Eteach International
Why I Chose Eteach
By Diane Davies
My decision to teach abroad was ultimately out of my hands. Substantial cuts in Welsh further education resulted in my redundancy. With opportunities few and far between in Wales, I ultimately took a teaching position in Malaysia and I’ ve never looked back.
For a number of years, I taught A Level accounting and other subjects within the local college’ s business school. All of my training and subsequent teaching experience had been in Wales and the prospect of moving half way across the world was naturally daunting. Given the lack of suitable jobs for me in Wales, I realised I needed to widen my search if I wanted a role that would match my previous one— the only other alternative was to take a reduction in salary and a step backwards in my career.
I went along to an Eteach Live, an event held in Swansea, and had the chance to meet with representatives from Eteach International. They place teachers in overseas schools in destinations all over Europe, Asia and the Middle East. After receiving some much-needed CV writing advice and career guidance, I had the confidence to consider international teaching.
I was introduced to Jonathan Price, currently the Managing Director of Eteach International. Based in Dubai, he was an ex-Headteacher with 16 years’ experience in the Middle East under his belt. Jonathan explained the challenges and concerns he first experienced as a teacher when he made the move abroad and highlighted some of the incredible opportunities that teaching abroad offers. Jonathan’ s empathy, having been in that position himself, really helped me to focus on the decision that was right for me.
Jonathan told me about an opportunity with an international school in Kuala Lumpur. The salary was excellent, as was the holiday allowance and extra benefits. I decided to apply and, with their advice and guidance, I managed to secure the role. I haven’ t looked back since.
Teaching abroad does have its own issues. Although it does take time to adjust to the way things work in a different country, I feel I’ ve been extremely lucky to meet fantastic people along the way. I feel like I have an entire family over here in Malaysia.
It’ s definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made and I can proudly say that the experience I gained during my time teaching in Wales helped me achieve my dream job in Malaysia.
Eteach International specialises in helping education professionals find their dream jobs overseas. We encourage them to be proactive in their job search by providing free, immediate access to great jobs, easy-to-use online tools, resources and career advice. We also foster an international community of teachers through social media, blogs and regular newsletters.
For more information, visit eteachinternational. com.
8 | 2016- 2017 |