Which Popular ISC Blog Articles Are in the Top 10 Most Viewed List?

Our blog gets hundreds of views every day. One time we had over 2200 views in one day!

ISC writes and publishes many of the articles on our blog, but we also have a growing number of member-submitted articles. These articles are submitted by people new to international teaching, seasoned international school educators, and those people that have retired from international education. Member-submitted articles come from parents, authors, directors, teachers, students, companies, etc.

Since 2011, the ISC blog has been viewed over 250,000 times! But which blog articles were the ones that our readers wanted to check out and read the most? We’ll start with #10 and move down to the most popular article on our blog.

#10 The 40 Most Viewed Schools on International School Community

“So interesting, our top 40 school profiles with the most views page. It’s like, which school is the most popular amongst our 13K+ members? Before reading below or checking out the page, which schools do you think show up on this list? Are the ones at the top those “Tier one” international schools that we all hear about? You might be surprised which schools are really on this list then…”

#9 How NOT to save money when working as an international school teacher #3: Send money home every month (Mortgage, College Debt, etc.)

“Not all teachers decide to move abroad because they have a sense for adventure. It is because they need to save some money to pay off their debts; which we all know is something hard to accomplish as a teacher back in your home country…”

#8 Top 10 reasons why summer vacation isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for an international school teacher

“One of the best things about being an international school teacher is that we have the ability to travel, sometimes much more than if we were teaching in our home country.  *Some items in this list are meant to be “tongue-in-cheek” and making fun of our “first world people problems” that we sometimes experience while traveling around the world. Of course we love this ability to travel and appreciate every minute of it…”

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#7 Comparing the Schools and Comments: Working in Shanghai, China

“The full salary is paid in RMB. The school adds an extra 500 RMB towards utility bills. The yearly pay is divided into 12 months. For newcomers, their first pay is in September 20th, although school starts early August. This is clearly stated in the contract but those new teachers coming in need to be aware of this that they won’t see money until September…”

#6 Comparing the Schools and Comments: Working in Bangkok, Thailand

“In 2012 the school implemented the Literacy by Design program for K3 – Grade 4, and the IB Diploma Programme in 2013. It also began scheduling more consistent weekly professional development meetings in 2013, including WASC focus and home group sessions, and grade-level meetings. As of 2012, it joined EARCOS and now regularly sends its staff to the annual conferences…”

#5 Top 10 Things a Recruiting Int’l Teacher is 😟 Worrying About in November

“Yes, it is November and many international school teachers are already thinking about the next school year (18-19). Actually, many of these teachers started recruiting back in September or August! It is necessary to recruit this early because international schools seem to be hiring earlier and earlier every year. Additionally, the international school recruitment fairs are also requiring candidates to have already applied to attend their fairs by now; by November you are most likely too late to apply to attend one (especially the ones in Bangkok)…”

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#4 Comparing the Schools and Comments: Working in Kuala Lumpur

“The school’s workload is average. We certainly hear of neighboring (similar caliber) schools who expect a lot more out of their teaching staff. In addition to a normal teaching day, teachers also are expected to lead 2 after school activities (running 10 weeks long each) per year. Coaching satisfies this requirement. This is standard for international schools in Malaysia, as the government requires schools to offer ASAs. Some teachers work…”

#3 Comparing the Schools and Comments: Working in Singapore

“The 2 campuses are in the west side and east side of the city. The west side, Lakeside, is on the MRT line that will go into the city centre. The east coast campus, Tanjong Katong, you need to take a bus to the MRT which will then go into the city. The bus will also take you into downtown within about half an hour to 40 mins depending on where you live. Most…”

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#2 Top Ten Tips For International School Teachers To Build A Solid Retirement

“Many international school teachers don’t think enough about retirement.  And that’s understandable.  The whole concept can seem confusing.  Andrew Hallam, however, says it isn’t.  He says that those who fail to plan are planning to fail. That could mean eating dog food instead of gourmet, during your golden years…”

#1 Top 10 Character Traits of a Seasoned International School Teacher

“A seasoned international school teacher (SIST) has worked at 3+ international schools in more than three parts of the world (or more).  They know the ins and outs of international schools.  They now have many old friends (from international schools that they’ve worked at) that have since moved on and now live in all parts of the world.  Many teachers say that they originally meant to be abroad for only 2-3 years, but once you get into the international school community, it is easy to get hooked…”

Keep checking out our blog every week. We typically post a new article every 3-6 days. If you are interested in submitting an article to our blog as a guest author, email us at editor @ internationalschoolcommunity.com . All guest authors receive between 6-12 months of free premium membership to our website!

