More than fourteen months before I stepped onto the plane to fly out to my new school, I started a professional diary that captured the process of making and seeking an international teaching experience.
I plan to share that thinking process chronologically, as a countdown, and present the fluctuating influences of three key motivations; professional, personal/family and financial. I will share the advice I sought and received from experienced international professionals, reflect on the interviewing and contracting process and share with you our preparations and initial experiences.
Every experience is unique. It is hardly surprising given the number of variables in play at any one time. That said, I hope you can glean some reassurance from this series. Do feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Twelve years before arrival
Before I married my wife, the church where we were getting married required us to attend a days counselling, “Preparing for married life.” We heard from the Reverend, marriage counsellors, a divorce solicitor and a church couple, thirty-five years married. This is my first recollection of sharing with my wife that one day, I wanted to “see more of the world – together.”
Two years before arrival – planning ahead
In the peace and quiet of my early morning runs, I was thinking about my next steps professionally, personally and our next steps as a family and financially. Those motivations to see more the world, to expose our children to more of the world, were quiet murmurs. (The original draft post was titled ‘No dress rehearsal.’ I think that tells you a little about how I was thinking at the time.)
Professionally: Approaching two years into my first Headship, we secured a very strong inspection report, student outcomes had improved and were forecast to improve again the following summer (which they did). Professionally, I had a strong narrative to support my an application for an international leadership role. (Later I would find out that I was missing a key and valid component – “international leadership experience.”)
Personally/family: Married for twelve years, we two, were now five. I was 43, my wife is a little younger. She was working 20 hours a week as an accountant, however would much rather be spending her time with our children. Our eldest, Harry (9), was moving into Year 6. Freya (7) was happy in school and Olly (3) was about to start pre-school. Our children are quietly confident, sociable and part of a loving and extended family. We had recently fell in love with caravanning and enjoyed spending time together as a family, and extended family, at local campsites.
We had worked hard, we had been conscientious. We had 7 years left on our mortgage. Finances will play a part in almost any major family decision and most international teaching decisions – some where, somehow. Our decision to seek an international role was not motivated financially, however, it would give my wife the opportunity to be a full time mother.
Regrettably my father had been unwell and at the outset of our conversations, we knew we had to be able to get home promptly should we need to. My father would not get better.
We are very close to our extended family. Us moving away would not be their preferred option. Understandable, our conversations would have a wider impact on our family relationships.
I am only telling you this to illustrate that every experience is unique. Everyone’s circumstances are different and any one person’s advice is limited in it’s application. Professionally, personally, family, financially… you can add to that list; values, hopes and ambitions, all unique.
Lastly, be aware of ‘chance.’ As you are making your decisions and narrowing your focus, life goes on around you. Planning is important, but the plan itself will most likely flex with circumstance.
Make no mistake – this is a significant decision and when you speak with knowledgeable, experienced international educationalists and recruiters, they will remind you of this fact.
Next: Thinking to intending