IN TOUCH WITHDecember 2014

FOLLOWING LOVE OVERSEASInterview with Ian Robertson, Scottish teacher who followed his future wife to China

LATEST NEWSThe new year is approaching and schools are getting ready to hire! Stay informed on the latest news.

WHAT SCHOOLS LOOK FORAre you what schools want in an international teacher? Find out inside...

Over 25 years of experience working with international schools.

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CONTENTS

4 NEWS2014 is almost over and the schools are getting ready to hire new teachers!

5 FOLLOWING LOVE OVERSEASScottish teacher Ian Robertson always wanted to teach overseas, but it was love that finally convinced him to make the move - and TIC was there to help him! Now Ian is married and has never been happier, living in Beijing.

9 WHAT DO SCHOOLS LOOK FORWhat do international schools want when hiring new teachers? We have asked our expert recruiters for their top ten attributes. This has been one of the most popular blogs in our blog series: www.ticrecruitment.com/blog

11 LATEST VACANCIESWhere in the world do you want to teach next year? Check out our latest vacancies to find out where you could be.

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

NEWSA message from TIC Director Andrew WigfordYou are probably preparing for your end of year celebrations and everyone at TIC wishes you a wonderful time this festive and new year season.

It’s also a time to make sure all your preparation is underway for 2015 – if your plans for the year include a job move. Many of the leading international schools around the world will be advertising their 2015 teaching and leadership vacancies in January, February and March.

To make sure you can respond to these in the best possible way, now is the time to make sure you are ready. The team at TIC can help you, and we have lots of advice on the website: our latest blogs are all focused on helping you to be well prepared for international school applications. So while you are enjoying your holiday, take some time to read up on the advice, do your research and get prepared so that your new year can really begin with a bang!

Wishing you a fantastic 2015 from everyone at TIC,

Andrew

High demand for TIC Teaching Overseas SeminarThere was an excellent turn out for the TIC Teaching Overseas Seminar held last month in London. Teachers from across the world joined the TIC team for presentations by TIC Director Andrew Wigford, Mick Farley from Harrow International School Bangkok, Jules Murray from Taleem Schools and Arte Hermes from the ISL Group.

Alongside the presentations, teachers were able to attend one-on-one CV consultations with our recruitment experts.

If you missed the event and would like to find out more about what was discussed during the day, or would like to attend another TIC seminar, visit the TIC Seminars page.

TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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FEATURE

FOLLOWING LOVE OVERSEAS

Ian Robertson is a Mathematics teacher from Glasgow, Scotland. He has just started his second year of teaching at Harrow International School in Beijing.

Here Ian talks about his experiences teaching internationally and what led him to Beijing:

“I’d often thought about teaching internationally. I taught Mathematics at a secondary school in Glasgow for eight years. During that time, one of my colleagues went to teach in Dubai and really enjoyed their experience. I kept thinking I should look for an international post but the timing never seemed to be right. Everything changed in 2012 when I met a beautiful Chinese girl in a Glasgow bar. She was coming to the end of her three years studying in the city and was soon to return to China.

After just a few months together, we discussed whether to marry but decided to wait and see how we felt after she returned home. We missed each other immediately. This pushed me to finally start looking for a job teaching internationally in China. Celine was the catalyst I needed.

TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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FEATURE TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

After some excellent guidance from the Teachers International Consultancy (TIC) team I applied for a job at Harrow International School in Beijing. I had a successful interview and was offered the post. I will always remember the Skype call with Celine when I told her I was coming to live in China!

The Opportunity to Develop ProfessionallyTeaching internationally has been a great step in my career development. Harrow International School is brilliant. I’m working with wonderful teachers and children and I’m learning so much about my profession.

I’ve devised new and interesting ways to teach Mathematics while being here. I’ve learnt how students can work more independently. I’ve also learnt about Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). There are so many ICT facilities at the school which can enhance teaching. The technology is much more advanced than back at home. I think many UK teachers want to try teaching with new technology but often there isn’t the opportunity to do so. Anything you want to do in Harrow, you can. You have the opportunity to be creative in your teaching.

As I’d come straight from the Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, teaching at Harrow was (and continues to be) an amazing opportunity to learn about different qualifications. I’ve learnt about IGCSEs and A Levels. I was a very confident teacher in Glasgow, and knew the Scottish teaching system well but I was ready for a challenge.

