Mad Dogs and Englishmen: The dangers and pitfalls of International Schools
Teaching is a great way of seeing the world and the proliferation of International schools in the last few years has served to offer a wide choice of exotic destinations in which to work. There is certainly a considerable draw to a job in Phuket or Zanzibar and it is easy to imagine a relaxed working environment, well-behaved and friendly students and the opportunity to earn a decent salary – and save. Many of these schools offer accommodation, medical cover, repatriation expenses and end of contract bonuses. All this can sound very tempting when you are stuck doing supply work in East Dulwich, and these schools in turn are keen to employ young, dynamic teachers who are familiar with the British National curriculum. However, after a number of years of teaching in some of these institutions, my best advice is to exercise caution and research the place well befor...