Blog Posts - Read All About It!

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For-profit Versus Not-for-profit International Schools

by David Carpenter - 10/15/2024

The number of international schools continues to grow, especially For-Profit schools. What are the differences between For-Profit and Not-For-Profit schools? ? How can we compare them? This post provides the answers to these important questions and more...

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Profiling Schools, Cities and Countries

by David Carpenter and Audrey Forgeron - 11/7/2023

Moving to a new school, city and country often involves a bit of a leap of faith. Nonetheless, it's possible to minimize some of the anxiety and eliminate some of the "fingers crossed" feelings by methodically profiling the various locations you may be considering. We consistently advocate for doing research when recruiting to learn about schools, host cities, and countries.

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Long-Term Subbing in International Schools

by David Carpenter - 10/18/2024

One way to gain (or regain!) entry into international education is as a long-term substitute.

I consulted Gemini and our resource library to create a list of resources for subbing internationally. Several resources are available to help you find opportunities at international schools...

International Health Insurance for Expatriates and Global Nomads

by David Carpenter - 2/21/2024

What are your plans for health insurance if you retire to a country other than your home country? 

When I was leaving my last overseas position, I paid for the standard COBRA policy from my current provider to cover me until I either started a job in the US to get coverage or retired and needed to purchase a policy...

Podcast - The Foundational Series of Podcast Episodes

by David Carpenter - 2/14/2024

We created the foundational series of episodes for newcomers to International Education to help answer their questions as they begin their overseas teaching journey...

Article - Becoming an International Educator

by David Carpenter - 1/20/2024

So, you think you might want to teach internationally? If so, you are starting in exactly the right place. I am going to “start at the very beginning” and help you to understand exactly what international schools are all about...

Article - Perks of Teaching Internationally

by David Carpenter - 1/20/2024

In addition to incredible travel opportunities, what can make international teaching terrific? Let me start with the “biggies” and then move on to a few perks that veteran international teachers know so well...

Article - What to Consider in Schools and Countries When Recruiting

by David Carpenter and Audrey Forgeron - 1/20/2024

A huge question for new and veteran international teachers alike is what to look for (and look out for!) when seeking a new school and country. Naturally, we hope to receive offers from excellent schools in fantastic places that check many boxes for what we want! 

Let’s start with what to seek in a new location...

Wellness: Pivoting Out of International Education Using the PERMAH Pillars

by David Carpenter - 9/19/2023

Are you considering pivoting out of International Education?  This post provides information to help you take action to leverage the principles of Positive Psychology to make changes in your life in a way that will effectively support your ongoing wellness...

Wellness: PERMAH Pivot Plan

by David Carpenter - 9/8/2023

From time to time, the topics of Wellness and Positive Psychology come up in the podcast. This post provides information to help you take action to leverage the principles of Positive Psychology to make changes in your life...

Article - Thought Experiment: Is International Teaching for Me?

by Audrey Forgeron and David Carpenter - 8/24/2023

Making the decision to “go global” often involves a rather big leap of faith. We offer the following questions to get you thinking about who you are and how well you might adapt to international teaching and living...

Three Big Ways in Which the Pandemic Has Changed Recruitment for International Schools

by Guest Blogger Diane Jacoutot of Edvectus - 8/8/2023

The Covid pandemic has made indelible changes in all facets of life. But how has it changed international school recruitment? Diane Jacoutot at Edvectus outlines three significant ways.

Designing and Implementing an Elementary School Wellness Program

by David Carpenter - 5/22/2023

OK, this topic might not jump out at you, but it connects to our Wellness theme, a major trend in international education. If your school has or is designing a Wellness program, read on because what I will share for the Elementary division can also be applied to Middle and High School...

What's Next for International Schools in China?

by Guest Blogger, Claire Gaul - 5/18/2023

Have you been wondering about the current state of international schools in China as they emerge from the pandemic-driven lockdowns? Author Claire Gaul did some sleuthing on this topic and has come up with some interesting insights. Read on...

Meet Audrey: Podcast Co-host

by Audrey Forgeron - 5/15/2023

Why Educators Going Global?

I first “went global” in 1990 when I upped stakes in Ottawa, Canada (woot!) and moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The initial contract was for two years, but I only planned to stay for one...

Travel Through an Art Lens: A Case Study

by David Carpenter - 4/19/2023

What is your favorite flavor of the arts? How often do you connect with the arts during your travels? How can you connect with the art community upon arriving at your destination?  I offer this case study of my efforts to answer these questions from my time teaching and traveling in Vietnam...

This is How We Travel...And You?

by David Carpenter - 4/15/2023

Do you see yourself as a traveler or as a tourist? David explores the theme of "Our approach to travel" and offers some insights on the difference between the two...

Going Mobile with the EGG Podcast

by David Carpenter - 4/7/2023

Our data on the podcast tells us that many are listening via their computers. If this works for folks, then keep on listening! But if some of you are still getting familiar with using a podcasting app on your mobile device, we are here to facilitate that...

