Here is a basic overview of how I began as an international school teacher. I’ve made mistakes along the way, there are some things I wish I had known earlier and some pitfalls I could have avoided. Overall, there have been huge advantages of international teaching. I hope to put some pointers. My successful guide was launched in 2021 which covers these areas in-depth.
Please feel free to message me with questions or areas in which you’d like to know more. Or new areas I hadn’t thought of! I have a Facebook page and group for general questions so head over there too for more support: New International Teachers.
1. Starting out – getting recruited!
Prior to PGCE Training my (then) boyfriend and I decided to try our hand at teaching. We began as Assistant Language Teachers in Japan, which just required a degree. We then gained our PGCE in the UK and had a further 2 years experience in the UK. After attending a recruiting event, we began our first placement in Egypt.
This section is a brief description of how I prepared for each move, and the benefits!
3. Challenges
What you could experience, uprisings, earthquakes, virus’, housing and distance from home.
How the dynamics can change with a family. What to look for in schools and countries.
This relates to how I could have improved my saving potentials, and some tips I wish I had known from the start…
6. Moving – tips for interviews. How do I know the new school is a ‘good’ school?
This section relates to what we have done to secure subsequent jobs.
7. Online CPD
This seems to be often asked for on forums, I will list some excellent low cost or free CPD I have found.
8. FAQs
From time to time I am emailed a question, replies are posted here.
New to International Teaching with Jess Gosling 