Hey Everyone, Just wanted to put this out there... When I switched careers and became a teacher a few years ago, my long-term plan was always to teach overseas. Since my son was in grade 6, I figured it would have to wait until he graduated high school, at which point I was free to do what I wanted. However, this time last year I was given a pink slip, so I started thinking, why not explore this option NOW. Frankly, I didn't have much choice. I was nervous though, worried it might be a mistake, etc, but then I thought, why not try it. The worst that could happen is I wouldn't like it and then I could come back. So I went. And I'm glad I did. I picked up and moved to the other side of the world where I have just had the best year of my life living and working at an international boarding school. What's better is, my son is also thriving and loving it here in his first year of high school. Of course, I earn a salary, but the school puts me up in a beautiful house, covers my utilities, health insurance and lunch/tea every day that school is in session, gives my son free tuition which is valued at around US $20,000, covers professional development opportunities, field trips for me to chaperone (and they have been awesome trips), and much, much more. If you're looking for an adventurous alternative to the negative education system in the US, this could be for you. Best of luck to you all. :thumb:
Me too! I'm 31 and getting anxious to get married, but at the same time I would love to do this one thing for myself first. Details, please!!!
I would also be interested in more details. Ive found some info but it always seems so sketchy. When I was student teaching my co-operating teacher's daughter was teaching in Japan and ever sine then I've thought about how amazing it would be to do something similar. I'd love to hear any details you can provide!
My great-aunt taught overseas for most of her life and apparently even had an affair with a Thai prince! Lots of intrigue, drama and fun. Granted, she passed away because she broke her neck when her jeep hit a rino crossing the street. But I'm sure she'd endorse this option as well!
Answers... I teach in India. I'm on a three year contract, but most schools ask for a two year commitment. In my case, I figured if I didn't like it, I could break the contract after one year. I didn't use a service - I went to a few websites and found directories of international schools by country, found countries I'd like to work in, and then contacted schools directly. Most schools have a human resources type page on their websites listing openings. Most openings are filled by March though, but not always. You can also do a google search for a specific country and "international schools." I'm sure there are companies and schools that are sketchy - but do your research. Google the school, look for expat discussion boards that discuss the school etc. Even see what's going on on Facebook - what I found was my school had a tradition of over 100 years and alumni all over the world, many distinguished, and all who absolutely adored the school. If anyone has specific questions, please feel free to PM me.
By the way, our school also offers volunteer options for a semester or a year. You don't get paid a salary in this instance, but you get a place to live, all meals, tuition for up to two of your children k-12, a stipend to cover additional living expenses, and the same options for chaperoning, interacting etc. This year our volunteers produced the yearbook, coached basketball and soccer, chaperoned many field trips so they got to see a lot of the country, and so forth. And if you liked it, it could be a way to get your foot in the door and stay on. I'm sure other schools offer this as well.
You know what, I thought about this a little bit last year, but it was almost the start of school. Now I am beginning to think it might really not be a bad idea. I have nothing holding me back from doing it and I've always wanted to travel. And maybe by the time it was over, there would be jobs available here? I am going to check it out today.
I've taught in China for a year and worked a bit in the UK. I had a friend teach in Thailand for a year. If people are interested in teaching overseas, consider that there are more opportunities for teaching English than teaching 3rd grade curriculum. If you're looking to teach curriculum and not just spoken English, DoD (Department of Defense) would be the biggest employer. Consider all the US military bases around the world, means there are quite a few schools. Most likely Germany or Japan but there was 1 small base/school in Spain that I dream about. I believe it's too late to apply for 2010. Other than that you have to find individual schools. It takes some time. The only one I remember by name is TASIS.
Ironically, I was teaching HS English in California. My school here is loaded with English teachers so I had to take a position teaching PE (of all things). However, they're giving me an English class next year to keep me happy. If any of you teach Korean or are a webmaster, my school has those positions open NOW.
I taught for DoD, as well, in the UK. They also have a host of schools in Asia, aside from the areas that luckyal mentioned. Korea and Japan, especially. But, yes, there are school sin the UK, in Germany and in Spain, too. I loved it. They treat their teachers wonderfullly - lots and lots of benefits.
I'm back in the States. We did that when we were younger, but once we had kids, we were ready to be close to family again. We are on the East Coast in a pretty urban area. I did look at the DODEA website, though, and saw schools listed in Italy, the Domincan Republic, Korea....and some openings for '10-'11. Kim
I have a friend who is teaching in Abu Dhabi and loves it! She's single and decided she wanted a change of pace. She gets a salary and then also money to pay for all living expenses (rent, utilities, etc..) She said she was worried about not knowing anyone, but quickly found other teachers when she arrived and has a great group of friends to hang out with outside of school.
I have spent the past few days looking into it. I registered with a company and got an email back saying that they had forwarded my information and that I would hear back if something become available. Now it is another wait and see game... I just went on and updated my profile to expand my range of area so hopefully I can get something! I am looking for a couple of other companies, too, but it is hard to weed them all out.
No, I looked there but it didn't seem like there was anything that I would be able to do. I could be wrong of course, but I only saw teaching jobs for High School science, I think it was. I have spent the past few days googling different agencies. After I found one I went to facebook to see if a lot of people "liked" it, because I figured if they did, that was a good sign. I am most interested in Western Europe, England, and Ireland so I am pretty sure my options are limited, but I am not 100% positive yet. The agencies you find would depend on the parts of the world you are interested in, it seems.
After graduating from college I joined World Teach, it is a volunteer organization, however it is wonderful and the people who run it are wonderful as well. It is through the Harvard Center for International Development. Basically, the center works with governments of developing nations and has volunteer groups which teach all over. I went to Costa Rica for a year and I truly believe it is one of the main reasons I have gotten six interviews so far this year. I think it definitely helps me to stand out. If anyone wants more info feel free to message me!
