Hi there,
I'm looking at teaching internationally in the next 12 months. I'll have my then-16yo daughter with me. We're looking for a place that does not require any vaccinations (I believe only South America and Africa deny entry based on vax status for Yellow Fever, but I'm happy to be corrected on this).
I'm late 40's with about 10 years' Australian teaching experience - not sure if age impacts opportunities, or if any countries have restrictions on age for working. I'm not really looking for a career position (but am happy to work hard of course), more an experience for both of us and a way to save a bit of money and travel.
I'm primary qualified, but I tutor up to grade 10 extension Maths and English, so I'd be happy to teach high school. I'm also multi-lingual (and have taught Mandarin in a primary school) but a bit rusty in all but English.
What have people's experiences been regarding experiences and opportunities for their teens while overseas? I'm happy to go just about anywhere but want to make sure my daughter is safe and has a positive school experience while we're there.
Thanks in advance for your input!
Best countries for teacher with teenaged child / no vaccination
Re: Best countries for teacher with teenaged child / no vaccination
I'm not trying to be judgy - but if your child is starting Grade 11/12, it might be a better idea to wait until they have finished until you move overseas.
When people complete DP/AP/A'Levels overseas, choosing the right school is kind of important and moving countries for the first time with a new educational system is stressful. There is also a reason why many international schools have limited movement in numbers during Grade 11/12 - it's because parents don't move during these 2 years of education.
When people complete DP/AP/A'Levels overseas, choosing the right school is kind of important and moving countries for the first time with a new educational system is stressful. There is also a reason why many international schools have limited movement in numbers during Grade 11/12 - it's because parents don't move during these 2 years of education.
Re: Best countries for teacher with teenaged child / no vaccination
Thanks for your perspective sciteach, I appreciate it. It is something we've considered, and I've looked at alternative university entry options for her desired university course. She was homeschooled for a couple of years until this year, so we're really comfortable with flexible learning options and alternative pathways. She feels the international experience will benefit her more than the stability of staying at school in Australia for another year. I would be interested in hearing from anyone whose child has used the IB curriculum for senior years, as that's one of her options for university entry.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Re: Best countries for teacher with teenaged child / no vaccination
I actually agree with sciteach. We deliberately stayed put rather than move ahead of my daughter's two senior years (Y12 & 13 in the English system) as the school she was at was right for her and we didn't want to risk anything which might disrupt that. (She did A Levels, but I taught at another school which did IBDP.) It might also be that, having been homeschooled for a while, your daughter might also need a bit of time readjusting to school - I wonder whether it might be better for her to go into, say, Grade 10 to give a year to adjust before IBDP? (note - you'd need to be looking at an IB school which does MYP, as it's more difficult to go into G10/Y11 of an IGCSE school as they are halfway through the course.)
In terms of your experience, I don't see a problem, though.
In terms of your experience, I don't see a problem, though.
Re: Best countries for teacher with teenaged child / no vaccination
Many people who don't teach overseas don't realize just how different the educational system can be along with the pressures of living overseas. Removing family and friendship bonds is a big one - which is why I would err on the side of caution. Plus - if your coming from an Australian system then there is a different school year (August) to consider.
If you complete DP, this is much different than HSC or VCE with a lot more hoops to jump through. Also - some schools have absolutely shocking teachers and you don't know until you get there.
As you also teach Primary - you will be teaching a position with a lot of people looking for jobs and you come with an increased cost (a kid!) which means you are less employable than say a single or teaching couple without kids. You'll probably get a job - but it comes down to more where you can get a job which pays enough, has a decent living and has enough quality so that your kids education does not suffer. For me - I'd be ok with sending my kid to an average school during Grade 6-8 but not in Grade 11/12. That's my big thing. I'd also read more about which system will suit your child better from DP, A Levels etc.
If you complete DP, this is much different than HSC or VCE with a lot more hoops to jump through. Also - some schools have absolutely shocking teachers and you don't know until you get there.
As you also teach Primary - you will be teaching a position with a lot of people looking for jobs and you come with an increased cost (a kid!) which means you are less employable than say a single or teaching couple without kids. You'll probably get a job - but it comes down to more where you can get a job which pays enough, has a decent living and has enough quality so that your kids education does not suffer. For me - I'd be ok with sending my kid to an average school during Grade 6-8 but not in Grade 11/12. That's my big thing. I'd also read more about which system will suit your child better from DP, A Levels etc.
Re: Best countries for teacher with teenaged child / no vaccination
Teaching internationally sounds like a wonderful adventure for you and your daughter! Many countries welcome experienced teachers and offer enriching experiences for teens. For places without stringent vaccination requirements, consider Asia or Europe. Safety, quality education, and a supportive expat community are key factors. Best of luck on your exciting journey!
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estudyabroad
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Re: Best countries for teacher with teenaged child / no vaccination
I agree that Asia could be a good option for you and your daughter to consider. Having read about the TEFL situation in South Korea, it seems like it may be a possibility https://www.tefl-online.com/tefl-korea-faqs/ From the FAQs, it doesn't look like vaccination is required to teach there.
I've also come across this tourism guide about South Korea: https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in ... -know-5254 South Korea is very safe overall. The educational system is a bit different than in Australia, but it sounds like your daughter is flexible and open to new experiences.
