Adventures and Challenges

The thrill of a new adventure! Landing a job at an international school can be incredibly exciting. But between packing your bags, navigating visas, and saying goodbye to loved ones, the onboarding process can sometimes feel overwhelming.

We have slowly been organising our lives for the past few months. Clearing out sheds, cupboards and sons. Nicky

Three decades ago, starting at a new international school could feel like a baptism by fire. Imagine arriving in a new country, (Hong Kong), with just a video of the school and a one-day basket of groceries! As new teachers we were left to navigate a bustling city and find our bearings alone before even reaching our school flat.

Thankfully, school onboarding practices have come a long way. Today, schools strive to create a smooth and welcoming experience for new hires, ensuring they feel supported and excited from the very beginning. While all schools approach this differently, teacher feedback has been very encouraging.

The school has already created a group chat for the new hires, giving us information about opportunities for getting involved with coaching, the school production, and even applying for Head of Department roles.  New teachers have also been contacted by the New Teacher Liaison, as well as assigned individual mentors who are able to help in answering questions as needed. Emily

Supportive Systems and Smooth Sailing

Many teachers reported positive experiences with their new schools. A few teachers reported that they made an effort to have a pre-orientation visit which answered many of their questions and calmed any anxieties.

Some school’s offered assistance with relocation and the majority reported clear communication and monthly onboarding emails. Several teachers appreciated their new school’s information regarding visa processes.

The support my school is offering is amazing. I have had support with moving admin, been offered online IB training and there is an online meet and greet with all the new hires booked for early May. Kayla

Going the Extra Mile

Some schools truly stand out for their exceptional support. The ideal onboarding process goes beyond just paperwork and logistics. Some new teacher’s were grateful for the school’s Zoom calls, WhatsApp group for the new hires, regular email updates, and the opportunity to connect with the principal. Some schools connected them with a colleague with a similar family structure, to give moving advice.

Challenges and Hiccups

Not all onboarding journeys are smooth sailing. Some teachers encountered difficulties getting documents apostilled at their current school. And the documentation process in Korea and China for example, was stricter than anticipated.

The paperwork for getting a work visa in China is quite extensive and we are having to get lots of documents apostilled (which we did not need in order to get a visa for Malaysia). This has involved sending documents back home and reapplying for more recent Police checks etc (then getting these notarized and/or apostilled). Being overseas has been an added complication, and definitely an unexpected and significant cost and time delay. For your clients moving to China my advice would be to get started on the documentation asap! Shane

Some felt a lack of guidance on finding housing and shipping options, highlighting the need for schools to address the diverse needs of new hires.

“My school new school has supported me with a huge amount of info, tips/tricks, connections etc but left the majority of the organising up to me so far, including for finding housing, flights, and shipping options. I think because the process is relatively straightforward and they want to allow people flexibility. I get the impression they would happily provide as much extra support as I need if I asked for it”. Ellie

“The most overwhelming thing for me is sorting out leaving Colombia. Extracting from the taxation system, banking etc. is going to take me about 18 months after I leave, and dealing with all the Colombian processes has been the most stressful thing overall”. Emma

And if you’re moving with children who’ll be attending your school, one teacher warns that there may be ” a mountain of paperwork required for enrollment”.

What do we hope schools offer

• Communication is Key: Clear and consistent communication from the school regarding visas, relocation, and other aspects of onboarding can significantly reduce stress for new teachers.
• Tailored Support: Some teachers may require more hand-holding than others. Schools that offer personalized support can ease the transition for new hires.
• Realistic Expectations: Understanding the typical challenges of moving to a new country can help teachers prepare effectively.

The school has been very supportive and helpful, responding very fast to all my questions and giving me all the information I need for my next steps. It helps a lot knowing they are that helpful and they are putting everything easy. Moving is going to be a bit hard, but I have people here to help and my school already provided me with all the things I would need for my new apartment (which they already provide and makes the move way easier) and the things I would need to pack or the other things I can find there. I don’t feel alone in the process and I am super excited and nervous, in a good way. Sandra

The Takeaway

As Megan aptly concludes, “This is my seventh (I think) international move and my fourth time moving with at least one cat so I have plenty of experience to draw on.”

But even seasoned veterans can benefit from a supportive onboarding process. By following these examples, international schools can create a welcoming environment that fosters a love for learning in both students and teachers. By understanding the diverse practices and potential challenges, new teachers can navigate the process with more confidence and excitement for their upcoming adventure.

Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, we are genuinely excited and looking forward to joining our new school and being a part of the school community. We are grateful for the warm welcome and support extended to us thus far. Felix