Become a Teacher in a B.C. Offshore School
Last updated on April 1, 2022Are you interested in becoming a teacher in a B.C. school overseas? Besides certification requirements there are few other things to consider when deciding to teach in a foreign country.
Certification
Find out about the requirements for teaching B.C. curriculum internationally and submit your application to become certified as a teacher overseas.
Applying to Teach in a B.C. Offshore School
Many B.C. offshore schools post employment opportunities on the Make a Future website.
You may also contact the school’s Ministry Liaison directly to enquire about employment opportunities.
About the British Columbia Offshore School Program
The British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child Care certifies and inspects the delivery of the B.C. educational program by offshore schools.
B.C. offshore school owners/operators operate and administer offshore schools and are responsible for complying with all offshore program requirements as well as laws of the country in which the school is located.
The Ministry of Education and Chio Care is not responsible for the employment relationship, including any employment disputes, between a teacher and an offshore school owner/operator, which is governed by a teacher’s, principal’s or vice principal’s contract of employment. The Ministry of Education and Child Care is also not responsible for and does not participate in the process of obtaining or vetting work visas for B.C. offshore school teachers.
B.C. offshore school teachers are responsible for ensuring that they have correct information regarding employment and immigration requirements for the country in which the school is located. Teachers may wish to contact the country’s consulate (or embassy) in Canada with any questions related to local laws, regulations or requirements.
Living and Teaching Abroad
The decision to live and work in a foreign country is a big one and should not be taken lightly. Everything may look and sound exotic – but that’s not always reality. Transitioning to a new climate, culture and language of a new country can be overwhelming.
The first year in a new country is usually the most difficult. A successful transition will depend on your attitude and what you expect. It’s important to be optimistic and adaptable. Make up your mind before you leave that you’ll like your new home.
Start by getting a realistic view of what to expect. As you check things out, if you come across any "red flags" or details that don't feel right it might be best to consider a different school or re-evaluate your plans to teach overseas.
Here are a few things to explore before making the move:
- Ensure that you have all of the information you need on what will be expected of you, for example: How many hours per week will you be expected to work? What classes will you be teaching? What are the administration practices and protocols at the school?
- What’s the climate like?
- What kind of accommodations will you have? What are standard living conditions like?
- Find out about labour laws and what working conditions are like, for example: What are our rights and responsibilities as an employee and how should the hiring process work?
- Consider adjustments to your teaching methods that may be required, for example: How will you teach B.C. curriculum to a class of non-English speakers? What kinds of learning needs will students have? Are there cultural differences to be sensitive of when teaching in the classroom?
Once you’ve arrived in your new home, start adapting right away:
- Learn the new language as quickly as possible.
- Seek out advice and / or mentorship from fellow teachers with previous international experience.
- Make new friends – not just ones from Canada.
- Be friendly, respectful and polite.
- Try to adjust your way of thinking to the people around you – don’t expect them to conform to your way.
- Get acquainted with the sights and foods that you’ve never experienced.