Van Der
Making Links…Through International Teaching
Are you looking for adventure? Hoping to become a global teacher? Wish to gain personal strength? Simply wanting to escape reality? Do you think overseas teaching jobs are the answer? Each and everyone of us has a judgment with regards to teachers who leave their home and head off to another country to work. The actual answer can only be given by teachers who have done it. Here are two teachers who can speak from experience:
Mary Van Der Heijden who is at present the Vice Principal of United World College in South East Asia says, “I have had teaching jobs in Europe, Qatar, Brunei, Jakarta, and Borneo.” ”I think that a number of British educators have not yet understood the serious educational opportunities that are currently available on a worldwide basis. I’ve maintained relations everywhere I’ve been. In each and every country that I have been, I have had a number of good colleagues and at least one very strong acquaintance. We still keep in touch. Throughout the years, that friendship and camaraderie grows with you and can be extremely powerful in social and work situations. Doors and new opportunities have been opened up, which is more than I ever envisioned. I have two daughters, both of which have been opened up to the world. They are now confident in talking with anyone, at any level, and have even developed friendships from all corners of the world.”
As for Dominic Crompton, it never striked him to take a teaching job overseas. “Sarah (Dominic’s wife, also teaching primary at the time) yearned to go and I decided to go along! She knew what she wanted far more than I did. I thought it was VSO or nothing.
We got teaching jobs in the Colegio Anglo Colombiano School in Bogota, Colombia. As soon as we arrived, we realised the importance of having the right attitude. We were amongst a lot of young teachers from various countries including Australia and New Zealand, but they all had a great approach to teaching, really positive attitudes and open minds. Working with these teachers was an extraordinary lesson for us both. The New Zealand systems in particular impressed me greatly. I was amazed that a country so small could be so dynamic and innovative. The knowledge of the Kiwi teachers was incredible. And because we had to consider and think about what was best for the school curriculum, we soon found ourselves considering the relevance of whatever we were teaching. Working as a team allowed sharing of ideas, teaching skills and different perspectives where everybody was allowed to become innovative. It was an amazing opportunity for us.”
Just like what both Mary and Dominic experienced, many international schools offer a fast-track to career development in addition to competitive salaries and accommodation as part of the offered package. On the other hand, foreign teaching posts are not exclusive to young, ambitious teachers. ”This is the way where a lot of experienced teachers are grabbing the opportunity of travelling the world. These include teachers on a sabbatical, taking early retirement, those with young families, and also those from areas where the schools are closing.”
The procedures for interview differ from one school to another school. Some schools would gladly fly you out to the school for your scheduled interview. Other schools will ask the recruitment consultant that they are working with (such as TIC) to interview you personally for them. Some schools may arrange a week of interviews in London while others may talk to you over the telephone because of time and distance limitations.
Baerke Van Der Meij, 1 year old, Football skills