non-native accent...Is it really an issue?

maya · Post by **maya** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:37 pm

Hi Y'all
I am European-American , that has been living in the US for last 15 years. I finished my B.S and masters degree in US. I have been looking for counseling jobs in international schools since October, 2010 ( attended Search Boston fair)as I am certified school counselor with several years of counseling experience in US public school.
I never in my wildest dreams though that my sligh foreign accent could be a problem while seeking counseling jobs in international schools until I recently interviewed with school that liked me very much but had to think about offering me a job because of my accent. Yes, that is exactly what I was told after interview by assistant principal. Of course, I was very dissapointed and bit offended by what I was told. After all I am applying for jobs in international schools how can a slight foreign accent be a problem. It has never been a problem in my profesional as well as personal life in US.
So, to make a long story short, I did have a lot of interviews in Boston , Skype interviews, etc but as of now no job offers. I can not help but to speculate that maybe, indeed my slight accent is keeping me from getting jobs in "international" schools.

I would really like to hear from veteran international teachers if possible regarding my story . I refuse to give up persuing my international career just because I have accent and really , I am not looking to be a Reading teacher or English teacher but a counsellor.

Thanks!

I would really

wrldtrvlr123 · Post by **wrldtrvlr123** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 12:41 am

Hi. You say you finished up your training slash degree in the US. How many years of experience do you have in the position you are applying for?

It's possible that an accent will put some interviewers off a bit, but it should not be a deal breaker (especially in a counseling position, as opposed to a classroom teacher). The reality is that a significant number of international school admin and teachers will have "accents" of one kind or another (e.g. British, Aussie, Kiwi). i've taught in Egypt, Japan and now China and have taught with and under educators from all over the world. There should be a school that is a match for your background and experience.

maya · Post by **maya** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 8:45 am

@wrldtrvlr123 Thank you for your kind words of encouragment. I have a 5 years of counseling experience in middle school only so my lack of elementary and high school experience could be a problem even though I am k-12 certified. I also noticed that counseling positions are hard to find anyway. I wiil attend Bethesda Search fair in june as well. I hope there is still a chance to secure something for next year....

@psyguy It is kind of unfurtunate that southern accent is perceived as such since I know a lot of people with southern accent who are very educated and also nicest people that you would meet in the states...but thanks for you input

shopgirl · Post by **shopgirl** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:12 am

Hi Maya,
I have not taught at an international school but I've been a school teacher for over 10 years and also am a product of the international school system. I did attend few of the very highly regarded ones and I have had all sort of accents from British, Scottish, Kiwi and American 'Southern' accent.

If you are certified with a few years of experience, I can't imagine a school not hiring you just because of your accent. May be in an elementary school children might have a harder time deciphering an accent but if you've already had years of successful experience, I can't imagine your accent to be that bad.

Anway, good luck and hopefully you will find a school that would be the best fit for you.