The Longest Induction Process Ever.

My last post was a little all over the place, but there are numerous factors surrounding this and I intend to do much better this time. For those of you looking to start teaching internationally I hope this gives you a little more insight. Inevitably all international schools do things differently and everyone's personal experience is different.

Arriving early was great for us. The school provided temporary accommodation, bed linen, some kitchen equipment, some food, a sim card and wireless. It was great and made things easier. Having said that it turned out we were a million miles from anywhere and despite having a taxi card nearly every driver had to phone a friend or 3, ask a policemen or us for directions. I almost feel like this was done on purpose to make us pick an apartment sooner!

When first going into work I would have been picked up by the school bus, but instead I rode my e-bike which I purchased from a previous teacher and thankfully guided in by a returning teacher. It turns out the two things I purchased from leaving teachers are the most useful items I could have bought. Don't be afraid of buying things from leaving teachers. Someone will look after it for you and get it to you when you arrive.


New teachers had a week and a half of induction followed by a week of PD and meetings with all staff. Induction wasn't just school related. We were given massage vouchers, haircut vouchers, taken for dinner, told how to spot a fake 100, make dumplings and much more. There were optional outings and optional meals. If you chose not to have any time to yourself that could be arranged with very little difficulty. We were also given phone numbers for key members of staff who were happy for us to call at any time. Everyone was amazingly welcoming and that really helped.

With all of the hours we did at school it left little time for setting up your classroom and your home. My rooms are still not perfect and my husband and I are still getting our geography sorted while living in a very "beige" apartment. Considering we arrived early and are still working things out I whole heartedly recommend arriving early but you have to be prepared to look after yourself as obviously not all schools will look after you quite so much and if you are traveling alone you may wish to wait.

There is a lot to take on board with any new school and or job. I imagine I will still be asking questions in 10 months time. A former colleague who has been working internationally for 2 years also passed on some wise words before I left. "It is still a school and has the same problems as all other schools, but the location is better". I think that this is very true. People have many reasons for getting into international teaching and often it is a case of the grass appearing to greener on the other side. You have to have your eyes open and not romance these situations. No school is ever going to be perfect. It is probably also worth pointing out that some international schools are "not for profit" and some are run as businesses. So, you may no longer be dealing with the government but a CEO. The new technology, sports equipment and sheet music you have envisioned being so easily within reach may not be quite so attainable as you had imagined. The other thing you have to bare in mind is the transient nature of international schools. This will impact on the curriculum, documentation, classroom environment, procedures and of course the demographics of your class. Despite English being the main language be prepared to have a number of students with limited English.

One thing I am loving is the sense of community amongst all the staff and families. If you have ever worked at Summer camp in the USA then you will understand this. You make friends fast and you meet so many people who are on the same frequency as you. Everyone understand the position that you are in and how you feel. They will offer you help, crockery, directions, beer and pretty much anything you could ever wish for. It appears impossible to not have fun. Inevitably you work stupidly hard, but it is one BIG adventure. Accept invitations. Make plans. Invite people for dinner, but more than anything have fun.