I've also come across this tourism guide about South Korea: https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in ... -know-5254 South Korea is very safe overall. The educational system is a bit different than in Australia, but it sounds like your daughter is flexible and open to new experiences.
Response
If youre avoiding vaccine mandates, be sure to inquire if there are different requirements for workers in individual sectors (such as edu) that may not apply to tourists or casual travelers. You are also going to want to confirm with ISs directly hat they dont have a policy regarding mandatory current vaccines or future vaccination.
Age can have an impact on marketability. Some ISs have very sparse budgets and younger ITs are generally seen as cheaper (in terms of cost for experience steps). 40 isnt a barrier, but you need to be emplaced wherever your planning to retire out of by around 50.
Youre not really looking to become a career It so this is rather moot.
Are you credentialed for secondary maths/literature? Tutoring doesnt count for much in IE, and if tutoring is the only credibility you have for secondary maths/literature, thats pretty weak, especially at ISs youre likely to be interested in.
I tend to disagree with the prior contributors. Moving at SLL can be a great benefit especially for a student who has a rather thin dossier in an institution level learning environment. IE tends to have a higher degree of students attrition than what you see in DE. In many ways its seen as more transitional then contemporary edu in DE.
The IBs DIP program is rather global and has a wide degree of acceptance, though depending on the Uni and the region applying from the IB can be seen as a weaker or stronger program (its maths is rather weak compared to many DE Asian regions, such as SG for example.)
I dont think theres really a lot to adjust to, especially at SLL. Almost all western and IE SLL curriculum are highly congruent. Youre not likely to see significant differences between your childs weaknesses and strengths than what you would experience with the AUS HSC or VCE, etc. About the biggest challenges are going to be CAS and Essay. Being in a new region finding a place to do CAS is going to require some effort, if you dont know anyone. The Essay is essentially the DIPs honors paper, and some students arent prepared for that expectation, nor is there an I.B. option not to do it. TOK is just a global perspectives of philosophy course. Dont be a wall flower, and dont be antagonistic, and youll do fine. The rest of the course prescription is very similar to any other SLL curriculum course. Depending on the IB IS you might not notice very much IBness in it. You tend to see more IBness in the humanities, less in the arts, and even less in the sciences.
Primary is a relativly saturated market in IE. There are lots of positions on average each year but there are also lots of applicants. In general an IS will practice a 2:1 traveler ratio, they will travel 2 people (one of them being the IT) for each FTE role they fill. Youre at that ratio, but you are more expensive than a candidate without edu age dependents.
I tend to agree with @sciteach that the real issue is going to be not finding a job, as there is a job for anyone who will accept anything, but an IS somewhere you want to be with an IS youd feel comfortable teaching at and sending your child to, and also paying enough coin and comp to make it worth while, all add up to challenges for what is essentially a tourist IT.
Age can have an impact on marketability. Some ISs have very sparse budgets and younger ITs are generally seen as cheaper (in terms of cost for experience steps). 40 isnt a barrier, but you need to be emplaced wherever your planning to retire out of by around 50.
Youre not really looking to become a career It so this is rather moot.
Are you credentialed for secondary maths/literature? Tutoring doesnt count for much in IE, and if tutoring is the only credibility you have for secondary maths/literature, thats pretty weak, especially at ISs youre likely to be interested in.
I tend to disagree with the prior contributors. Moving at SLL can be a great benefit especially for a student who has a rather thin dossier in an institution level learning environment. IE tends to have a higher degree of students attrition than what you see in DE. In many ways its seen as more transitional then contemporary edu in DE.
The IBs DIP program is rather global and has a wide degree of acceptance, though depending on the Uni and the region applying from the IB can be seen as a weaker or stronger program (its maths is rather weak compared to many DE Asian regions, such as SG for example.)
I dont think theres really a lot to adjust to, especially at SLL. Almost all western and IE SLL curriculum are highly congruent. Youre not likely to see significant differences between your childs weaknesses and strengths than what you would experience with the AUS HSC or VCE, etc. About the biggest challenges are going to be CAS and Essay. Being in a new region finding a place to do CAS is going to require some effort, if you dont know anyone. The Essay is essentially the DIPs honors paper, and some students arent prepared for that expectation, nor is there an I.B. option not to do it. TOK is just a global perspectives of philosophy course. Dont be a wall flower, and dont be antagonistic, and youll do fine. The rest of the course prescription is very similar to any other SLL curriculum course. Depending on the IB IS you might not notice very much IBness in it. You tend to see more IBness in the humanities, less in the arts, and even less in the sciences.
Primary is a relativly saturated market in IE. There are lots of positions on average each year but there are also lots of applicants. In general an IS will practice a 2:1 traveler ratio, they will travel 2 people (one of them being the IT) for each FTE role they fill. Youre at that ratio, but you are more expensive than a candidate without edu age dependents.
I tend to agree with @sciteach that the real issue is going to be not finding a job, as there is a job for anyone who will accept anything, but an IS somewhere you want to be with an IS youd feel comfortable teaching at and sending your child to, and also paying enough coin and comp to make it worth while, all add up to challenges for what is essentially a tourist IT.