By Nico Prins
This is the second part in my guide to teaching overseas. In this part, I will be covering issues like; how to get a job teaching overseas, what it’s like teaching overseas and practical tips for your first day in the classroom. Read together with the first part of the teaching overseas guide, this pack should have all of the information that you need to set you off on a successful teaching career. So let’s jump to it:
Would I Be a Good Teacher
It’s the same whatever job you are thinking of applying for; you will find yourself asking am I going to be any good? Well, I’m a great believer in people and think you will be excellent, but if you still need convincing, here are some things to think about.
Are you enthusiastic?
Students love a teacher who make a subject come alive. They want to be stimulated, not go to sleep.
Do you love children?
I’m not talking about the kind of love that puts you in prison, I’m talking about an affinity, an ability to get along with your students.
Are you flexible?
Being a teacher, especially overseas, is about flexibility and the ability to adapt and change your teaching style so that it works with people from other cultures.
Are you patient?
Teaching is a careful balance between the rewards of seeing a person learn something new and pulling your hair out through the frustration of your student just not getting it. Make sure you are patient enough to see that you can get through the hair loosing phase of teaching.
Can you explain clearly?
Being able to explain difficult concepts in a clear and simple way is the secret to being a good teacher. Remember, it doesn’t matter if you think you’ve explained the concept clearly, what matters is that your students understand what you are saying.
Can you enjoy life?
Remember, the main reason you are doing this is because you want to have fun, so make the most of the experience!
Teaching Overseas: Getting your First Job
Teaching Overseas: Getting your First Job
A great thing to do before you even think about teaching overseas is to get experience before you even leave. You can do this by volunteering at a local school or even finding a job as a teaching assisstant. This will be invaluable experience for any future career teaching overseas.
Although getting experience before you leave is a great idea, it is not essential. You can find a job teaching overseas without any previous teaching experience. Whichever option you choose, you will eventually need to find a job. So let’s look at the two options available to you:
Finding a Job Before You Leave
You will know what your salary will be.
You have a clear idea of the benefits attached to the job.
You can arrange the correct work visas before you leave.
Finding a Job Once You Arrive
It can take a long time to find a suitable job.
You will be spending money without earning any income.
You can meet the staff and see what the institute/ school is like before you start.
Do the Research
Regardless of which option that you choose, you need to do research about the country and even the city you are teaching in before you leave. Find out what the visa regulations for the country are and scan the Internet to see what teaching opportunities there are in the region you want to work with. Forums are a great place to get information about wages and the benefits that schools/ language institutes offer teachers.
Applying
Before you apply to work with a company, make sure you learn as much as you can about them; try to speak to teachers and have a look around the facility. Also, make sure to find out exactly what the language institute will offer you; do they pay for flights home, how much holiday will you receive, are you on a salary or paid per class you teach, etc.
The Interview
Whatever job you are applying for, you will be interviewed. This could be a phone interview, a panel interview or more likely a one on one interview. Basic interview rules apply;
Dress smart
Speak clearly
Know your strengths
Learn about where you will be working
Teaching: The Basics
Culture
Any teacher will tell you that culture is a big issue when teaching overseas. Cultural differences will have direct impacts on how students interact with you and how they behave in a classroom. For example, While students in Europe are less likely to respect the authority of a teacher, students in Asia are very respectful of teachers. However, while students in Asia generally respect teachers, it is hard to start class discussions. Students in Europe on the other hand are normally very active in class discussions. These cultural factors will force you to adapt your teaching style.
Workload
Anyone who thinks that the work of a teacher ends with the final school bell will be in for a big shock. Preparing for lessons, grading, administration and extracurricular meetings are a key part of any teachers job description. If you are knew to teaching then these tasks will take up a lot more of your time. Be aware of this and be prepared for the heavy workload.
Expectations
However experienced you are as a teacher, if you are new to a school you need to set your mark on the class. This means setting out clear expectations of what you expect from the students, but also what they can expect from you. Whatever you do though, remember, there should always have a professional relationship with your students.
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