Member Spotlight #42: Carl Gavin (An international teacher working in Thailand)

Every so often International School Community is looking to highlight one of our members in our Member Spotlight blog category.  This month we interviewed Carl Gavin:

Tell us about your background.  Where are you from?

I was born in Sussex in the UK but at three months of Age my family moved to Yemen and my globetrotting began! I actually left school at 16 and joined the RAF where I had 10 great years ending up flying Chinook and Puma helicopters in air tests around the South of England but then reality bit and I needed to make my mind up as to whether to sign on for the full 22 years or to leave and get a “proper” job. I decided upon the latter and was lucky enough to find a 2 year teaching degree which took into account my RAF qualifications. After I graduated I found a job teaching at the John Lyon School in Harrow which was great. I was trained as a cricket coach as well as an Outward Bound and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award leader, things which have helped me later on in my career.

How did you get started in the international teaching community?

In 1998 my then girlfriend, now wife, and I decided to travel further afield that normal for our summer break. We had 8 weeks holiday and jetted off to Bangkok to discover South East Asia. One evening in a bar on Koh Samui we met a couple who were teachers in Hong Kong at an ESF school and our futures were sealed. We had no idea that we could teach our subjects overseas to the same exam standards as in the UK but after we returned we spent the next year scouring the pages, yes pages, no online apps in those days, of the TES looking for jobs in Thailand. As it turned out there were no suitable ones for DT and Geography teachers but we managed to pick ones up at Garden International School in Kuala Lumpur. We were on our way.

Which international schools have you worked at?  Please share some aspects of the schools that made them unique and fun places in which to work.

We have now been overseas for 26 years and have worked at quite a few schools. Garden in KL, Bangkok Patana, St Christophers in Bahrain, Dulwich College in China and now a few more franchise schools back in Bangkok where we also saw the birth of our two children. They all had their quirks and as with all schools good points and not so good. One of the things that I have always treasured is the people that we have met along the way. People from many countries and walks of life but who seem to be of a common mindset to get out and to explore the countries that we have chosen to live in. We are still in touch with many and have visited them in Australia, South Africa and other parts of the world. In my first year I led a group of Y-7 to 10 kids in a climb of Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in Asia. Bangkok Patana was notable for the wonderful year group trips that we went on as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s award trips to the likes of Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket and Sam Roi Yot. We weren’t at St Christopher’s very long but we did manage some interesting D of E trips in the rocky desert, weekend trips to Qatar and Oman as well as a wonderful ski trip to Switzerland. China was a wonderful time, the school was new and exciting but travelling to Tibet, The Great Wall, Chengdu to see the pandas as well as -30 degree Harbin for the ice festival will live with me for ever, we also travelled to Switzerland and Russia, Hong Kong and the Philippines on school trips. Back now in Bangkok and with a family times are a little different to our first time here but we actually had a good time during covid when travel outside the country was barred but not internal so we had two eight week summer breaks on Koh Samui when it was almost empty except for other international teachers and the locals as well as a wonderful Christmas break driving around the hilly and beautiful North of the country. We have an almost full bingo card with 2 coups, A tsunami, our home being flooded to 4 feet, Covid, SARS and just this March our first proper earthquake. No one can ever say that things have been dull.

Describe your latest cultural encounter (or reverse cultural encounter) in your current placement, one that put a smile on your face.

Before flying to the UK for the summer I flew up to Sukhothai about an hour North of Bangkok. It is an ex Thai capital city from the 12th and 13th centuries as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site and is full of architectural wonders from a bygone age. I spent a week riding around on a bike taking in the sites and taking endless photographs. Thailand never ceases to surprise with its beauty and wealth of ancient monuments.

What are some important things that you look for when you are searching for a new position at an international school?

Because I have been around the block a few times one of the first things that I will do is to see if I know anyone who works there. First hand experience trumps website blather every time.

If I can visit the school I will for the same reason as above.

I look at the website to see how professional the place looks and also to look at the facilities if I am unable to visit.

If it were to be in a country I had not lived in before I would look at the package and then try to work out the type of lifestyle that it would afford me.

Exam results, I have a family and want what is best for them

The health insurance is important not just because I am getting older but because if a school does not look after its employees health then what other ways does it skimp?

I always look at the websites where real teachers tell their stories. Many can be taken with a pinch of salt but if there is a pattern over 20 or so reviews then there is probably some truth to them.

In exactly 5 words, how would you describe the international school teaching experience?

Exhilarating, Enlightening, Entertaining, Eclectic but above all Enjoyable!

Thanks, Carl!

If you are a member of International School Community and would like to be our next member spotlight, contact us here.  After we highlight you, you will receive one year free of premium access to our website!

Interested in comparing the schools and comments in Bangkok. Check out our blog post here.

What If Leadership Started with Knowing Yourself?

For international school students navigating a world of shifting identities, academic pressure, and global connection, developing a strong sense of self is essential. In environments shaped by mobility, diversity, and high expectations, emotional intelligence isn’t just helpful—it’s foundational.

That’s why The Best Version of Me workshops place self-awareness and emotional literacy at the centre of student development. These workshops align strongly with the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, particularly its emphasis on personal growth, learner agency, and reflective practice. Whether schools are offering the PYP, MYP or DP, this framework supports the IB mission to develop “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people” who are ready to contribute to a more peaceful world.

At Kings Baptist Grammar School in South Australia, this program has been embedded into the Middle School experience. Across a full school year, students take part in termly sessions exploring emotional intelligence through themes such as personal values, goal-setting, self-management, and relationship building.

This isn’t just about leadership training—it’s about life skills. All students engage in the workshops, regardless of whether they hold a formal role. The aim is to help them understand who they are and how they want to show up in their relationships, schools, and communities.

For those in elected leadership positions, the journey is extended through additional sessions that apply emotional intelligence in practical leadership settings—teamwork, communication under pressure, and leading with purpose.

Katina, Deputy Head of Middle School at Kings Baptist, shared:

“The Best Version of Me workshops have empowered our Year 6 students and Years 7–9 House Captains to build confidence and develop a stronger sense of self by reflecting on their personal values, strengths and areas for continuous growth. Through interactive sessions they have learnt how to set meaningful goals and lead with purpose. These workshops have been a powerful tool to enable personal growth and leadership development, helping students to emerge and flourish as leaders. I could not recommend this program enough.”

The program is highly adaptable to different international contexts. Whether delivered in a single term or across a full year, The Best Version of Me provides schools with a structured yet flexible platform for developing confident, reflective and emotionally intelligent young people.

If your school is seeking new ways to nurture authentic leadership, deepen student wellbeing, or strengthen IB-aligned personal development—The Best Version of Me could be a valuable next step.

To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, visit Global Community Sports or reach out directly via our contact page.

About the Author

Rick Shrowder is the founder of Global Community Sports, a South Australian-based organisation working across Australia, India and the UK to empower communities through sport and education. With 25 years of experience in coaching, mentoring and youth development, Rick has led projects in over 70 schools, universities and community settings—building programs that champion inclusion, empathy and personal growth.

Connect with Rick at www.globalcommunitysports.com

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!)

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