While there are many ways that teaching is a rewarding experience in whatever way you do it, I have found it particularly rewarding at an International School. Here are a few reasons why:
1) International schools not only attract the local people in the environment, but also a large number of international students who reside in that environment. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to not only learn about Guatemalan culture, but Korean, Hebrew, Arabic and Brazilian. I have students who offer to share their knowledge of foreign alphabets, foods, and customs. They love to switch roles and be my teacher and I really enjoy learning from them.
2)Guatemalan schools start in January. Particularly at this moment, I am grateful that I work in an International school where, in January, I am halfway through my school year!
3)I am constantly able to improve my Spanish vocabulary. With many local teachers more than happy to help me out with a word or phrase I don't understand, my Spanish has gotten much better since I began my job teaching in Guatemala. I appreciate having highly intelligent and bilingual people to learn from.
4) Teachers at International schools come from all over the world! Because of this I am constantly learning about new places and things I had limited knowledge of before. Not only do many teachers come from other places, but, after making new friends who were here last year, I now know people scattered in their new assignments all over the world. I get to read about current events in their countries and learn new things with them virtually. It's pretty amazing!
Have you ever attended or taught at an International school? What were your experiences? If not, would you like to?
I've never taught at an international school, but it sounds really worthwhile in terms of learning a new culture as well as learning the native language. I'm pretty tied to my location right now, but I'd love to do something like this.
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