I have worked within international schools for more than five years and moving to a new school or country is exciting and daunting at the same time.
I think most teachers would agree that deciding to move to a new country is an event in itself and schools can be incredibly helpful in making sure that move goes as smoothly as possible.
However, having just been through my third move to an international school, here are some key aspects - and ideas - that every good induction process should cover for new starters.
1. Who’s who?
When entering a new school, meeting so many staff members - admin and teaching - can be overwhelming.
Within the first few days, someone is bound to point you in the direction of the IT or HR department and it is highly likely you will not know who those people are - even if you were previously introduced at some point.
Something I found to be very helpful in solving this problem for new colleagues is to provide a personal directory of staff to each new team member.
Not only would it include the names of people in relevant departments but, ideally, photos to go alongside. This aids in helping staff to know who’s who, giving them a bit of knowledge and independence from the start.
2. Create a team
Considering key ways to incorporate team-building activities into any induction is always a great way to get staff interacting quickly and means there is a break away from the large amount of screen time and listening that is usually par for the course.
One way in which a previous school catered for this was to bring in a contestant from Italy’s Got Talent to teach staff how to juggle in several different ways.
Not only did this get staff interacting in a fun and carefree environment but it also meant that they were taught a skill that could then be showcased within the classroom.
Alongside this, I have found the most settled staff members are those who have a wealth of friends or acquaintances across key stages or even outside of the school they work in.
Using induction time to mix staff across phases can be extremely beneficial in promoting this, as can guiding staff to local clubs, teams and sports that are on offer within the area.
3. Think about time
Getting prepared for school life is a big task on its own and can take up a huge amount of induction time.
That being said, it is not the only area where time is needed and certainly not the only way to help a new teacher feel settled.
Providing time for personal admin tasks, such as setting up banking, internet and other household utilities, is fundamental in ensuring that new members of staff feel settled in their new life abroad.
Providing a list of potential contacts is always helpful here. Where possible, arranging meetings with relevant agencies is even more beneficial.
The sooner the daily-life admin is in place, the closer you are to feeling at home in your new surroundings.
4. Teaching tools
Each school has its own technological platforms, timetable systems and teaching methods and it is not something that is always quickly grasped.
Even the most skilled educator takes time learning a new process or platform.
The best thing a school can do here is to allow time and training for staff to navigate their way around these systems, should they wish to, and ask any relevant questions needed.
While this might seem simple, it can be the difference between a staff member feeling fully prepared for their first week of teaching and being completely overwhelmed by what is to come.
5. Where am I?
Most international teachers will agree that the most exciting part of moving abroad is the wealth of experiences that lie ahead.
Much of that comes from the places to visit and sights to be seen.
The best schools are those who welcome this excitement and do their best to guide new staff towards where to go and what to see.
Recently, a local member of staff was brought in to give a fantastic guide to life in my new country. Not only did this highlight how much there was to see, it gave me my first experience of local culture and a huge to-do list.
Alongside this, existing staff members were invited to share their highlights of living in the country so far, which only added to the eagerness to explore.
Eden Finnegan is a primary teacher and English leader at the International School @Park City in Malaysia