When I started at Harrow, I felt like an NQT again and that was exciting. It re-awoke my passion for teaching!

I’m surrounded by talented colleagues at Harrow. There are so many strong teachers who I can learn from. There’s a great community spirit and I feel supported by my colleagues.

Anyone would get a huge amount from this opportunity professionally. If I return to the UK my experience out here will benefit my teaching back in Scotland. I think my school in Glasgow realises that as they’ve allowed me a five year career break.

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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Ian with the great staff of Harrow International School Beijing

FEATURE TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

Chinese Culture and CuisineBeijing already feels like home. It’s a great city with a strong culture. We have most of the UK comforts alongside wonderful authentic Chinese culture and cuisine. I love travelling around the city and exploring new places. For example, there are lots of traditional hutongs (villages) which are amazing and so full of character.

When I lived in the UK, I wasn’t a very adventurous eater, so I was initially a bit worried about eating the Chinese cuisine. To my surprise, I’ve embraced the opportunity of trying different things and have eaten dishes I would never have tried at home. I now regularly eat spicy food! I think living abroad brings out the adventurous side in you.

Celine and I have a very active social life. When we arrived in Beijing we were given a three bedroom apartment on the school campus. It’s been excellent for visiting guests. It’s also been wonderful for making friends as we live with lots of other international teachers and socialise all the time. We have card nights, music nights, quizzes, parties, Christmas events. We even travel together.

Harrow’s facilities enhance your lifestyle. There’s access to brilliant leisure and sports equipment. I play football, netball and go swimming with my colleagues. It’s a great work-life balance!

A Chinese Wedding

During the December school break last year, Celine and I decided to travel back to her home town Shenzhen to get married. We had a very simple registry ceremony. It was a wonderful experience.

We will soon have a full Chinese wedding in her mother’s home town, and possibly a Glasgow wedding in the Summer of 2015.

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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FEATURE TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

Financial BenefitsThere are several financial benefits to teaching internationally. It’s possible to live cheaply in Beijing and you’re able to save money. I’ve been able to pay debts off! I also don’t worry about money anymore like I did in the UK.

I don’t have as many outgoings as I did at home – I don’t need a car in the city. I drive an electric scooter and the subway is extremely affordable. It’s roughly the equivalent of 20p to go any-where!

Our future in AsiaChina is a fantastic country and it offers so many opportunities for travel and exploration. I hope to see other countries in Asia while I am over this side of the world.

As I’m on a career break with my employer in Glasgow I can continue to teach internationally for three more years - I think this is what we will do. We are already looking at other teaching opportunities for the future which will broaden our life experience.

Advice to other teachersI would strongly urge anyone thinking of teaching abroad to grab the opportunity and not let such an amazing and potentially life changing experience pass them by. You will see more of the world, meet interesting people, develop great friendships and enhance your professional abilities!”

Ian is just one of thousands of teachers who move overseas to teach in an international school every year. If you would like to read more stories from teachers who have made the move, visit the Teacher Interviews section of the TIC Recruitment website!

TIC Recruitment is the sole recruiter for the Harrow International School group. The schools in Bejing, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Shanghai will all be accepting applications for vacancies in the new year. To find out what opportunities are available in these schools, go to our Harrow International School page at www.ticrecruitment.com/harrow.

You can also visit our Vacancies section to see what other opportunities we have across the world.

Ian Robertson’s story was featured in Scottish publication Teachers’ Resource. To read this article, visit the TIC Recruitment Press section. Our Press Section contains fascinating stories from around the world on how TIC has helped teachers find their dream jobs.

BLOG TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

WHAT INTERNATIONALSCHOOLS LOOK FOR ...

This article was originally featured in the TIC Blog. For more advice on applying to international schools, visit www.ticrecruitment.com/blog for weekly informative articles.

There are many international schools considered to be amongst the most progressive and well-respected schools in the world. But don’t be daunted by that. They need great teachers, and good schools will support their teachers to become part of their learning-focused ethos. So what do these schools look for when hiring new teachers? Here are the top 10 qualities that most international schools look for in the teachers they hire:

1. Enthusiastic teachers who love working with young peopleNothing compares with your passion for learning and teaching. So if you’re enthusiastic and committed to meeting the learning needs of each and every student, you’re half way there.

