working abroad brown bag session wednesday, april 22, 2015 by leah shy

Working AbroadBrown Bag Session

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

By Leah Shy

Overview

Background

Types

International Schools

Getting hired

Things to consider—Pros and Cons

“Know thyself”

Questions

My backgroun

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School Types

Special assignments: Fulbright, Peace Corps

English language schools (especially in East Asia)

Local school projects (such as JET)

University temporary or exchange jobs

Department of Defense schools (DODEA)

International schools

Department of Defense schools

DoD Education Activity

Located on or near U.S. military bases abroad

American curriculum, American-style schools

All students are dependents of active duty military

Requires DoDEA licensure, PRAXIS scores, & experience

Often less-connected with local culture

Generally offer good financial packages to teachers

Types of International Schools

American-sponsored

American-style

British

IB (International Baccalaureate)

Canadian or other nationality

International

No “typical” international school, but…

Usually well-resourced

Primarily funded by tuition (no gov’t strings attached)

Usually mix of local and overseas hires

Usually managed by a school board

Usually ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse

Language of instruction is English with local language taught as second language

Tend to have high academic standards

How to find schools abroad

U.S. Department of State – list of schools worldwide

The International Educator (TIE Online) – cost involved to search their database of jobs

Directly google search the city or region of interest – but be sure to research any schools well!

Recruiting organizations

International School Services – tends to have more American schools

Search Associates – more British schools than other organizations

University of Northern Iowa Overseas Career Services – the original international job fair

Council of International Schools – tends to be international mix

Many require two years of prior experience. For ease, be sure you have a valid passport well before applying to an organization.

Recruiting Season

Starts early (October/November for those currently working abroad)

Files with agencies due late fall/early winter

Job fairs abroad Dec-Jan

Job fairs in U.S. Feb-Mar

Late job fairs

Process starts even earlier for administrators

Timing is convenient for those working in the States but harder if already working abroad!

Job FairsIntense 2-4 day interview schedule, often at

hotel

Advance contact with schools is highly desirable (Principal rather than HR Director)

Competitive environment for most desirable schools & teachers

Be prepared for long days (food, shoes, rest…)

Research schools with which you want to interview in advance

Schedule yourself breaks & time to transition

The earlier in the season you can go, the better

Remember all your interview & job search strategies

Sell yourself – What to highlight

Experiences abroad that represent more than vacation

Work in multi-cultural settings

Close relationships with parents

Personal resiliency

Professional independence…and teamwork

Desire & ability to work in a high-paced environment

Appropriate curricular experiences

Adventurous spirit

Ability & experience to lead extra-curriculars

Potential for long-term commitment

Ability to effectively communicate with non-native English speakers

Willingness to learn a new language or foreign language capacity

Overall health

Be aware of…Cost of living analysis in overall salary package

Benefits package (housing, moving allowance, airfare, home leave, vacation time, health insurance, retirement benefits, settling-in allowance, transportation allowance, tuition for children, professional development funds, & signing bonuses)

Pay scale and evaluation system in use

Local laws in host country, including tax laws, retirement funds, professional licensure, age limits, & health insurance

Housing situation

Safety and the local justice system

Access to quality medical services & insurance

More to be aware of…The importance of networking and your reputation

Certification requirements (or lack thereof)

School’s accreditation status

Local hire distinction

Being hired as an “intern”

Visa requirements

School’s for-profit status

The dependent factor & teaching couples

Length of contract commitment

International Schools Review

“Know thyself” -- Is it a pro or a con?

• Local language importance

• Intensity of professional environment

• Ease of affecting change within schools

• Comfort with work & life worlds mixing

• Serving privileged students

• Availability of familiar products & food

• Climate

• City vs. rural lifestyle

• Opportunities to interact with locals

“Know thyself” -- Is it a pro or a con?

• Social life (such as dating, family clubs, & drinking)

• “Bubble living”

• Ability to travel/accessibility

• Local environment

• Religious opportunities

• Local culture’s view of social issues of importance

• Turnover rates of employees & students

• Distance from home

• Never having “home” again…

Questions?

Please feel free to contact me, Leah Shy, using my email address for any

questions or points of clarification.

lkshy@email.wm.edu