Teaching is one of the noblest professions on the planet. Shaping the future generations of our planet. Inspiring children to follow their dreams and preparing them for the future. Nothing can compare. Working abroad as a teacher is a fantastic idea that has become increasingly popular in recent years. And it is surprisingly easy to do as well.
Even if you don’t have a degree in teaching or any experience, many organizations offer the chance to teach English abroad. All you need is to be fluent in English. But it can be quite daunting moving abroad and starting work in a new school. So today we are going to count down some ways to feel more comfortable in a new school abroad.
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Make Pre-Contact with Fellow Teachers
It can be awkward meeting new people. And double so when you have to dive straight into work at the same time. So we recommend you contact your new school ahead of time and see if you can be put in touch with some of the other teachers you will be working with.
Say a friendly hello. Ask them any burning questions you have about the working conditions and what you need to know about the school. And just generally start forging a bond with them. This will make things a lot easier when you finally start working there. Plus you can get some tips about the best places to go visit outside of work and maybe even make some social plans.
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Personalize your New Classroom
The easiest way to make your workplace more comfortable is to put a personal touch on it. And a classroom is the perfect place to add some creative personal flair. Within reason of course. You’ll find yourself getting used to your new workspace a lot quicker if you do this.
A great way to spruce things up is to add some art around the room. This can be art you like, or you could get creative and get the students to make some personalized art to put up. This is a great way to get your students jazzed. Another great idea is to get some customized teacher door signs and hanging wooden signs for inside the classroom. These add a colorful flair and can also be decorated with education tools such as multiplications tables or the alphabet.
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Run Bonding Exercises with Your New Class
Being a teacher is scary enough without the added stress of being in a new country. And facing a new classroom full of children is daunting. So to make your teaching experience far easier and more comfortable you should engage in some ice-breaker activities and bonding exercises.
Of course, your primary aim is to educate and guide these students. But if you can get yourself on friendly terms with them and understand them better, you will be able to teach them better. A fantastic ice breaker is two truths and a lie. This is a fun way for students to share information about themselves while letting them use their imagination.
Another way is to play more active bonding games. A circular game of catch where everyone has to share a fact about themself when the ball comes to them. Another great way to bond with your younger students is to create personalized handshakes with every student or create a new class chant. This is also a fantastic way to get students to engage their imagination.
