Wow...working abroad!! Something many people never even consider!! It's crazy to think that people and places all over the world need School Counselors...it was a little shocking for me too. I know many of you have so many questions and are even wondering what could make a person want to work internationally among other things!!
For me, it was as simple as a change of scenery....a new environment...a new adventure and not to mention I was over the school I was working in prior to my move!! As I was planning to pursue this, people would say "man, I wish I could do what you are doing" or "wow, that sounds awesome, but I'm so afraid to move like that" or "what about my family" etc. The truth is, life is what you make it!! Live. and Live free!! Enjoy the time while you have and do what you love!! In this crazy post, I will try to help you get started if its what you really want!!
So, the most important question is: Where do I begin?
The ASCA website actual has a section on International Counseling. I started there...I was directed to check out 2 sites that help with finding international employment: Search Associates (SA) or International Schools Services (ISS). I personally used Search Associates. It was an awesome site and I highly recommend it. When I signed up with SA, I was connected with a senior agent that helped whenever I had questions about this journey. I was able to view different school pages and read their profiles and learn about what packages they offer (housing, salary, moving expenses, etc). After completing my profile and application, I was sent daily e-mails with job openings in my field from all over the world. Majority of the international schools are apart of their database, which means, when schools are searching for candidates, they go to SA and search through candidate profiles. They can view your profile and application!! This is how I was recruited and got my current job!! This saves you having to complete multiple applications.
There is a fee associated with creating a profile. When I completed my profile a year ago, the fee was $225. They do allow you to pay it in installments if needed. Some of you might think that is a lot, and you can get the same information from free site, but I wouldn't recommend going about things that way. This was such a big decision for me, I wanted to make sure the schools I looked at and the schools that looked to me were reputable schools and SA ensures that they are. For more information or to get started with your profile, click here: Search Associates !!
What countries have jobs open for School Counselors?
Believe it or not, countries all over the world have positions for school counselors!! This was new to me!! I always wanted to travel and work abroad, I just didn't think I could be a school counselor, but it turns out I could!! I initially wanted to work in Europe because its Europe but the pay wasn't worth it!! Europe doesn't offer good packages in my opinion!! They barely pay travel expenses, they don't pay housing...if you goal is to make money and save, then I would suggest Africa, Asia or the Middle East!! That's where you are going to get the best packages because that's where they need people the most!! I chose to work in Africa just visit Europe whenever I felt the urge!!
What about the language barrier?
Of course its easier to live in a place where you speak the language, but its not necessary in order to work internationally. You will be at an American International school so the language taught and spoken at the school will be English. You will be able to pick up what you can to get by day to day. Currently, I am in a French speaking country-Senegal-and I spoke no French when I arrived, but I manage!! I can tell you, when I first came back to states after a few months you have no idea how happy I was to hear fluent English when I was walking through the airports and etc!! But again, you will be fine!! You can study a little bit of the language if you want, but you will learn as you go!!
What about my family? Can my kids go to school?
Starting in a new place can be bit overwhelming but its worth it!! Being nervous is quite normal, I'd be worried if you weren't a little anxious about a decision as big as this one!! If you have older children, the adjustment might be a little difficult on them as change usually is, but I would suggest including them in your search for your new home!! That could help with the transition period. As you begin your search and you are looking at different schools, pay attention to their package and what they are offering. Make sure your package includes travel for you and your dependents, housing, a settling in allowance and if you have kids, make sure the school will cover the cost of their tuition. These international schools are private schools so tuition is pretty expensive!! My school is $20,000 a year so you want to make sure that is included!! There are other things to consider as well such as insurance, healthcare, utilities, etc!! Find the school that will give you the most for your move!!
For me, I was single when I started this journey!! I was recruited by a really good school and they offered the works...travel, housing, insurance, healthcare and so much more!! With my group, there were several families of 4 or 5 and everything was covered.
What about my significant other? Will they be able to work?
I have found that unless your SO works in education, it could be difficult to work unless they speak the local language or can get a position at the embassy or ngo in the area (those jobs are very hard to come by and sometimes takes months to get through the process). Many schools will try to recruit both parties if possible...if not the first year, when something opens up they would definitely be top of the list for hire! It depends on what the school has available. I know on SA school profile pages will tell you if they hire couples.
What about breaks and holidays?
In most places, breaks are similar to how they are in the US and sometimes better!! For me, I get a break every 2 months, but I come home in December (3 weeks) and summer (6-8 weeks). Fall break is a week and Spring break is a week...those are too short to pay so much to travel home...my school only covers travel and the beginning and end of the school year!!
What additional credentials do I need?
From what I found, you don't need any additional certifications to work over seas. The license you have to work in your current state will suffice!! As long as you have that and a master's degree, you should be fine!! The school profile page will go into detail about any specifics they are looking for...many will require you to have at least 2 years of experience!!
How much will I make? Is it really worth it?
For me-YES!! This of course depends on the package and the amount of experience you have will determine where you are on the pay scale. Your starting annual salary could be less than what you make in the states, but once you add the benefits and bonuses, in some places it adds ~20% to your salary...and don't forget...in most places the money is tax free. So if your salary is $50,000 and you get paid over 10 months, that's $5,000 a month...not $5,000 Gross and $3,000 (or less) Net due to taxes. If you and your spouse, boy (girl) friend, significant other both work in education, that's double the pay!!
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These are just a few suggestions to get you started!! If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to help!! Visit the Search Associates website to get started!!
