Many teachers want to teach abroad as of the amazing benefits and lifestyle it comes with but is everyone successful? It’s easy to know you want to teach abroad but there’s certain restrictions that are between you and your teaching job!
- 1.    Inconsistent experience
International schools require teachers that are flexible, consistent without moving around too much as that shows lack of reliability and poor academic results. It’s always good to leave on good terms as if you left school with problems then you won’t be able to receive good references and that slows down your process to teach in a good school. Certain schools are happy to take on less qualified teachers if they have positive feedback and good references.
To make it an easy process when applying to school, make sure you have realistic expectations as it’ll be harder for you to work for high respected schools; you’ll have to keep your options open for average, improving schools as well as improve your CV and achieve positive references.
- 2.      Age and experience
Different countries have certain requirements for age and experience so if you do not match these requirements then you don’t qualify to work at that school. Generally, the age limit is up to 55 and can vary depending on the location of the school. Schools in Middle East, Asia tend to be stricter with their regulations so if you are over 55-60 then you are unable to get visa and can’t work in the country. Most schools in UAE, China, Hong Kong, Africa require teachers with 2-5 years’ experience but can be flexible depending on your position and if you have high qualifications.
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- 3.      Not enough concentration
A lot of the teachers lose focus while teaching abroad as they are finding it hard to adjust and fit in with the culture, lifestyle and their overall routine which can be a risk to your position. You should keep focus on your goal and keep achieving targets and participating in different training to become better; gain more knowledge on coming up with better strategies to teach the students and communicating with other international teachers to find ways to cope with any difficulties.
Often, teachers get so distracted that they don’t take care of themselves which leads to problem in school life and affects students learning overall, so they end up risking their job.
- 4.      Accent
This is a requirement for most international schools to keep high standard of their school as most serve non-native speakers including children who needs boost on their English skills. That’s why most schools require teachers from English native-speaking country to make it faster for students to learn and be able to improve their English language skills. They will avoid anyone with strong accent as they want students to understand effortlessly, without struggling to learn or not being able to understand the teacher.
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As an English teacher, if you do want to improve your speaking and way of teaching then to listen to podcasts and newscast on popular English sites as BBC or American sites as well as watch more English movies; series to drop your native accent before interview!
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- 5.    No experience in the curriculum
School will select teachers with right experience in their curriculum as the teachers will be more expertise in the area but anyone without experience in the right curriculum will find it harder to be successful for the position. Good way to combat this would be to start of in stages to teach abroad to gain international experience and as you gain the right skills and experience in UK or US or any popular curriculum then start applying to popular; advanced schools. This way you’re stepping towards the curriculum and international teaching experience which most schools want in teachers to be able to teach at their schools with suitable abilities.
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