowing that you have a good support network.

Opportunities to travel

I’m never bored in Dubai. The warm weather in winter helps people to feel more sociable. There are also great opportunities to travel. I’ve visited parts of the world I would never have dreamed of visiting while I lived in Ireland: Oman, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Australia and Hong Kong. I still have many more countries on my list to see before I finish my time here!

TIC helped Rachel get her overseas teaching job at an international school in Dubai and we can help you too! Take a look at the current jobs that are available through TIC and register now for free to have access to all the jobs that will soon be posted for next September start…remember that international schools start their recruitment early. Many schools advertise their September jobs in October, November, December and January and interview during that time too to find the very best recruits. Make sure you’re signed up if you want to take full advantage of the best opportunities in the best schools.

You might also be interested in these informative articles:
Should I…can I teach abroad? 10 questions to ask yourself
Teaching couple plus son: a great international school experience for us all
6 Tips to help you find a good international school

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Gemma McSweeney

Gemma is our Associate Director, having joined TIC in 2009. With over 15 years experience of recruitment and selection methods, she specialises in matching teachers and leaders with our international school partners. She has attended many international education conferences and has visited a number of international schools over the years. She uses this experience to best advise our teachers, leaders and schools and manage our team and UK operations.