Chasing that job in the sun

If the recent arctic conditions have started you thinking about teaching abroad in the sun, then you’re not alone: ice or no ice, our recent survey found that more than a third of the UK's teachers are actively looking for work overseas.

If a job in another country is your new year’s resolution, now’s the time to start looking. And the best place to start? With Eteach of course!

Your teaching qualification can become your passport to a world of travel opportunities, and working overseas is an invitation to experience first-hand the sights, sounds, people and cultures of another country.

The recent Eteach poll, which questioned almost 800 UK teachers, suggested that more than a third (34.6%) are actively looking for work overseas, while a similar proportion (31.8%) said they are "open" to the idea.

If you’re one of the many teachers thinking about taking the plunge, then a really useful place to start is the International Zone at eteach.com.

As you would expect, the site lists quality international teaching jobs at reputable schools around the world. Not only can you browse opportunities, but you can sign up to receive email alerts whenever a new post comes up that fits the criteria you set.

And because picking up sticks to work in another country can seem rather daunting, we’ve packed the International Zone with really helpful tips and practical advice about how to make the big move.

You’ll find quality information about the opportunities that exist, the rewards and benefits on offer, the skills and qualifications you’ll need, how to choose where to go, information on work permits and visas, FAQs and much much more.

So to start your international teaching journey, head on over to the Eteach International Zone. And don’t forget register with eteach.com if you haven’t done so already, to take full advantage of our suite of digital job-hunting tools.

What would prompt you to work overseas? Why not leave a comment and let us know!

Coming soon: Eteach International seminars in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Cardiff. We’ll keep you posted…

Our Eteach International schools network is expanding....

Fancy teaching the Middle East?
Did you know Eteach works with schools in every continent... our aim is to connect quality teachers with quality schools

The British School of Kuwait are actively looking to recruit outstanding primary and secondary teachers

Kuwait is a country of exciting enigmas and colourful contradictions, that has undergone many exciting transformations. Today it’s a cosmopolitan and modern society that still pays homage to its heritage and traditions.

From the warm waters of the gulf to the mysteries of the desert, and from the traditional Arabian markets to opulent shopping malls, Kuwait is a dynamic and diverse country, with so much to offer!

Find out more about jobs with the British School of Kuwait here.

Sign up to receive our International job alerts

Email me to find out more cbell@eteach.com

Ma'a salama!

Colin

International Schools - Community Cohesion

As you all know schools enjoy being at the heart of the community linking generations and often driving community cohesion activities... International Schools also share this core value... today I met Mr Nick Kendell, Head of Primary at the New Cairo British International School http://www.ncbis.org/index.htm (NCBIS) Egypt, Mr Kendell shared with me an amazing story of how NCBIS teachers, parents and pupils engaged with the local community to celebrate cultural diversity and the school's 30th anniversary.

Over 1,200 members of the school community formed a Circle of Peace at the Giza Pyramids making for an extraordinary day marking a special occasion for the school the local area and the region as a whole...

The event was covered by CNN, check it out on You Tube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbmYW81v-9k

NCBIS proudly enjoys the reputation of being one of the best international schools in Egypt...

Would you like to work in this region? or in other facsinating countries across the world? contact international@eteach.com

How does your school engage with the community? share your examples with the Eteach community...

I landed myself a job through using Eteach International

Finding an International job has never been easier...I found my new Director of English position in Baku, Azerbaijan on http://www.eteach.com/

The personal support which Eteach International provided was outstanding and the professionalism and speed was first class.

I continue to encourage others to pursue the idea of teaching abroad and using Eteach.com is a fantastic was for schools, teachers, senior leaders and support staff to connect.

Register today with Eteach.com and browse the latest education jobs world wide. If you have any queries about teaching abroad contact international@eteach.com

All the best with the job hunting.

Sean

Are Graduates better off working overseas?

It’s been in the news that the government are recommending graduates to consider working abroad, so that they can avoid being affected by the recession. Do you think it’s appropriate for the government to urge UK graduates to seek employment overseas?

