Teaching in Europe was the right move for me!
My family’s happy and my work life balance is fantastic!
David Atkinson is a Primary teacher from Wales, UK. Just over two years ago, David moved from the UK to his first job as an international teacher at St. George’s International School in Luxembourg. TIC has kept in touch with David throughout his time in Luxembourg and we recently caught up with him to hear how he is getting on, and about the new addition to his family!
“We've now been in Luxembourg for around two and a half years. We’re thoroughly enjoying living here and have settled well. Teaching at St George's International School is still as enjoyable as it was when I first started, and I’ve taken on extra responsibilities.
In addition to my role as a Primary teacher, I’m now a Curriculum Coordinator which involves helping to design and implement a bespoke curriculum for the school. I’ve also been given the opportunity to become a Council Coordinator; this involves making sure that the children are at the centre of everything we do, taking on board their feedback and using it to improve the curriculum and resources we provide them.
Working in an international environment has given me the chance to develop in a way I do not think would have been possible in the UK system; I've had excellent CPD opportunities and the school offers great support to its teachers.
Life with a young family in Luxembourg
Our daughter attends the local pre-school. She’s already learning Luxembourgish and has made friends with many children. The opportunity for her to learn a number of languages from an early age is something we feel is invaluable.
Since being here, we’ve also had another child. He was born in a local hospital and as a family we have to say that the experience was fantastic! My wife was well looked after throughout the pregnancy, and afterwards. It can feel more daunting to be so far away from family at this time, but with a good support network of friends already established it’s been a very exciting time!
Give it a go!
Two and a half years after moving here we are happy to say that it was the right move for us. My children are really happy here, my wife is too, and the work-life balance is fantastic. If anybody is thinking about making the move overseas as a teacher, I would encourage them to give it a go. We haven't looked back!”.
TIC helped David to find his job at St. George’s International School in Luxembourg. If you are a teacher interested in working overseas, register free with TIC now.
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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.
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