to experience different curricula , but we meet amazing professionals who provide us with fresh perspectives and teach us new things in the process . In return , international teachers bring different ideas and a one-of-a-kind stamp , contributing to the further development of every school we work in .
The most valuable prize for international educators comes in the form of the realisation that we have helped form some of the world ’ s future leaders . In the same way that we share our students ’ joy for every success at school , we continue to feel pride and admiration when we hear , from different corners of the globe , stories of their college graduation , first job , first postgraduate degree , first promotion or first business they ’ ve started .
Many of the students taught by international educators are “ Third Culture Kids ”, children raised in a culture other than their parents ’ or the culture of their country of nationality , and having a teacher who is technically a “ Third Culture Adult ” can help them both academically and socially .
Yet , international educators must be prepared for “ new shoes ” syndrome ; they look beautiful , but they take some walking around in before they stop causing blisters .
Wait , frustrations ? So it ’ s not all rainbows and unicorns all the time ? Ehm , no . Read the fine print .
Moving and living away from your home country is a life-changing experience , and it takes time to adjust to conventions and processes that may be different from those to which we are accustomed . Depending on the country to which we are moving , international teachers must be ready to stand in long queues and complete substantial paperwork , in addition to what we bring with us from our home countries . Sorting out work visas , a driver ’ s license , car insurance and bank accounts can sometimes be a challenge . Luckily , LCIS offers assistance every step of the way .
Then , what if the climate does not sit well with you ? It could be too hot , too cold , and , only occasionally , just right . Take The Bahamas for example ; summer months are super hot , so your AC will be on full blast most of the time , in which case , so will your electricity bill . Then comes the hurricane season , which could mean anything from a mild breeze ( depending on which island you live and the storm ’ s path ), to , “ Toto , I don ’ t think we ’ re in Kansas anymore .” This is followed by the November-March cold weather , which will make you reach for boots and coats . Yes , I am still talking about The Bahamas , which , during these several months , can be spelt Iceland .
Still , there are so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences for international educators to enjoy in their host countries that help to make their time enjoyable . So , what does fun look like ? Well , it could be in the form of a trip to one of the neighbouring islands , witnessing some of the most beautiful sunrises and swimming in the blue holes . You could visit Paradise Island and decide for yourself if it lives up to its name . You could swim with sharks , become a mermaid , sit on the edge of a cliff at the Glass Window Bridge in Northern Eleuthera and walk the pink sand on Harbour Island , or check out where Christopher Columbus allegedly reached the “ New World ” - the island of San Salvador .
Art galleries and museums , like the Heritage Museum of The Bahamas , allow new residents to learn so much about the history of the country in a short time . And , there are many less overtly educational activities as well , such as the annual Junkanoo festival where the goombay beat makes every fibre of your being want to dance .
How ’ s that for a complete immersion ?
The path of an international educator is an exciting and fulfilling one , and I am so glad I have had an opportunity to find out why “ It ’ s Better in The Bahamas .”
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