In the teaching sector however, working in both the UK and overseas has never been so popular…in the UK approximately 38,000 trainee teachers enrol on teacher training courses every year. This year allocations are up by another 4%, no surprise as teaching is seen as a stable profession during the current economic downturn - in fact according to the TDA the number of enquiries has risen by 34%!

If new graduates in the education sector are looking to teach outside of the UK then this should be seen as a positive factor for their careers, rather than an alternative route to secure a job at all. Graduates can teach overseas by following a variety of routes, the most popular are…

* Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
* Teaching in an International school after completing a BA QTS/PGCE equivalent
* Working as a classroom assistant or educational project volunteer

The numbers of teachers opting to teach the National Curriculum, reflecting that of which is delivered in England and Wales, has risen by 26% in 3 years new figures reveal. As a result of this, there are now approximately 74,000 qualified teachers from the UK in International schools.

Thinking about teaching overseas? Interested in gaining TEFL qualifications? Have you taught overseas? Would you recommend the experience? Share your thoughts with the Eteach community…

It’s just got better for job seekers in education...

It’s just got better for job seekers in education... There was a time when teachers had to wait for the weekly education supplement to land on the staffroom coffee table, then we spent Fridays fighting for a copy and browsing jobs "just to see what’s about".

Those days have long gone, today teachers and support staff browse the internet 24/7, with unlimited access to a wider range of vacancies than ever before across a growing number of websites on a global scale. As a teacher and job hunter and more recently a recruiter I am constantly amazed at how the internet has enhanced the ability for people to manage their careers.

I hear about schools interviewing via YouTube, teachers promoting themselves on social networking sites, talking CVs, e-bulletins containing specific vacancies tailored to the reader, in one generation the whole process has changed for teachers and recruiters of teachers. Today there is no reason why a British school shouldn't’t recruit a teacher directly from China as easily and cheaply as recruiting a British teacher and just as easily a Brit teacher can go online and find a job teaching anywhere in the world e.g. Singapore Key Stage One Teachers.

Eteach were the first jobsite for teaching jobs in the UK and we are about to launch our next generation website, which will provide teachers and support staff an even better job seeker experience with brand new features, even if you’ve already found a job its worth a look, you'll find enhanced information hubs so you can keep in touch through the blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

What’s more we think we offer the widest range of jobs and consistently carry more overseas jobs than any other UK website or newspaper. Oh yes, it is always FREE to teachers and it definitely is worth a look http://www.eteach.com/

More next week on how we are helping you to find your perfect role

Stepping in to Oscar Hotspot Capital, Mumbai...

Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. It’s a city full of excitement, adventure, hustle and bustle... a place to enjoy the spice of life...so why not teach in Mumbai.

Mumbai Teaching Jobs…We are currently recruiting for a co-educational, not for profit International Independent school with children from more than 20 nationalities. This is the only school in Mumbai providing comprehensive German and English Language curricula delivered by well qualified international and local staff, from a central location. The school’s speciality is Growing Learning Minds in a Caring Supportive Environment.

Mumbai is a current Oscar hotspot capital not only for Bollywood but for recruitment in education. Why not step in and share your experiences. Do you have any videos you’d like to share about your teaching experience in India?

Why not take a look at our teaching job opportunities in Mumbai...want to get in that educational spot light...Read on...Early Years Teacher and KS2 Teacher

Teaching in the fabulous city of Istanbul....

Hello from Istanbul! My name is Phil and I’m a teacher of mathematics at a private school in this fabulous city.

I began teaching in 1984 at a large comprehensive in West London, but I always wanted to experience life outside of the UK, and after three years I realised that it was ‘now or never time’ and began looking for jobs.

As I don’t teach English, I assumed my options would be very few (don’t ask me why – I just did), but I soon found out that this just wasn’t true. There really are jobs for all of you! Personally, I didn’t want to work in an English speaking country - that didn’t seem exciting enough, but despite the enormous respect I have for those who build schools (and, in turn, communities) in deprived regions of the world, I didn’t feel confident enough to choose that path either. I saw an advert for a mathematics post in Istanbul, and despite having very little knowledge of either the city or Turkey, decided that it met my basic criteria, and four days later I signed a one year contract.

