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