Things to Consider Before Looking for an International Teaching Job

There are a wide range of international schools offering varying curricula to a greater degree of varying nationalities

. Depending on the country or region, the salaries, benefits and packages as well as working conditions can differ vastly. Before looking for an international teaching job, read further.

Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate is a curriculum which was created in Geneva to serve the transient nature of the dependents of diplomatic figures. Moving between countries part way through an academic year meant that parents could send their child to a new school with as little disruption as possible. This allowed a continuation from the same point in the curriculum they left off from. IB schools have to be accredited by the IB Organisation and generally look for teachers with previous experience.

Although the number of schools in the UK following the IB curriculum is on the increase, it is very difficult for a UK trained teacher to have this experience prior to applying for an overseas post. The growth of IB World schools has resulted in more flexibility and looking at the teacher as a whole. Often those with A-Level experience generally find that the transition to teaching IB Diploma is relatively straightforward.

Another favoured curriculum of international schools is that of England and Wales which is adapted around the IGCSE and continues onto A-Level. The British curriculum is highly regarded and a selling point for many schools is to be able to have 'British' in their name.

Type of School

At an international school, one imagines lots of children from many different countries all being educated under one roof. This is not always the case. The demand for a UK, US or IB curriculum education taught by native English-speaking teachers by local families is huge. For example, many international schools in the Middle East and particularly UAE are comprised of local children whose parents see the value in one of these curricula. Therefore teachers often find themselves teaching to Emiratee or Kuwaitee children. This really can add value to an overseas teaching experience giving one the opportunity for greater interaction with the local population and community.

Salary and Benefits

Depending on where a teacher decides to relocate to determines the packages on offer. The Middle East is well known for the tax-free salaries, flights, free accommodation and often end of contract gratuities. Contracts can vary but teachers are usually asked to commit to 1-2 years in the first instance and after good service a renewal is offered. Further afield in Asia, packages are similar, although salaries are not tax-free but the relative cost of living means that a similar if not better lifestyle can be achieved.

It is in Europe were they appear to offer less, usually just a salary and occasionally flights but very rarely accommodation. Despite this, the quality of some of these schools (especially in Switzerland) and the attractiveness of locations and locality to the UK means that schools do not struggle to find new staff. The downside to those without a UK or other EU passport is that it is becoming very difficult to be employed in this continent as the EU introduces more guidelines on employment.

For anybody looking for a teaching job overseas, the best advice is to research. Speak to fellow professionals currently teaching abroad or contact specialists who have experience in this field. There are plenty of wonderful opportunities and experiences to take up provided that pitfalls are avoided.

If you wish to find out more information about teaching in the international education sector then visit our website today http://www.worldsatchel.com where you will find contact details. Our team have all worked in education themselves and can assist you further.

Things to Consider Before Looking for an International Teaching Job

By: James Haston

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