In 2010, I was teaching a sweet kindergarten class when the opportunity to take a job in Dubai came up. I decided to go all in and it changed my life and career for the better.
Teaching abroad means you get exposed to many different curriculums. If you get a job at a school that teaches a curriculum you're not familiar with, it will stretch you but boost your skill set. I still use pedagogy from my international classroom 10 years later.
Benefits of international teaching
Working in a large international school, I found I was always inspired by the different teaching styles and strategies used by my colleagues from around the world. Meeting like-minded people from different parts of the globe was one of the best things for me about the experience, along with immersing myself in other cultures fully. As we would say to our students, the best way to learn is by doing and experiencing, and that's just what you have to do overseas.
By connecting with people you may not usually meet at home, it allows for meaningful conversations which at times were on thorny topics like religion, race and politics. However, by talking and listening, I opened my heart to learn. I made many life-long friendships during my time in Dubai, including my now business partner. You'll find when you are away from family and friends you make a new overseas family.
Progression opportunities
Working in another country also made me a skilled problem-solver. If you've had trouble setting up your internet in your home country, try doing it in another country where English is a second language. You will be stretched beyond measure in the classroom, catering to students' academic and cultural needs, as well as navigating setting up life in a foreign place. But all the experiences inside and outside of school made me a better, more empathetic educator.
I also found that there are a lot more leadership opportunities for teachers abroad. You will find many more chances to apply for positions of responsibility, such as a grade leader or head of a department. Many of the international schools have a considerable number of students and teaching staff. Due to this, it isn't possible for a few individuals to manage everyone, so teachers are offered additional roles. Once I returned home I went into leadership, so the experience really catapulted me into another career-changing moment.
In a nutshell, and with the beauty of hindsight, my time teaching in Dubai was the best decision ever.
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