I arrived here in September 1987, and after signing to stay on for a second year, met Ilknur, a (Turkish) English teacher. We married in 1990 and we have a daughter aged 16 and twin daughters aged 11.

I worked for 8 years at my first school here, then 10 years at a second, and now I am in my fourth year at my present post. I have mostly taught years 9 to 11, but have also had spells teaching years 6 to 8.

My students are Turkish, but they study mathematics and science lessons in English. This system has its critics (from both educational and political standpoints) but the feedback I have received over the years from ex-students is overwhelmingly positive. Those who have gone on to the world of academia speak of the advantages they have when keeping up with new research; whilst others simply mention how much easier it is to do business when the main protagonists share a common language. With all the new ideas that have come and gone over the past 30 years in the UK, I am rather surprised that you don’t have any similar options. Schools with a working language of, for example, German, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, or Chinese would help in breaking the mould of the ‘Little Englander’, and would also be of immense benefit economically.

I will be writing again over the coming months about aspects of living and working in Turkey, but if anyone would like my views and/or advice on a particular topic then please get in touch and I will do my best to help if possible.

Mutlu Olun! (Be Happy!)

Phil

Eteach International attend the COBIS Conference

Last week eTI attended the COBIS conference, which was hosted by the Prague British School, Czech Republic.

The conference was attended by delegates from COBIS schools across Europe and as far a field as Mumbai, India. Dr Fiona Rogers, the COBIS General Secretary welcomed delegates in the key note address by highlighting the changing world of global Education and the many positive features why teaching in International Schools is so rewarding.

The conference was an opportunity for COBIS schools to network, share good practice and work with internationally renowned experts to respond to needs of pupils in an ever changing world… A big thank you to John Bagust, the Head of Primary Schools at the Prague British School and all his team who coordinated a fantastic conference including a delegate dinner at the beautiful Obecni Dum (one of the many historic tourist attractions Prague has to offer…) John’s school is currently looking for a Yr 3 teacher for after Easter…do you know any suitable candidates? for these and other exciting opportunities go to the Eteach International Zone….

Educational professionals sharing good practice

Last week Eteach International received a very warm welcome at the 27th British Schools of the Middle East (BSME) Conference which was held in the beautiful Aphrodite Hills on the wonderful Island of Cyprus. The conference was opened by Dr Zena Poulli, Director of Secondary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture and over 50 BSME schools attended representing the majority of countries in the Middle Eastern region. It was fascinating to learn about the amazing BSME school resources, professional development opportunities for teachers and support staff and the rich cultural diversity which visitors and residents can enjoy in the region...

The conference was a great opportunity for Educational Professionals to share good practice and to debate current issues. For example the proposed UK government inspections for overseas British Schools and the impact this will have on BSME members and the existing high quality BSME accreditation system. I really enjoyed finding out more about the rapid development of BSME sports and other extracurricular activities... in fact I must find out which school won last weeks coveted BSME Boys and Girls football tournament held in Rashid School for Boys, Dubai. ( I know that Mr Jones from Dhrahran British Grammar School, Saudi was hoping his school would return victorious!)

It was clear throughout the conference that BSME is a very strong and committed organisation which promotes positive outcomes for children and young people and also the development of all staff working in member schools... a commitment which Eteach International also shares...

Finally, as you know Eteach International connects teachers and educational professionals with schools across the world...what are your experiences teaching in the Middle East? We'd love to hear your views.... Colin

Thinking about teaching abroad?

Teaching abroad has been one of the best experiences of my life... It gave me the opportunity to explore a variety of cultures, meet new people, learn new skills and languages, try new foods and of course develop as an educational professional. I engaged first hand with pupils, teachers and wider school communities in environments which culturally and physically which were very different to that found in the UK. It also informed my cultural understanding and it has allowed me to gain a global perspective on life… Before you enteer into the wonderful world of teaching overseas here are my top ten tips to this truly fantastic experience.

1. Do your homework! Before you decide to teach abroad, research the country’s customs, culture, religion, languages and laws. Being prepared and able to embrace cross cultural diversity will make your integration to your new life easier and it will help you to become a better teacher abroad.

2. Before you apply check you have the right qualifications and skills. You may also be considered based on the level of experience you have in the teaching profession.

