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Teaching
Jobs Overseas: Talking with the experts - Page One
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A:
Igor: No,
never! Nobody we have taught with overseas ever regretted this experience.
Moreover, people feel fortunate to have found this opportunity. In the
past two or three years, I have received a couple of e-mails from some
disappointed teachers, however. This usually happens when a person goes
abroad unprepared or makes bad choices -- just like any other job. The
majority of our friends remain overseas -- nobody really wants to return
home. When you teach overseas, the whole world becomes your home. It's
like leaving your parent'shouse -- if you like to be on your own,
teaching overseas is for you.
Pamela:
When you move
from Vermont to Nevada, you are as far from (or just as close to) your
former friends as when you go to Germany or Singapore. The difference is
that if you move to Germany or Singapore, you will fly home for a few weeks
every summer. Besides, telephones and e-mail are everywhere, even in Central
Africa.
The other
important difference is that when you go abroad you finally leave your
couch and TV, and enter a whole new world of REAL people and places. What
is there to regret? I wrote a separate Web page about why I love teaching
abroad -- http://joyjobs.com/tips/index.html.
Please stop by. If you have any
questions
or comments, feel free to e-mail me at PCIS@hevanet.com.
Q:
Can Canadians
get jobs with the American Department of Defense Schools? If so, how? -
Asked by Hazel J. Hewitt
A:
Igor:
Canadian teachers
are quite popular with American-sponsored international schools abroad.
However, to be employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, one must be
a U.S. citizen.
Q:
I would like
to know who you contact for overseas teaching positions. You mentioned
international schools. Please respond with an address or e-mail. Thanks!
- Asked by Deborah Danyluk
A:
Igor:
Dear Deborah,
there are about 700 international schools that employ over 35,000 teachers
each year. In addition there are about 100 DoDDS and British schools abroad,
not to mention thousands of local English language schools and academies
worldwide. The best way to land a good position overseas is to attend one
of the major recruiting fairs held annually in the U.S., Canada, England
and other places around the globe. The oldest and largest international
recruiting fair is held by the University of Northern Iowa: http://www.uni.edu/placemnt/student/internat.html).
There are other big recruiters -- the International Schools Services,
the European Counsel of International Schools, and Search Associates. E-mail
addresses and other info on overseas schools can be found in our overseas
schools directory at http://joyjobs.com/index.html
To help new
teachers enter this new and exciting world, we wrote a comprehensive guide
-- The A-Z Overseas InfoKit: http://joyjobs.com/tips/index.html
The 1998 edition
has been released in the CD-ROM format -- it includes more than 200 megabytes
of detailed information on landing teaching jobs abroad. The overseas schools
directory is also included (complete with schools' fact sheets, pictures,
names, e-mails, phone numbers, country fact sheets, and more).
We provide
step-by-step directions on how to proceed with your overseas job hunt,
as well as advice on how to avoid the common mistakes that many beginners
make. In addition, there are explanations of international resumes, interviewing,
visas, and relocation. We even include the U.S. passport application forms.
Pamela:
For direct
assistance, you are welcome to join our free online forums at http://joyjobs.com/community/index.html
Since 1996, we have posted hundreds of answers about various aspects of
finding work, and living and teaching overseas -- prepare to spend
some time at our Web site!
Q:
I am currently
teaching in Manitoba. I have two years of teaching experience. I would
like to know what the minimum qualifications are for teaching in Australia.
- Asked by Winnie Ferguson
A:
Igor:
Australia
is not our favorite destination, due to the amount of red tape involved.
However, since you are Canadian things are a bit easier for you. Present
migration requirements for teachers are for an award, which is comparable
to an Australian bachelor degree, plus at least a year of professional
studies and teaching
practice in
education at a recognized institution. Even if your qualifications are
accepted by a registration board or employing authority, you're not guaranteed
employment as a teacher. Employment will depend on other factors -- for
instance, the number of vacancies or your suitability for a particular
job.
Pamela:
There are
many other important details. You should contact the nearest Australian
embassy, high commission or consulate. Some vacancies are available online.
For example, http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/hrm/recruit/
lists openings in Victoria.
Q:
I would love
to be an overseas teacher, as I have always wanted to travel and teach.
I was wondering how I could become a teacher overseas, and how you felt
about your teaching job? - Asked by Jessica Bond
A:
Igor:
It's a rewarding
job. You only have to be a graduate from a university or teacher's college,
and have certification from some state. It helps to have two years of teaching
experience, but sometimes you will be hired if you have lived overseas
for some time. The more teaching experience you have, the better
-- and make sure your grades and recommendations are top notch. Good luck!
Q:
What's it
like to go places that you've never been before? - Asked by Jennifer
A:
Pam:
Well, this
is one of the reasons to live and travel overseas! It's terribly exciting,
and it makes every day an adventure. If you love to experience new things,
then each day becomes a treasure. You will see amazing people and situations,
smell unusual smells, and taste food combinations you never thought imaginable.
It's also
very exciting to go somewhere you have only read about or seen in pictures.
Even the most famous historic landmarks and buildings are amazing when
seen in reality.
Q:
What's child
care like overseas? - Asked by April Gruetzmacher
A:
Igor:
This depends
on the country. If we had stayed in Bulgaria, we could have probably hired
a nanny and cook to help us with the baby (and still have saved money).
I think children are loved the world over, sometimes to the point
of being spoiled -- it's not something I would have worried over. Actually,
in most other countries children are toilet trained at a much younger age.
Our son was out of diapers at home when he was just over one year old.
Other countries have more practical solutions to problems than finding
a more absorbent diaper. Child care is free in most European countries,
as is a college education.
Q:
Why did you
decide to teach overseas? Did you do it so you could travel the world?
- Asked by Ludy R.
A:
Pam:
Absolutely!
I was looking for a job which would offer me flexibility, creativity and
a chance to see the world. It was a great decision. I hope one day to work
my way around the world (I'm halfway there!).
Q:
Is there an
upper limit on the age of people who can teach overseas? - Asked
by Elaine Bauman
A:
Pam:
No. We have
taught with people of all ages. If you are in good health, you will be
able to teach overseas. Maturity is important because it shows that you
will be able to weather the changes of living in a new environment.
Those who have seen more in their lives are more adaptable.
Q:
Is there anywhere
you wouldn't recommend working? - Asked by Suzanne Kiltille
A:
Pam
As a woman,
I would think twice about working in a country which has repressive attitudes
toward women, although it doesn't seem to bother other female teachers
as the pay is often very high. I wouldn't want to work in a country with
an unstable government. Two good friends of mine are in Indonesia and it
was scary last spring when the students were rioting and foreigners were
scrambling to get out of the country, although they say that it is
now safe and there are no problems. Because the local currency devalued
so intensely the dollar is king and they are living like millionaires.
We decided to leave Bulgaria finally because there was a water crisis and
we had water rationing two out of three days. I wouldn't want to live in
a country again where water was a problem.
Igor
Please note
that what Pam calls "repressive attitudes towards women" can mean quite
a different thing in the
local culture.
For example, in some countries in the Middle East women are not allowed
to drive, so the
school will
assign drivers to their female teachers. From the local viewpoint, though,
it's not discrimination but
protection
and a sign of respect.
More of
Pam & Igor's questions & answers? Go
to page two
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