International Schools in Asia
Educators Overseas recruits teachers to teach at international schools around the world. If you’ve never heard of an international school, below is a brief introduction.
International School Defined
International schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some schools are non-profit and are affiliated with a embassy (most often British or American), while others are proprietary and “for profit”. Originally established to educate children of expatriates, or “expats”, (diplomats and international business people who have relocated to that country) international schools have become the elite schools of most major cities around the world. International schools now serve not only expats, but K-12 children of prominent host country nationals, or for anyone who can afford the often high tuition rates.
School sizes vary from ten students to hundreds. The class sizes in most international schools are small, with low teacher/student ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. Internationally accredited, many international schools follow a U.S. or British curriculum, but in Asia most implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) program (find out more about the IB program here: www.ibo.org), as a truly international education. Whatever the curriculum, international schools offer teachers competitive salaries, excellent facilities, and an outstanding student body.
International schools are growing rapidly in Asia. However, in tune with the Chinese mentality of hard work, most schools are simply that, a place for education. Most of them will come with no frills attached.
International School Students
Teaching at international schools is a joy, thanks to the small class sizes and the outstanding students. The students at international schools are generally the children of diplomats, aid workers, and successful business people and tend to be intelligent and highly motivated. For many teachers, the above average students they teach in international schools are one of the best parts of the job.
By their very nature international schools host a diverse and multinational population of students. Around the world U.S. students comprise approximately one third of international school student bodies. Regardless of their nationality, most all students speak excellent English, as the curriculum of the school is taught in English
International School Teachers
International school curriculum is taught 100% in English, and all teachers speak English at a native fluency level. As such, schools in Asia generally recruit teachers from English speaking countries (the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand) as well as host country nationals who speak English at an exceptional level. So, you’ll likely find yourself working with a few people from your own country, a few people from other English speaking countries, and a number from your host country as well.
At all schools around the globe teachers are the life blood of the institution. Nowhere is this better understood than at international schools, where teachers become a partner with the parents and school administration for the welfare of the child.