• Article Listing
• |
• Search Articles
• |
• More Articles in Education
• |
• More Articles by Expatguru

International Schools in KSA

by Expatguru - 02/27/2013

"This article offers useful tips for teachers seeking employment in International Schools in Saudi Arabia."

There are primarily two categories of schools in Saudi Arabia. The first one caters to Saudi children while the other, also known as “International Schools”, is exclusively for children of expatriates. I would like to give some more details on the latter.

Saudi Arabia is host to expatriates from all over the world. To help the children of these expats, the Ministry of Education has given licenses to a large number of International Schools based on the population of various nationalities in the kingdom. You would find American, British, Indian, Filipino and Pakistani schools in major cities of the kingdom. The curricula in these schools are the same as what is taught in the equivalent grades back home.
Due to the huge demand of teachers in these schools, the pay structure is quite attractive. However, as with any job, there are important points to know before you join. I would like to offer a few tips to potential teachers before they take up any assignments in a particular school.

Just as how parents check out on the reputation of a school before joining their kids, potential teachers also need to do likewise. Money is certainly a major attraction, but it would be useful if teachers find out more about the schools they plan to work, beforehand.

First check out on the curricula being followed by the school. As already mentioned earlier, each of these International Schools follows its own syllabus. For example, Mathematics taught in a particular grade in one school may not be the same as that taught in the same grade in another international school. Teachers need to make doubly sure that they would be able to handle the subjects well, before taking up any assignment.

The next thing teachers need to check out is about the facilities offered by the school. Important points such as whether the school has a well-equipped library, computer lab, multipurpose room, outdoor area for physical activity, indoor gym, etc., are all not to be missed out, as these are directly linked to the quality of education imparted in these schools.

Probably the most important thing to verify is the accreditation of the school. Most of the British and American International Schools in the kingdom are endorsed by Council of International Schools (http://www.cois.org/) , Commission on Trans Regional Accreditation (CITA) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (http://www.neasc.org/executiveoffice). When you work in such schools, it adds weight to your career as a teacher and you would find yourself greatly in demand in the international job market.

Finally, nothing is as reliable as word of mouth information or reference from friends already working in a school where you plan to join. This would also help you bargain well with your potential sponsor, so that you get the best deal. As long as you have the right experience and talent, rest assured that you would end up in an excellent job.

Expatguru

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5