Ask Headmaster Ken

Hello,

I recently graduated from university and will receive a bachelor of education degree. I will become a certified teacher in the province of Ontario, Canada, probably in June.

I would like to go overseas and teach at an international school in China, the problem is that it seems most if not all international schools require at least two years of teaching experience. I only did two five-week placements towards my degree's practicum requirement, teaching at the primary and junior middle school levels.

Are there any international schools in China, or anywhere else abroad for that matter, that accept new certified teachers?

If I can't get a job at an international school, would getting a job at a regular language school be wise? Perhaps it would be best to get a couple years of experience under my belt and then go overseas. However, I'm not getting any younger and I feel if I don't go travel now I won't be doing it for a long time.

What is the best a new certified teacher with limited experience can hope for in China? (It would also be appreciated if you could tell me this for Asia in general, or maybe that is too broad of a question.)

Thanks.

By all means, get your two years experience before applying to an International school.

At this point in your teaching career, that two years experience and a certificate will multiply your earnings down the road.

I know it sounds difficult now, but honestly, two years will fly by.

Also, slipping in under the wires with a school that has relaxed standards could backfire if standards are suddenly tightened or employees come under scrutiny by regulatory agencies.