The New International Teachers Have Arrived… and They Can’t Stop Comparing!
Every August, it happens again. A wave of fresh faces shows up at your international school—excited, energetic, and brimming with potential. They carry with them the promise of new ideas, innovation, and the kind of energy that makes everyone think, yes, this is going to be a great year.
And then… lunchtime hits.
That dreaded phrase inevitably drops, sometimes casually, sometimes with a sigh:
“Well, at my last school…”
Cue the inner eye-roll.
Guilty As Charged
I’ll be honest—I’ve been that teacher. Twice. I know exactly what it’s like to arrive in a new country and immediately compare everything: the pay, the students, the cafeteria food, even the commute. Looking back, I’m amazed anyone wanted to sit with me at lunch in those early weeks. (To the colleagues who endured my endless stories about my time in Singapore—you deserve medals.)
So when I hear the new hires now, six weeks into the school year, still holding court about how things were “so much better” back at their old school, I get it. Really, I do. International hires bring a wealth of experiences that can strengthen and enrich their new community. But maybe—just maybe—there’s a better way to share those insights without turning every conversation into a round of “Guess how much better it was where I used to work.”
The Top 10 Most Annoying Things New Teachers Say
Here’s my list of the greatest hits I’ve heard from new teachers over the years. If you’re a veteran, you’ve heard these too. If you’re new—maybe consider this a gentle warning!
At my last school…
1. “We got paid more and had better benefits.”
– That’s too bad. Maybe next time check the package before signing.
2. “The students were more respectful and quieter.”
– Or maybe it’s time to tighten up those routines and management strategies.
3. “Everyone spoke English—parents and kids.”
– Welcome to international education! You’re here to teach English, not inherit it. As for parents, there’s usually a translator a WhatsApp message away.
4. “We were a Mac school, with iPads for every teacher. The facilities were amazing.”
– Research your next move carefully—shiny tech and fancy gyms aren’t always part of the deal.
5. “Lunch is so greasy here.”
– You’re complaining about free food? With unlimited salad and fruit? Come on.
6. “Everyone was best friends at my last school.”
– That’s because they’d worked together for years. Friendships don’t appear during orientation week; you’ve got to invest the time.
In my last city/country…
7. “The commute was shorter.”
– Cars, scooters, bikes, buses—it’s all part of the adventure.
8. “Healthcare was better, and the doctors spoke English.”
– Plenty do here too—and yes, healthcare might even be free. Language? Give it a shot yourself.
9. “This city is dirty/smelly/chaotic.”
– And yet, you’re living in a place where mountains, beaches, and skyscrapers are often within a short drive. Not bad.
10. “Everyone spoke English.”
– Then why move abroad? Learning to live in another language is half the joy.
Remember Why You Moved
We all carry fond memories of our last schools, our favourite cities, and our previous expat lives. But it’s important to remember: things weren’t perfect there either, or else you wouldn’t have left. There were reasons you chose to make this move. Reasons you wanted a fresh start.
So, new teachers—share your knowledge, bring your expertise, but don’t let your comparisons drown out the present. Because the best part of international teaching isn’t behind you—it’s in the opportunities you have right now.
This article was submitted by a guest author and International School Community member.
(Originally hailing from Connecticut, but a true New England-er through and through, this member was born to two fun loving Irish folks who instilled the love of culture, tradition and travel at ripe young age. They spent the majority of my childhood traveling back and forth between the US and Ireland/England, visiting family and thus began their life abroad. After graduating from Springfield College (Massachusetts) and with a bit of luck, a colleague recommended a job in Singapore, which in turn started their International Teaching Career. After a few years in Singapore, it was time to head somewhat closer to home and they landed a job at the American School of Barcelona, teaching 4th and 5th Grade, where they’re currently at. Food, traveling, reading, family/friends and football (Gaelic) are the few things they can´t live without!)
