Thinking international

Before I married my wife, the church where we were getting married required we attended a days counselling – “Preparing for married life.” We heard from the Reverend, marriage counsellors, a divorce solicitors and a church couple, thirty-five years married. This is my first recollection of sharing with my wife that together, one day, I wanted to see more of the world.

Nearly two years ago, my wife and I started discussing an international teaching / family experience. Last week I arrived in Dubai, expectantly, looking forward to my new role at Deira International School.

To create an outstanding, multi-cultural learning community which empowers students to achieve their potential, become life-long learners and responsible global citizens.

DIS Vision

This post is a short note of thanks to a handful of very generous and busy educators and supporters who gave up their time to offer advice and support. Certainly the advice to

…seize the right opportunity when it presents itself. The timing is not always perfect, you may need to consider some short term pain for long term gain.

…was listened to, and enacted upon, hence my 18 months planning was shortened to just 13 months. If you are considering international teaching – here is my journal in full. My experience, circumstances and opinions will not match yours – however, feel free to borrow from it, comment upon it and potentially add to it where appropriate. If you are already teaching overseas and have other nuggets of advice, do let me know so that I can add to the post.

Lastly, a sincere note of thanks to Bill and Alison Turner of Search Associates. Bill and Alison have been, and continue to be, understanding and supportive. Thank you.

Thank you also to those staff at DIS that supported my arrival, helped me settle in, and to those staff that have just dropped by to say “good morning” or given generously of their time. It is a long list and I dare not miss anyone.