Romy Friedman

Archive for April, 2010

1. I get to live in a totally new, unfamiliar and exciting places
2. I can travel to many places I couldn’t otherwise afford or access
3. The students are usually very interesting, coming from many different cultures and backgrounds
4. You get to meet some cool people including other teacher, professionals and locals
5. It is excellent life experience in so many ways and makes me a better person
6. You can experience and do a lot of things you wouldn’t be able to do at home
7. Most parents helpful, thankful and nice
8. There is always at least one staff member with interesting stories to tell and great work/life experience to learn from
9. Your friends and family thinks you are adventurous and cool
10. The various ecosystems, cultures and local resources greatly improve my teaching

Top 10 Reasons I HATE International Teaching  

1. Often times people in power get their position due to being a long-term resident and not because of any qualifications or experience
2. You often feel disconnected from friends and family at home
3. Your students often speak way more languages than you (especially as I only speak English!)
4. As teachers are mostly transitional and there is a high turn-over rate, it is much easier to take advantage of teachers; there is no union or organization for protection like state/public schools
5. A lot of your co-workers have a poor work ethic because they are there to travel and party, more than work: “professional tourists”
6. You are exposed to many more potential medical problems
7. None or very little professional development is often offered or required
8. No world standards can lead to things like poor or varying housing conditions despite what is stated in a contract
9. No long-term financial security (pensions etc)

$500US for the permit alone and worth every cent!