Why Teach Overseas?

The opportunity to live and take up a teaching jobabroad can often be one of the motives for entering the education profession

. However, how many teachers actually take the international jump? The thought of smaller class sizes, tax-free living, warmer climate, chance of teaching the IB curriculum in some of the most exciting, diverse and exotic locations must seem like a dream come true.

There is a realisation that your teaching qualification is your passport to the rest of the world, the chance to explore and interact with an international community whilst employing your trade at the same time. The benefits are endless - learn a new language, take up a new hobby, meet new people. Many teachers have made their career travelling between countries, across continents whilst at the same time enriching their experiences and developing their own careers.

The number of international schools is growing year after year. Traditionally international schools where set up to cater for expat families whose work had taken them overseas and they wanted their children to continue being taught to the same curriculum. Over the last decade there have been increasing demands by local overseas populations who want their children to be taught to the UK National Curriculum by qualified teachers from the UK. Our education system is highly regarded around the world and therefore has become a wealthy commodity. In countries stretching across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America local families are buying into this system and sending their children to an international school. It is here that they have the luxury of being taught this valued curriculum in English. One of the many misconceptions about overseas teaching is that teachers do not actually need to speak the native language of the country they are working in. Of course it will be a benefit and no doubt the opportunity to learn will only enhance the experience.

Upon reading this, it may seem all too wonderful but surely there must be pitfalls. You only need to scroll through teacher forums sites to read some of the unfortunate overseas experiences of those which could and should be easily avoided. These pitfalls can be avoided by researching opportunities thoroughly by looking into the schools you are applying to. By asking the right questions, it is important to gain an understanding of the senior management and ownership of the school. How long has the current Headteacher/Principal been at the school? What is the rate of staff turnover annually? Is the school profit/non-profit? If for profit, how much is reinvested back into the school? The answers to these questions will enable you to develop a profile and determine its suitability.

Regardless of your circumstances whether you are single or married, travelling with children and even pets in some cases, there are international opportunities that provide packages and benefits to suit most. The majority of international schools will organise for your visa and also for your travelling family members as well as providing your dependents with their education. So whether you are looking for a short-term sabbatical break from the UK, or perhaps a longer term career step or even the move abroad upon retirement, international teaching may be just the ticket for you.

Why Teach Overseas?

By: James Haston

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