ITP - 108: Raising a Family Overseas (What International Schools Don’t Tell You)

Greg:
Okay, welcome to the International Teacher Podcast. I am JP Mint and I am here with Kent the Cat Guy.

Matt:
Good morning, JP Mint.

Greg:
Good evening. Greg is not with us and he will be back very soon, we hope. Jess Gosling, am I pronouncing that right? Gosling? Jess Gosling is with us tonight from Bangkok, Thailand, I think I heard.

Jess:
Yes, just like Ryan. Rayong, so east of Bangkok, on the coast by the sea.

Greg:
Eastern side? Is that east of Bangkok or Hua Hin?

Jess:
That’s the west. So yes, east of Bangkok. Pattaya is above us, I live in the middle, and Rayong is just at the bottom.

Greg:
We’re going to jump right in. Are you at an international school there? Is it a British international school judging from your accent?

Jess:
At the moment I’m a trailing spouse. This is my first time in this role without having a child, so I’m completely carefree. My family are here, my husband is working in a British international school, but it’s actually IB done through the British system. My daughter is in the international school as well, but I am not.

So I’m here on the first settling year to get us all sorted. It’s been a very nice transition, I have to say.

Greg:
You’re not missing the lack of routine or classroom management?

Jess:
That’s a good question. Before I came, I was really nervous about that. I thought, how do you go from this crazy busy lifestyle to the opposite? I got a bit of coaching, which helped a lot.

Now I’m focusing on fitness and wellness. About three days a week I’m out doing things with other people, so I’m quite busy. I’m also doing mindfulness for the first time, which helps me slow down. I’m learning Thai and still staying connected to education. So it’s been really nice.

Matt:
Jess, you don’t seem like someone who sits around bored. You’ve podcasted, written blogs, written a book, and earned a degree. How do you manage your time?

Jess:
When I had a full-time job, it was difficult. Other things slide when you’re busy. Writing the book came during COVID when we were stuck for three years.

I thought, I’ll just write a book. I was already blogging and felt there was a need. But yes, when you’re too busy, something always gives.

Greg:
Can you tell us the title of that book?

Jess:
Becoming a Successful International Teacher.

Matt:
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? Did you always want to be a teacher?

Jess:
Not really. I always knew I wanted to live abroad. I started traveling young, backpacking around Ireland at 15.

At 19 I came to Thailand and loved it. I also visited Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, but kept coming back here.

After my degree, my partner and I went to Japan to teach English. It was a shock and very hard work, but it gave us insight into teaching.

We went back to the UK to qualify, stayed two years, but it didn’t feel right. It’s a tough system. Then we went to Egypt during the revolution and stayed two years before moving on.

I didn’t realise teaching was for me at first. I enjoyed working with children but didn’t connect it to a career. I also thought teachers had to be loud and extroverted, which I’m not. But there’s room for different personalities.

I’m very glad I chose it.

Greg:
What were you teaching?

Jess:
Key stage one, ages five to seven, but more recently early years, around three to five. It’s hard work but a lot of fun.

Greg:
Was your qualification a PGCE?

Jess:
Yes, a one-year PGCE. It’s intense, combining coursework and teaching. If I’d known earlier, I might have preferred a three-year education degree.

Then there’s an induction year. I stayed an extra year because international schools usually want two years of experience.

Matt:
What advice would you give someone in the UK wanting to teach internationally?

Jess:
It depends. SCITT lets you train in schools while earning. PGCE is quicker but intense. If you know it’s your career, a longer degree can be better.

I later did a master’s in early years, which helped me specialise.

Greg:
Are master’s degrees becoming expected?

Jess:
Not necessarily. Schools focus more on interviews now. They also value things like social media work and contributions to education communities.

Greg:
Tell us about your social media work.

Jess:
I created a Facebook group about five years ago because other groups could be quite negative. Mine is based on kindness and respect.

It’s called New to International Schools Teachers. It’s for beginners, but experienced teachers also contribute advice. I share blogs, podcasts, and resources.

Matt:
What do new international teachers want to know?

Jess:
Mainly how to find a job. There are more people entering the field now, across a wider age range.

Greg:
Is your book for British teachers only?

Jess:
No, it’s for everyone. Some parts are UK-specific, but most applies broadly. It covers finding jobs, preparing, and settling in.

Greg:
So it’s both job search and transition support?

Jess:
Exactly. It’s a step-by-step guide from decision to thriving abroad.

Greg:
Jess, how do you find jobs?

Jess:
I haven’t had great experiences with recruiters. I found salaries were often lower than direct applications.

I mainly use TES, which is free and effective. I apply widely, sometimes 30 jobs or more. It’s a process, and you improve with practice.

Greg:
And research is key.

Jess:
Absolutely. I ask around, use LinkedIn, and try to speak to current teachers. It’s important to know if a school is a good fit.

Matt:
Let’s talk early childhood education.

Jess:
It should be relationship-based first. Personal, social, and emotional development is key. Systems can be too demanding too early.

Children aren’t all ready to read and write at four or five. We need a more child-centered approach.

Greg:
International schools allow more flexibility.

Jess:
Yes, especially with EAL learners. You can adapt more.

Matt:
Tell us about your daughter growing up internationally.

Jess:
She’s 10. Mostly positives. We chose for me not to work this year to support her transition.

She’s lived in Vietnam, Taiwan, and Poland. She loves Thailand. The main downside is missing extended family, but we stay connected.

Greg:
How is school for her?

Jess:
Very supportive. She had a tough first week but is thriving now. Lots of extracurricular options.

Greg:
She’s a true third culture kid.

Jess:
Yes, but she still identifies the UK as home.

Matt:
What’s next for you?

Jess:
Continuing social media and supporting teachers. I’m also involved with WomenEd, promoting female leadership.

Matt:
Tell us about that.

Jess:
It’s a global grassroots organisation supporting women into leadership roles. It’s very empowering and supportive, and open to allies.

Greg:
Advice for someone considering international teaching?

Jess:
Prepare and research. Talk to people, attend events, and understand the reality.

Research schools carefully. And remember, most contracts are two years, so it’s a manageable commitment.

Matt:
Final thoughts.

Greg:
Really glad Jess joined us. Great conversation.

Matt:
Jess?

Jess:
Thank you. I hope this helps people considering the move.

Matt:
Thanks to JP Mint and Jess Gosling. I’m Kent the Cat Guy. See you next time.

[End of transcript]