International Teaching

By: Dayle Emond

What are international schools?

• International schools generally have the following traits:

• They do not use the host countries curriculum.

• They are internationally accredited.

• They educate expatriates as well as local nationals (mixed student body).

• They employ expatriates as well as local nationals (mixed faculty).

• They have a transient population (both students and faculty).

• They are multinational and multilingual.

Types of International Schools

• American International Schools

• Canadian International Schools

• British International Schools

• IB International Schools

• 'International' Schools

American International Schools

• Located mainly in capital cities around the world.

• 197 American overseas schools in 138 countries.

• Associated with US State Department.

• Uses 'American' curriculum.

• Accredited by some US accredation department, such as:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

• New England Association of Schools and College

• Southern Association of Schools and Colleges

Canadian International Schools• Very similar

to American schools.

• Offer the curriculum of one of Canada's provinces.

• Dozens of schools in over 30 countries.

British International Schools

• More than 2200 British International Schools all over the world.

• COBIS (Council of British International Schools) - quality control.

• Office for Standards in Education within the U.K. Department of Education inspects and acredits schools.

• Only 106 are COBIS members.

IB International Schools• IB approved schools are found in 141

countries and service over 1 million students.

• Diploma Programme - last 2 years of secondary school. Requirements for completion are:

• 6 courses at higher level.

• Extended Essay - independent inquiry into one of the subjects they are studying

• Theory of Knowledge - course looking at the nature of knowledge and ways of knowing.

• Creativity, action, service - hands on service experience beyond the classroom.

'International Schools'

• These schools incorporate multiple approaches to education from a variety of nations to create a unique curriculum with a global perspective.

• These schools are independent, and thus it is important that they are accredited by international agencies.

Qualifications for Teaching Abroad

• Language Requirements

• Education Requirements

• Teaching Experience

• Teaching Philosophy

How to land an international teaching job.

• Organizations created to help you find quality international schools:

• International Schools Services (ISS)

• Search Associates

• Tieonline

• Recruitment schedule:

• October: Staff polls: Not/Possibly/Definetely Returning.

• December: All possiblies must make intention clear.

• January/February: Schools attend job fairs around the world to fill positions.

Qualities An International Teacher Should Have

• Flexible.

• Resilient.

• Adaptable.

• Emotionally stable.

• Self-sufficient.

• Creative.

• A team player.

• A command of subject area and teaching methodologies.

• Commitment to professional development and passion for teaching.

School Community• There is a strong sense of

community and support in International schools. The school is the hub of the international community and many events and activities are held beyond the academic program to provide students and families with opportunities to socialize and participate.

Sports

• Many international schools participate in regional sports activities. Soccer, swimming, volleyball and basketball are the key sports. Secondary students often travel with their teams to participate in international school competitions hosted by another international school.

EAL and Programs for Students With Exceptionalities

• "International schools are careful to admit only students that they are able to serve."

• "The nature of international schools requires most to have ELL programs. This is often in the form of pull-out or push in support depending on the level of proficiency of the student."

• " In the schools that we have worked in the learning support programs are small, one special education teacher and an assistant to service children who experience learning difficulties are usually available."

• "Our school is fortunate to have two qualified consultants that work with students – a speech and language pathologist and a pediatric occupational therapist."

Standardized Testing

• Many international schools use stateside standardized testing for accountability. Many international schools use MAP testing, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, SAT exams, or other forms of standardized testing.

• In many cases results are shared with parents to let them know how thier children are doing.

• These tests also provide a benchmark to see how international schools are doing in comparison to each other.

Why Teach Overseas?Reason 1: Money

• Class IV Teacher in Canada makes 51k building up and capping off at 79k after 15 years of experience. 30%-35% goes to taxes.

• A Class IV equivalent teacher overseas is likely to make 35k-60k, adjusted annually. Tax free.

• ‘Lets be honest – the money here is better than in Australia.’

• ‘When you compare the tax we have to pay in Canada, the expense of living, and the benefits you recieve internationally, the pay is way better here.’

Why Teach Overseas?Reason 1: Money

• Flights

• Retirement Benefits (5-10% salary)

• Overseas Benefits (5-15% salary)

• Professions Development Allowance (1-2k / year)

• Shipping Allowance (2-3k both ways)

• Furnished housing with paid utilities.

• Health Insurance..

• Contract extension bonuses.

• Tuition for dependents.

• Personal vehicle.

Why Teach Overseas?Reason 2: Travel/Adventure

• ‘You’re close to everything – and you can get there in no time and money at all.’

• ‘I can jump on a plane and go anywhere I want in the world.’

• ‘Experiencing and living in different cultures is invigorating.’

Why Teach Overseas?Reason 3: Lifestyle

• ‘We have a maid, a cook, a gardener, and a driver and are encouraged to hire as much help as we can to support local families. We live the life of A-listers with a moderate salary. There would be no way to live a life this luxerious back home which makes it really hard to give up."

• "I chose to teach internationally to mix my two passions: teaching and travelling. I met my wife overseas and we have two kids now who get to share our experience with us and recieve a top knotch education for free."

Why Teach Overseas?Reason 4: Work Environment

• "Class sizes are generally much smaller than stateside schools with caps at 20 students and a full time assistant in elementary school classrooms. International schools often boast college acceptances to high profile institutions worldwide."

Drawbacks to teaching overseas?• ‘I miss my family a lot.’

• ‘I feel guilty being so far away from home.’

• ‘Homesick for friends and family, and homesick for a way of life.’

• "It can be hard to adjust to a new culture."

• "There is soem difficulties coping with the challenges of living in developing countries such as frequent power outages, water shortages, concerns about safety, unreliable internet and homesickness."

• ‘The drawbacks are a lot in terms of our own culture for my children – they do not speak my language – they do not know anything about the history, culture of our country, and I do not know if they will be able to live there in the future, so, that is a big loss..’