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By Fred Nesvold
Fred Nesvold taught math and science for 29 years in Wisconsin, the last 27 at the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped in Janesville. For the last three years he has been teaching in Thailand – two in Bangkok and this last year on the Island of Phuket.
In March, Nesvold wrote an article about his experiences in Thailand. He received dozens of
e-mails asking for more information, prompting him to write this follow-up article.
Nesvold can be reached at: nesvold7@gmail.com |
So, you're thinking about teaching abroad?
Good for you! Teaching in other countries is an experience that will make you a more complete and well-rounded person. Overseas teaching experience will no doubt make you a better teacher.
Some things to consider:
- This is not a vacation. You will have to put up with attitudes and expectations that are sometimes very different than what you are used to in the United States. You will gain an appreciation of just how efficient the U.S. is. For example, just getting a driver's licence or registering a car can be a daunting experience (even if you have a native of the country assisting you).
- Enjoy the food! I sampled Thai foods in local restaurants and found that I loved it.
- Study the country you are considering. Are the cultural values consistent with yours or can you adapt? For instance, I am now teaching at a Thai public school. I had to work the Friday before and the Monday after Christmas. This was the first time in my life that I did not spend Christmas with family.
- You do not need to speak the native language. The school is paying you at least twice the salary of what they would pay a native teacher because you speak English. It is a good idea to try to learn some of the language of the country you will be living. Your experiences in your new country will be richer if you learn some of the language. However, I know some teachers who hang out at Starbucks and McDonalds and only speak English to other speakers of English.
- There are many teaching opportunities abroad if you have a heartbeat and are a native speaker of English.
- However the best jobs are found by attending international teaching job fairs. The largest international teaching job fair, by far, is International School Services or ISS (Google: ISS teaching).
- I got my job by attending the fair at the University of Northern Iowa-Cedar Falls, held in February. (Google: UNI teaching overseas).
- The ISS and UNI Web sites have a lot of useful information, including a listing of schools and areas for which they are recruiting, as well as links to the schools so you can make contact with them before the job fair. Schools recruiting at these job fairs usually will offer higher pay. They will usually ask for a two-year contract because they will be paying for your relocation. These schools usually have excellent health insurance policies.
- When considering a job offer, ask, “What percent of my salary could I reasonably expect to save?” This will help you determine the cost of living. In my case, Thailand was the lowest offer, but with the cost of living so low here, I think the offers were fairly comparable.
- If the school will not take care of your work permit, then don’t consider the school. Getting a work permit is a slow, frustrating experience even for the experienced native speaker.
- If you are considering Thailand, go to: www.ajarn.com
Posted May 16, 2006
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