Introducing The Consortium of Overseas Student Teaching (COST) Program

by David Carpenter - 3/26/2023

Did you know that teacher candidates in some U.S. universities can do their student teaching overseas? What an opportunity, right! Read on to learn more...

Podcast Episode 16B - Bonus Series: Demystifying Taxes and Investing for Americans with Dr. Jeff Devens

3/23/2023

In this three-part bonus series, we take a deep dive into some very important aspects of tax filing and nest egg building for American citizens.  Even if money is not your thing, this series will help you save a lot -- if it prompts you to, as our guest Jeff Devens suggests, start asking critical questions...

Are You Considering a Roth 401(k)?

by David Carpenter - 3/23/2023

If your school offers a retirement program, what are your options?

We consistently say on the podcast to do your research and to ask questions. This approach applies to the recruiting process and to all aspects of life as an international educator. From signing a lease on an apartment to buying a car to all that goes into finances, put in the time to research and ask questions of people “in the know” to help you make these important decisions...

The Importance of Developing a Community of International School Educators

by Ron Rosenow (ISC) - 3/10/2023

Year after year, the ISC (International School Community) website gets thousands of new members joining ranging from experienced international school teachers to those who have never worked at an international school before, from heads of schools to classroom teachers, and from admissions coordinators to even parents and students...

Wellness: How Can Leveraging Character Strengths Improve My Life?

by David Carpenter - 1/1/2023

"Character strengths are the positive qualities individuals have—as reflected in their thoughts, feelings, and actions—that promote the well-being of themselves and others." (GGIE)

You will discover that often you will engage several character strengths simultaneously. Just as engaging your strengths supports you, they support each other...

Wellness: Why You Should Leave Your Comfort Zone - and 7 Ways to Do So

by David Carpenter - 1/1/2023

I have written this blog post to provide wellness information and to help readers when they approach transitions. Whether you are considering becoming an international educator or preparing for your fourth move, you should consider how to prepare. ..

Wellness: Boost Your Wellness Using PERMAH

by David Carpenter - 1/1/2023

The acronym PERMAH relates to the core elements of psychological well-being. By regularly engaging with each of these pillars, we can increase our ability to flourish by focusing on our strengths and designing a great life for ourselves...

Meet David: Podcast Co-host

by David Carpenter - 12/15/2022

Learn about my pathway to the Educators Going Global Podcast (EGG), from my earliest days as a podcaster in 2007 to co-hosting this show with the aim of informing educators about the challenges and rewards of teaching internationally...

Health Insurance for Americans Returning to the US

by David Carpenter - 11/19/2022

What are your plans for health insurance when you return to your home country? If you are a US citizen returning to the US to work, you can get your insurance through your new employer. Most other countries have national health plans, so you are covered. But what if you are a US citizen retiring or taking a year or so sabbatical and don’t qualify for Medicare?... 

Health Insurance in Schools' Salary and Benefits Packages

by David Carpenter - 11/19/2022

We speak to salary and benefits packages in several of our podcast episodes. Our discussions led me to check the web for package descriptors of health insurance. Here are a few that I found...

Shifting From Generalized PD to Personalized Learning

by David Carpenter - 11/19/2022

I recently re-listened to Dan Taylor and John Mikton’s The International Schools Podcast, in which John interviewed my old podcasting partner Jeff Utecht and his current podcasting partner Tricia Friedman. Look to listen to the episode as they cover interesting topics, including professional development (PD)...

Transitions - Safe Passage: A Book Review

by David Carpenter - 11/19/2022

Our resource list includes many books that cover the broad topic of international education. One book is different in that it focuses on the significant effects of transitions and how best to make them... 

Trends in International Education

by David Carpenter - 11/19/2022

I have been looking forward to writing this post. As a social studies teacher and globalist, I read and listen to many thought leaders to learn what trends they see in various aspects of our world society. With the effects of the pandemic still rippling through schools and nations, I went to several of the sources at our resource library to learn what folks are thinking regarding trends affecting international schools...

Wellness: Who Should Care About Wellness in International Schools?

by David Carpenter - 11/19/2022

Awareness of the importance of the wellness (wellbeing) needs of students, teachers, staff, and administrators in international schools has increased due to the effects of the pandemic. Wellness has also become a big business, especially regarding the topic of self-care and the products and services offered to support it...

Investment with Low-Cost ETFs and Indexed Mutual Funds

by David Carpenter - 11/13/2022

Andrew Hallam writes about the value of index investing using low-cost indexed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. No matter where you are with your saving and investment planning...

Finding the Right Fit - A Book Review

by David Carpenter - 11/5/2022

Picture yourself entering a grand ballroom at a hotel surrounded by well-dressed and earnest educators. Tables with signs listing school names and job positions encircle you. You take a deep breath and...