Is Teaching in Norway for Everyone?

Norway is often a country that people dream of for a holiday destination, its fjords, mountains and forests are universally admired, rightly so!  When visitors do arrive, they generally find exactly what they expected, natural beauty, friendly people and great food.  Norway never disappoints visitors, at least not when you come prepared and forewarned about the weather!

Strangely enough, Norway is NOT on a list of must go to places for international school teachers seeking to develop their careers.  To be honest, I would never have picked Norway as a place to teach, it never entered my head.  I was used to how things worked in Asia, having worked in both Singapore and China. I had worked in the UAE and to be honest, like most, Norway and other Scandinavian countries did not even register as a possible destination.

I had been thinking about trying to land a position in Europe, to gain exposure to new schools, but also because the lifestyle would be so different from what I had been used to in Asia and the Middle East.  My idea was to go to Italy or perhaps Switzerland, however, while trolling the internet for open positions, I found a couple of vacancies in Norway.  It seemed such an unusual place to work, so I did not hesitate to send in an application.  As a teacher with a trailing spouse and two children, often, schools balk at the idea of even considering me.  The beauty of Europe is, if you are a solid teacher, you will have as much opportunity as the next person. 

After a couple of interviews, I was on my way!  I could not believe it!  I was given information on how to get my working papers sorted, it was a long, but not difficult process if you already have most of all the required documents.  My advice to anyone considering Norway as a place to work, start this process BEFORE applying for jobs.  You will need to have your degree qualified by both NOKUT (the people who check that degrees are valid and real) as well as UDIR (the Education Ministry.)  This process is free, but lengthy.

I used a website (Finn.No) to help find an apartment and waited for my papers to come through, eventually, starting work on a temporary permit (1 year.)  Eventually, of course the agreements from both NOKUT and UDIR were complete and I became a longer term visa holder. 

I have been at my school for the past 3 years.  I think, for me, this is the most amazing country to teach in, if you can handle the cold and dark in winter of course, and the sun and warmth of summer too!  As a family, there is no shortage of amazing experiences to be had here in Oslo: long hikes around a multitude of lakes, forests and rivers, ferries along the Oslo Fjord and of course, winter comes with skiing, skating and other winter activities.  Christmas in Norway is delightful. If you are like me, from the Southern Hemisphere, a white Christmas will be a novelty! 

My school is a privately owned organisation that is supported by the government.  This means we must meet certain Norwegian standards as far as curriculum and number of days taught.  I have only positive things to say about my school.  However, on a broader scope, international schools in Norway are fast developing.  There are 2 English speaking schools in Oslo, plus others in Asker, Trondheim, Bergen, Kongsberg, Tromso, Arendal, Alesund, Stavanger and Moss to name just a few.  Choose carefully, remember, Norway is a huge country and the population is not great. 

I have found I have had great PD and certainly, within the IB world, there is great connectivity between schools in Norway, ensuring that new ideas flow and are shared.  The teaching hours are great and at least at my school, we do not offer out-of-hours programs (this is because there are so many opportunities for children to be involved outside of school) which frees me up to prepare and concentrate on my own programs.  Holiday times are magical, the biggest issue is to decide where to go!  Prague, Rome, London or stay here in Norway and see this amazing country (don’t forget to get up north to take a look at the Northern Lights.)

If I were to pick a negative to living here, it is quite simply the cost.  If you do not have two incomes, it will be very difficult to get by.  A single teacher should manage, but a married teacher, with a non working spouse will find it difficult.

