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Annick Lapalme is in her first term at Western. She is from Montreal, Quebec. In her previous life she was in education and taught overseas for five years before returning to Canada to pursue a MLIS. She thoroughly loves traveling and looks forward to going back overseas one day.
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Become a Librarian Overseas!
If you are interested in living and working overseas as a librarian in an international school, you will find this post useful.
The types of job you will find as a librarian in international schools will either be for the entire school (kindergarten through high school) or for a specific level (elementary, middle and high school) – it all depends on the size of the school. Your job description may include reading time with students (mostly at the elementary level), introducing research skills, working with subject teachers and collection development. Generally, international schools do not require the librarian to have a bachelor’s of education.
Getting the job
Getting a job overseas can be done two ways: by going to a job fair or by getting a job through phone call or Skype interviews. The two main companies running job fairs are International School Services (https://www.iss.edu/) and Search Associates (http://www.searchassociates.com/). By paying a fee, you set up your profile with one of these companies who are the liaison between international schools and potential employees. The recruiting company makes your profile available to employers, sends you employment opportunities and organizes job fairs all over the world. Job fairs are a place to meet directors face to face and conduct interviews. If you are lucky, you get a job offer right there at the fair! Check out respective websites to find out where job fairs are being held and when (Search Associates does a fair in Toronto).
Another way to make your profile known is by creating a web resume and signing up with a company such as TIE Online (http://www.tieonline.com/). TIE Online makes your profile available to employers and also lists the available positions. Basically, it’s a way to get in contact with schools that interest you. Some schools are fine with conducting Skype interviews to hire while others will only interview at job fairs.
Benefits
All international schools provide a work visa for you. Most international schools will offer furnished housing or will assist you in finding a place. Rent is usually part of your package and therefore separate from your salary. Other benefits include health packages, return flights home every year and a shipping allowance.
Personality Traits
Is an international career for you? You obviously have to be a little adventurous, open to change and new cultures. Furthermore, you must be open-minded about your job placement. There may not be a job exactly in the country or region that is of interest to you, but keeping an open mind is the best way to discover amazing places.
Final Words
If you happen to have a partner that is a teacher, think about applying together. Many schools like to hire what they call “teaching couples”. If a school has job openings for both of you: apply!
Also, bear in mind that schools will reflect a salary that represents the socioeconomic level of the country you are in. You may find that some job offers come with a low salary, but this takes into consideration that the cost of living is low as well. Fewer expenses make for more money saved.
Hope you find this information useful. Feel free to ask questions in the comment box if you have any.
--Annick Lapalme
