What Are Schools Really Looking For In An International Teacher?

[International Expat]

There are hundreds of schools around the world looking for English speaking teachers. But at the same time, there are many people who want international teaching positions. If you want to get a job, you'll have to work for it.

That means figuring out exactly what the directors of international schools are looking for so you can make yourself as attractive an applicant as possible. In this essay, we are going to talk about some of the main factors that can help you stand out from the crowd.

·      Let them know you are interested in learning about the local culture. They don't want someone who simply wants to teach abroad, but someone who is going to make an effort to become part of their community. If you aren't interested in their culture, you are not going to fit in and will be a less effective teacher.

·      Demonstrate that you have learned part of their language or are making an effort to do so. Being able to speak at least a bit of the local language will make it easier for you to find ways to communicate with teachers and staff.

·      Show them that you are flexible about teaching methods. The truth is, teaching methods that work in one country or region might not work in a different one. So they need to know that you will be able to adjust to the situation at hand and deal with whatever comes your way.

·      Talk about the school and ask questions. They want to know that you are interested in their particular school, and have made the effort to do some type of research – not simply contacting every school on a long list.

·      Gets lots of letters of recommendation. The last thing they want is someone from thousands of miles away turning up and being a screw-up. They are taking a huge chance on you, so give them a reason to have trust in you.

·      Go through your Facebook photos and delete any that make you look like a party animal. One of the huge problems international employers have is people who want to work abroad simply so they can spend time partying, hooking up, and generally being a hot mess. They want serious professionals.

·      Talk to them about any other talents you have beyond English. That makes you seem more flexible and a greater school asset. Even if it is something like juggling or playing the guitar, it adds to your value to the school and helps you stand out.

·      Be fun and friendly! They want to know that you won't get super lonely and freak out once you turn up, so make it seem like you can make friends easily. That will help your chances quite a bit.

cc InternationalEducators.com