Would I come again?  Absolutely!  Teaching in Norway has been the best decision, as a teacher and as a parent, that I have made.  It’s true, I have not saved much, but, the experience, the lifestyle and the work life has been second to none.  I think it will be difficult to find anything better than this, anywhere.

This article was submitted by ISC member and guest author, Shane Blackbourn. Shane is a PYP5 teacher at Norlights International School in Oslo, Norway.  This is his third year at the school.  He is married, with 2 daughters who also attend the school. 

Comparing the Schools and Comments: Working in India

Around the world, there are countries (like India) that have more than one international school. Many times there is an American school, a British School, and an international school that uses an international curriculum.

Some countries, though, have MANY international schools!  When that is the case, how do the comments about each school compare to each other?

This blog series looks at comparing some of these comments, all coming from international schools in the same country.

India

Currently, we have 133 schools listed in India on International School Community.

32 of these schools have had comments submitted on them. Here are some that have the most submitted comments:

American Embassy School New Delhi (39 Total Comments)
American School of Bombay (34 Total Comments)
Good Shepherd International School (409 Total Comments)
Hebron School (35 Total Comments)
Indus International School (Pune) (43 Total Comments)
Kodaikanal International School (35 Total Comments)
Oberoi International School (36 Total Comments)
Woodstock School (95 Total Comments)

Amount of Money Left to be Saved

“It depends on lifestyle. If you like the posh life, your money will be spent quickly at Mumbai’s many hotels and bars. However, if you live a more modest lifestyle and travel around India, you can easily save half of your salary. Expat couples with no kids can live on one salary.” – Oberoi International School

“Bonuses paid to expat staff who renew contracts are the main savings or opportunity to pay down student loans. Very little savings monthly, most people spend it during the generous breaks sightseeing Asia. Comfortable cost of living in India.” – Woodstock School

“See above for monthly salary – due to the unique nature of the school and it’s ethos, this really depends on your own situation, budget, and spending habits.” – Hebron School

School Campus

“The school has a beautiful green campus in the heart of Delhi’s diplomatic district. There are three elementary buildings, and separate MS/HS buildings. In addition, there are shared spaces for PE and athletics, swimming, Performing Arts, cafeterias, etc. The neighborhood features many embassies and other compounds, but there is also a “camp” with a large population of squatters across the street from the on-campus faculty housing complex.” – American Embassy School New Delhi

“The campus is beautiful. It is probably the best thing about the school. It has its flaws, but it is a terrific environment for living and learning.” – Kodaikanal International School

“Not much changes in the Fernhill Campus, the reason is that the Junior campus will soon move together with the Main Campus.” – Good Shepherd International School

Housing Information

“The school owns all the apartments and they are all beautiful safe and guarded either inside the campus or walking distance from the school” – Good Shepherd International School

“School provides furnished housing for expat teachers.” – Oberoi International School

“Cold winters with little indoor heat – wood stoves most common. Think rustic and adventure and you will not be disappointed. Some of the homes updated, others have more historic character. All require walking/hiking to work and to town. Utilities negligible, except cost of fuel for heat in winters.” – Woodstock School

“There is an allowance for housing which covers expenses as well.” – American School of Bombay

Health Insurance and Medical Benefits

“Fine for minor things. Setting not recommended if specialist consultation is required or for faculty with ongoing medical conditions. The hillside alone requires a decent level of fitness (or will soon provide an opportunity for fitness!).” – Woodstock School

“Health cover within India is included, and if need be can include arrangements for travel to home country in extreme circumstances. There is on site team of nurses who provide care in a ‘hoz.’ Local clinics and hospitals are surprisingly good for India.” – Hebron School

“They will count your absence when you are sick as deductible unless you have worked during your day off or exeats which translate to 7 days a week of work. Even the car that you used to go down to a decent hospital will be charged to you.” – Good Shepherd International School

“There is a doctor on site but in general the schools’ medical services are not well respected. Staff can now go to other local hospitals for medical treatment.” – Kodaikanal International School

(These are just 4 of the 65 different comments topics that on each school profile page on our website.)

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