Things to Consider Before Looking for an International Teaching Job

There are a wide range of international schoolsfamilies is huge. For example, many international
offering varying curricula to a greater degree ofschools in the Middle East and particularly UAE are
varying nationalities. Depending on the country orcomprised of local children whose parents see the
region, the salaries, benefits and packages as well asvalue in one of these curricula. Therefore teachers
working conditions can differ vastly. Before lookingoften find themselves teaching to Emiratee or
for an international teaching job, read further.Kuwaitee children. This really can add value to an
Curriculumoverseas teaching experience giving one the
The International Baccalaureate is a curriculum whichopportunity for greater interaction with the local
was created in Geneva to serve the transient naturepopulation and community.
of the dependents of diplomatic figures. MovingSalary and Benefits
between countries part way through an academicDepending on where a teacher decides to relocate to
year meant that parents could send their child to adetermines the packages on offer. The Middle East is
new school with as little disruption as possible. Thiswell known for the tax-free salaries, flights, free
allowed a continuation from the same point in theaccommodation and often end of contract gratuities.
curriculum they left off from. IB schools have to beContracts can vary but teachers are usually asked to
accredited by the IB Organisation and generally lookcommit to 1-2 years in the first instance and after
for teachers with previous experience.good service a renewal is offered. Further afield in
Although the number of schools in the UK followingAsia, packages are similar, although salaries are not
the IB curriculum is on the increase, it is very difficulttax-free but the relative cost of living means that a
for a UK trained teacher to have this experiencesimilar if not better lifestyle can be achieved.
prior to applying for an overseas post. The growthIt is in Europe were they appear to offer less, usually
of IB World schools has resulted in more flexibilityjust a salary and occasionally flights but very rarely
and looking at the teacher as a whole. Often thoseaccommodation. Despite this, the quality of some of
with A-Level experience generally find that thethese schools (especially in Switzerland) and the
transition to teaching IB Diploma is relativelyattractiveness of locations and locality to the UK
straightforward.means that schools do not struggle to find new staff.
Another favoured curriculum of international schools isThe downside to those without a UK or other EU
that of England and Wales which is adapted aroundpassport is that it is becoming very difficult to be
the IGCSE and continues onto A-Level. The Britishemployed in this continent as the EU introduces more
curriculum is highly regarded and a selling point forguidelines on employment.
many schools is to be able to have 'British' in theirFor anybody looking for a teaching job overseas, the
name.best advice is to research. Speak to fellow
Type of Schoolprofessionals currently teaching abroad or contact
At an international school, one imagines lots ofspecialists who have experience in this field. There
children from many different countries all beingare plenty of wonderful opportunities and
educated under one roof. This is not always the case.experiences to take up provided that pitfalls are
The demand for a UK, US or IB curriculum educationavoided.
taught by native English-speaking teachers by local