Watch: What’s it like to be BAME and teaching overseas?
Attitudes towards diversity can differ from country to country, so we asked a panel of teachers from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to share their experience of working abroad
Changing jobs and moving to a new country come with excitement and anxiety in equal measure. For first-time international teachers, the rush of adrenaline often comes with a question about what this new life might be like, and what new customs and cultures await.
More often than not, any question can be answered through forums or via colleagues, but when it comes to questions around race and attitudes towards diversity, the experience of teachers might be very different from one country, or school, to the next.
Of course, most international schools are staffed by global citizens with a modern, tolerant attitude towards diversity. Increasingly, headteachers are keen to reflect this in their school ethos, removing bias from the interview process to ensure a diverse staff body, and also introducing a more balanced curriculum.
However, the policies and cultures within some states and countries don’t always match, and getting an accurate reflection of what life is like as a black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) expat in a far-flung corner of the world can be tough.
With this in mind, Tes senior digital editor, Simon Lock spoke to a diverse panel of teachers who have been through the application process and have forged careers within the international sector.
Natalie Cole, English and drama teacher, The British School in the Netherlands.
Stephen Sharma, head of primary, Regents International School, Pattaya, Thailand.
Donald Cleary, head of English, The International Academy, Amman, Jordan.
Watch the webinar: Diversity in international schools: what is it like as a BAME candidate?
This webinar was recorded as part of Tes’ Virtual Jobs Fair. If you’re looking to find a teaching job in the international sector fill in your details at tes.com/cv and let Tes match you with the perfect role.
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