I recently asked the Google AI bot called "Bard": based on the ITP what are the top 10 pro reasons to become an international educator. Below is the 10 second response that was generated.
Based on the International Teacher Podcast, here are 10 pro reasons to become an international educator:
- Competitive salaries and benefits. International schools often offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, including housing, health insurance, and tuition assistance for children.
- Travel and cultural opportunities. Teaching abroad is a great way to experience new cultures and travel the world. Many international schools also offer paid vacation days and professional development opportunities that allow teachers to explore the surrounding area.
- Diverse student body. International schools typically have a diverse student body, which can be a great learning experience for both teachers and students. Teachers can learn about different cultures and perspectives, while students can benefit from being exposed to a variety of learning styles.
- Professional development opportunities. Many international schools offer professional development opportunities for teachers, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses. This can help teachers stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and best practices.
- Global connections. Teaching abroad is a great way to make global connections with other teachers, students, and families. This can be a valuable resource for both personal and professional development.
- Improved work-life balance. International schools often have smaller class sizes and a more relaxed teaching environment, which can lead to a better work-life balance for teachers.
- Job stability. The demand for international teachers is high, so there are many job opportunities available. International schools also tend to have lower turnover rates than traditional schools, which means that teachers are more likely to have job security.
- Challenge and growth. Teaching abroad can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Teachers have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally by adapting to new cultures and teaching methods.
- Impacting lives. International teachers have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their students. They can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in a globalized world.
- Adventure! Teaching abroad is an adventure that can change your life in many ways. You will experience new cultures, meet new people, and learn new things. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that everyone should consider.
And, of course, THEN...
Based on the International Teacher Podcast, 10 reasons not to become an international educator are:
- Culture shock: Moving to a new country can be a lot to handle, especially if the culture is very different from your own. You may experience culture shock, which can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and frustration.
- Language barrier: If you don't speak the local language, you may have difficulty communicating with your students, colleagues, and community members. This can make it difficult to do your job effectively and to build relationships with others.
- Homesickness: It's normal to miss your family and friends when you're living in a foreign country. Homesickness can be difficult to cope with, and it can make it hard to enjoy your new life.
- Challenging work conditions: International schools can vary widely in terms of their quality and resources. Some schools may have large class sizes, limited resources, and/or demanding parents.
- Lack of job security: International teaching contracts are typically one year long, and there is no guarantee of renewal. This can make it difficult to plan for the future and to build a stable career.
- Low salaries and benefits: International teachers often earn less than their counterparts in their home countries. They may also have fewer benefits, such as health insurance and retirement savings plans.
- Difficult visa process: Obtaining a visa to live and work in a foreign country can be a complex and time-consuming process. There is no guarantee that you will be granted a visa, even if you meet all of the requirements.
- Limited professional development opportunities: International schools may not offer as many professional development opportunities as schools in your home country. This can make it difficult to stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and research.
- Challenges of raising children in a foreign country: If you have children, you will need to consider the challenges of raising them in a foreign country. They may have difficulty adjusting to the new culture and language, and they may have limited access to educational and extracurricular activities.
- Reverse culture shock: When you return to your home country after living abroad, you may experience reverse culture shock. This can be difficult to cope with, as you may feel like you don't fit in anymore.
