International Schools in South America
Educators Overseas recruits teachers to teach at international schools around the world. If you’ve never heard of an international school, below is a brief introduction.
International School Defined
Most international schools in South America are non-profit and are affiliated with a embassy (most often British or American), while a few are proprietary. Originally established to educate children of expatriates, or “expats”, (diplomats and international business people who have relocated to that country) international schools have become the elite schools of most major cities around the world. International schools now serve not only expats, but K-12 children of prominent host country nationals, or for anyone who can afford the often high tuition rates.
School sizes in South America vary from ten students to hundreds. The class sizes in most international schools are small, with low teacher/student ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. Internationally accredited, most international schools follow a U.S. or British curriculum. Many also implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) program (find out more about the IB program here: www.ibo.org). Whatever the curriculum, international schools offer teachers competitive salaries, excellent facilities, and an outstanding student body.
All over South America the rate of new international schools opening up is on the rise. With the entire continent being culturally and economically oriented towards the united states, South Americans from all walks of life are eager to improve their knowledge of the English language. Often in South American, the international schools are huge, featuring compounds of gyms, swimming pools and community fields, more reminiscent of a college atmosphere.
International School Students
Teaching at international schools is a joy, thanks to the small class sizes and the outstanding students. The students at international schools are generally the children of diplomats, aid workers, and successful business people and tend to be intelligent and highly motivated. For many teachers, the above average students they teach in international schools are one of the best parts of the job.
By their very nature international schools host a diverse and multinational population of students. Around the world U.S. students comprise approximately one third of international school student bodies. Regardless of their nationality, most all students speak excellent English, as the curriculum of the school is taught in English
International School Teachers
International school curriculum is taught 100% in English, and all teachers speak English at a native fluency level. As such, schools generally recruit teachers from English speaking countries (the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand).
At all schools around the globe teachers are the life blood of the institution. Nowhere is this better understood than at international schools, where teachers become a partner with the parents and school administration for the welfare of the child.