2. Responsible teachers who do their researchFinding the right school is important, for both you and your employer. Show that you have done your research, that you know the school, its focus, its philosophy. Demonstrate that you have thought seriously about the location, how you’ll respond to the move, and how you’ll cope with leaving home. Be prepared to explain why you want to move abroad.

3. Teachers who are internationally mindedYou may be choosing to live and work in a location very different to your home country, and within a culture very different to your home culture. You will be working with students and families from many different countries and backgrounds, and with teachers and school staff who have very different training and experience to what you may be used to. You must be willing to accept and value differences, to respect the country you are living and working in and to be truly internationally minded, in and out of work.

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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BLOG TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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4. Flexible teachers who are able to adaptInternational schools vary dramatically – in location, size, student intake, staffing, curriculum, philosophy, and more. The best international teachers are willing and eager to adapt, and to embrace new circumstances and unexpected challenges.

5. Teachers who have much to offerIf you can teach a range of subjects or age groups, and have specialist skills, you’ll stand out from the crowd and be a real asset.

6. Teachers who want to be fully involved in the life of the schoolInternational schools are more than just places of education. Many students and staff are expatriates and turn to the school as their ‘family’. It is the social hub and the source for extra-curricular activities; for the students, staff and their families. Schools are looking for teachers who are happy to get fully involved in school life and its community.

7. Teachers who can lead extra-curricular activitiesMost after school activities for international school children happen through the school. This means that extra-curricular activities are an important aspect of international school life. Being able and willing to lead or support an extra-curricular activity is expected of international school teachers. It shows you have true commitment to the school, and more importantly to the chil-dren, outside of the classroom.

8. Teachers who are loyalInternational schools are renowned for their short-term contracts, meaning that teachers can often move on to another school in another country after two years. However, international schools also value loyalty and often look for teachers who have commitment and staying power, who have extended their contracts in previous jobs and value the benefits that a more estab-lished teaching staff can bring.

9. Teachers who can work with second or third language learnersMany students at international schools speak English as a second or third language. This means adapting your teaching methods to help students fully engage in the learning. Teachers who have EASL or Mother Tongue training or good experience are valued.

10. Teachers who want to develop professionally and are lifelong learnersInternational schools offer great opportunities for both career and personal development and love teachers who show a desire to keep learning. Actively seeking professional development opportunities and sharing your learning and specialist experience with your colleagues is valued by schools, especially those that are isolated and where external training opportunities may be restricted.

VACANCIES TEACHERS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY

IN TOUCH WITH TIC - DECEMBER 2014www.ticrecruitment.com

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Now is the time that international schools are hiring new staff for the 2015/16 term. If you’re ready to find your dream teaching position, check out our latest vacancies!

We asked our recruitment experts which vacancies have caught their eye. Here’s a small selection of what we currently have hiring for 2015:

Principal (Lower School) - DubaiThis international school in Dubai is looking for an experienced Principal to start in August 2015. The school in Dubai is part of an excellent group of schools across the Middle East. The successful candidate will be fully qualified with previous experience in a similar role. Experience of the IB curriculum would be preferred.

Primary Teacher - BangkokLeading school Harrow International School Bangkok is seeking KS1 and KS2 Teachers to commence in August 2015. Lower School Class Teachers are responsible for ensuring that every child in their class makes the maximum possible progress, relevant to their potential, within the ethos and policies of the School.

Mathematics Teacher - MoscowThe British International School Moscow is looking for talented Mathematics teachers to join their established team of dynamic and committed academic professionals in January 2015. The successful candidate will be fully qualified and have previous experience in a similar role.

PE Teacher (Girls Secondary) - CairoThis American international school in Cairo, Egypt is looking for an experienced Secondary PE Teacher to start in August 2015. The successful candidate will be fully qualified with previous experience in a similar role. Package includes accommodation, flights, tax-free salary and medi-cal insurance.

Here are some other exciting new positions available from TIC Recruitment:

Principal Lower and Middle School - International School of London

Head of Art - Harrow International School Beijing

Primary Teachers - British International School Moscow

German Teacher - British International School Moscow

French Teacher - Lagos, Nigeria

DT Teacher - Keystone Academy, Beijing

Humanities Teachers - Keystone Academy, Bejing

To stay up-to-date with the latest vacancies, download the TIC App and check the Vacancies page of the TIC website regularly. New positions go up every day!

TIC Recruitmentwww.ticrecruitment.com

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