| International schools come in many different shapes | | | | Some teachers have been excited about their new |
| and sizes. There are American schools, British schools, | | | | job abroad until they have tuned up at the school to |
| IB schools, Department of Defence schools, privately | | | | discover that there was a vast difference between |
| run schools and non-profit schools, to name a few. | | | | what the recruiter told them about the school's |
| One distinction teachers looking for a job overseas | | | | educational philosophy at the interview and what was |
| should be aware of is that of locally run versus | | | | happening in practice. |
| foreign run schools. Being aware of this one | | | | Asking the recruiter about the teaching and learning |
| difference can ensure that you sign an overseas | | | | philosophy of the school, rather than discussing your |
| teaching contract with your eyes wide-open. | | | | own is more likely to elicit the truth about the school. |
| Locally run schools are more likely to be a cultural | | | | If you are a hot prospect, it's quite likely that the |
| shock to teachers from abroad, depending on the | | | | recruiter will agree that your teaching style will be a |
| culture of the incoming teacher and the culture of | | | | perfect fit for the school simply to get you to sign |
| the host country and/or owners. | | | | the contract. |
| A locally run international school may have some | | | | * Check the school's reputation using online resources |
| 'quirks' that can make life difficult for an international | | | | and by talking to teachers. |
| teacher. These quirks may include an old-fashioned | | | | This is especially easy if you are attending a job fair |
| approach to teaching assignments (sexism), an | | | | because you will be surrounded by experienced |
| unwillingness to assign failing grades to students who | | | | international teachers. Ask other teachers what they |
| haven't succeeded in mock exams or tests, and | | | | think of the school that's attempting to recruit you. |
| many more. | | | | The international school teaching community is a small |
| International schools run by a foreign director, | | | | one, everyone knows someone who knows |
| however, are more likely to be operated in a manner | | | | someone who knows something... |
| more in keeping with schools you are used to. | | | | Go online and join the International Schools Review |
| Using simple guidelines to evaluate potential employing | | | | website to check what other teachers have to say |
| schools can ensure that you land yourself in a | | | | about the school you are interested in. |
| teaching job abroad that you can be happy with. | | | | When finding information about schools, make sure |
| * Does the school have a director from a 'western' | | | | the information is timely. When the teaching and |
| country? Or a director with experience in 'western' | | | | administration staff are signing two year contracts, |
| educational practices? | | | | there can me a lot of staff turnover; resulting in a lot |
| The former is going to be more use to you because | | | | of rapid changes in a school! |
| a western director will presumably have experienced | | | | Remember, no school is going to be a perfect fit, so |
| a western education as well. | | | | try and find the school that looks like it is going to be |
| Also check whether the director interviewing you is | | | | the best fit. If you get to your new job and it is not |
| remaining with the school for the following academic | | | | exactly what you expected, try and look at the |
| year. I've known teachers who have been | | | | positives, they will almost certainly outweigh the |
| interviewed by a British or American director and | | | | negatives... |
| accepted contracts only to find out on arrival that | | | | * a lot more money left at the end of the month |
| the 'foreign' director has been replaced with a local | | | | * a better climate |
| one. | | | | * more opportunities to travel |
| * Rather than talk to the recruiter about your | | | | * a shorter school year |
| teaching philosophy, ask them about the teaching and | | | | * more time to pursue hobbies or professional |
| learning philosophy and practice of the school. | | | | development. |