3. At the interview stage always prepare!! Be clear why you have applied for the post, why you were attracted to the school and how your experience and attitude will contribute to school improvement. Prepare any questions you might have in relation to professional development, the curriculum taught at the school and any extra curricular activities that you could get involved with…

4. Surviving on your salary… will you have enough money? It’s important that your salary covers the necessary essentials and costs relating to having a life away from work. It’s important that you understand your conditions of service eg) Does the school cover the cost of your flights? Do they provide accommodation and medical insurance?

5. Protect yourself. Check if you need travel insurance and whether your membership of a professional union will cover you whilst teaching in an International school. Do you need to join another professional union. Every country operates differently. Again, always ask these questions at the interview and when researching destinations.

6. Talk to fellow teachers who have taught abroad. They will give you firsthand knowledge. There are number of social networks online for those in a similar boat. I’m happy to answer any questions about teaching abroad.

7. Prepare to become independent. Don’t expect your employer to settle you in entirely. Plan how you will meet locals and fellow teachers. You may wish to meet more locals to improve your foreign language skills…

8. Do you have the right teaching resources? Before you head off, it’s always best to prepare a basic resource bank of teaching activities. In addition to online teaching materials and lesson plans, your USB memory sticks and laptops can carry a whole host of information.

9. During your research check you have the appropriate legal status to work in your chosen destinations. For example you will need documents such as your passport, birth certificate and reputable schools will always support you with visa and work permit applications where necessary..

10. And last but not least.... relax and enjoy your teaching experience abroad. Once you’ve found your new job teaching in an International School let us know how you’re getting on. We’d love to hear from you! Best of luck!

If you have any more tips, please share them with our fellow readers. Also, if you’re thinking of teaching abroad, take a look at our international teaching vacancies, register to receive regular updates and apply today!

Hello, Konichi Wa, Bonjour, As-Salam Alaykum, Ni Hao,

Hi my name is Colin Bell and I am passionate about Education… promoting cultural understanding, developing effective school workforces and creating international professional networks…

My role in Eteach is Head of Development for International Schools, connecting schools with our International talent pool of educational professionals. I have been involved in Education since qualifying from University reading a degree in Plant Sciences and then undertaking EFL teaching qualifications from Cambridge University, which led me to teach in the UK and overseas… I had a fantastic time teaching English in the Czech Republic and Japan for 3.5 years.

My students ranged from Early Years to University students, business leaders from Japanese industry and Military commanders from the Czech Armed forces. I returned to the UK and spent a couple of years recruiting teachers to schools across Asia allowing teachers to develop their career portfolios and karaoke skills…

Working in Local and Regional UK Government and studying for Chartered Institute of Marketing qualifications was my next move… I spent 6 years leading Recruitment, Retention and Marketing for Education and Children’s Services in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. During this time I worked with a variety of committed social partners including schools, Universities and government agencies. I chaired the South London Local Authorities School Workforce Recruitment Group, and I was seconded as Project Manager for the Government Office for London 'London Challenge' inner city schools recruitment programme.

Developing teachers and their global education leadership potential is area which I have particular experience having delivered National College for School Leaders (NCSL) leadership succession planning strategies and on behalf of the Department for Children’s Services and Families leading teachers International Professional Development study visits for groups of school leaders and teachers to China, Canada and the USA. This was a fantastic opportunity to share good practice, to visit a variety of schools and to meet educational professionals from around the world…

Lifelong learning is something I believe in and practice… through my role as a part time EFL lecturer in a London Further Education College I continue to teach and learn languages through interaction with multinational students. I also support the delivery of the United Nations Millennium goals volunteering as Communications Manager for a UNA UK London branch.

My 3 wishes are to…

1) complete another UK coast to coast bike ride this summer
2) grow a greater variety of exotic chillies
3) improve my Middle Eastern and Asian culinary skills

As you’ll already know your teaching qualifications and experience are a valid professional passport to rewarding and exciting career opportunities… get in touch to share your international teaching and travel experiences… foods, cultures, languages and achievements…

Goodbye, Sayonara, Au Revoir, Ma'a Salama, Zai Jian