Jobs Australia | 
02 20th, 2011| 
Do you wish to advance your career? Consider teaching abroad. That’s what 89% of the respondents from a research into international teaching concluded. Every single one of the research group, which included international teachers past and present; a staggering 100% said that the experience had enriched them as a person. Approximately 66% had become skilled at a new language during this time and 20% of these had become fluent speakers.
The international recruitment organisation Teachers International Consultancy (TIC) conducted the study among teachers of nine different nationalities with the support of the Overseas School of Colombo in Sri Lanka, the Bath University summer school, and Fieldwork Education summer school.
And what was it that these teachers enjoyed so much about teaching in international schools? The degree of international awareness, the behaviour of the schoolchildren, and the offered set of courses were the primary reasons. The success of these experiences is enticing many teachers to stay abroad for longer established by the fact that 57% of them had already worked for five or more years in the international system. One-third of the respondents say that they would probably be returning to their homelands in 5 years or so while 71% of the respondents say that teaching is definitely on their agenda when they return home. This is actually good news for all schools. International schools have begun to see the increase in the number of teachers extending their teaching agreement. Homeland schools are also benefiting from the teaching experiences in the international school system when their teachers return. And that’s not simply because of improved language skills either. 68% of the teachers researched said their experience of teaching jobs overseas and teaching jobs in europe has considerably enhanced their overall teaching skills.
So what makes a good international teacher? Flexibility is the most important characteristic. Being a good communicator and having an international outlook are the other two valued qualities. Knowledge of a foreign language and a high quality of education are also imperative. What are the reasons why they chose teaching overseas? 79% of the respondents wanted to experience adventure and excitement, and 67% of the respondents used it as an opportunity to travel.
When asked how they would go about looking for international teaching jobs, most of the respondents said that they would not look for one using job expos or even on their own. They would rather work with a specialist organisation or a consultant who is in the best position to provide advice regarding the most reputable and highly accredited schools. These organisations or consultants can also guide them through an interview and issues like contracts and visas can be clearly discussed.
Director of Teachers International Consultancy, Andrew Wigford, says he can personally attest to many of these comments. My wife Angie and I have worked for 16 years in international schools. Our skill base, curriculum expertise, and all-around teaching ability significantly increased during our time abroad. In addition, it was a big step in personal development because it did provide us with complete confidence in travelling anywhere, a greater sense of adventure and a wider perspective of the world. Each and every teacher that we see through the international school experience learns these same characteristics.”
