Colin Taylor: Newfoundland snow to Doha, Bangkok sun

Meet Colin Taylor, one of our successful candidates from our January 2019 job fair in Thailand! Originally from Newfoundland, Colin has since taught in Doha and now moves on to be a music teacher at BASIS International School in Bangkok. Catch up with his story and job search advice below:

Hello Colin! Please introduce yourself and describe why you wanted to teach overseas. What was the compelling call or story behind it?
I come from a rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, St. John’s Newfoundland. Here was where I was born and raised, and where I began my teaching career. I love my home, but I also had developed a desire to see the world. I always thought of doing international teaching but I was hesitant at first. But then one winter I think I had about a dozen snow days, and decided it was time to give the thought of teaching abroad a serious thought. So I moved to a place I figured I could avoid all the snow, Doha.

What inspired you to sign up with a service like ISS, and how has your experience been?​
​​I signed up based on a suggestion from a colleague. I was tired of applying for jobs and having my application end up in heaps of other applications. I figured I’d head to a fair and get the chance to speak to many principals and head of schools. I can’t say I’ve experienced so many job interviews in one day before. It felt a bit like speed dating. All jokes aside, it was a great experience and I got one of the jobs I had hoped for.

What excites you most about your new role and/or school?
​​I’m excited to be moving to Bangkok! Thailand is one of my favourite countries I’ve ever been to so I’m excited to call it home. I’m also very excited to start working at BASIS International School Bangkok. While I know a new school will bring its challenges, I’m confident the administration will be supportive and that’s why I chose this new chapter.

What research did you do before accepting your job? And what advice would you give to educators looking to recruit overseas for the first time?
​​The usual stuff I suppose: Background info on the school/company, head of school, curriculum, cost of living, location/neighborhood of the school. I also like to see how much flights home at Christmas time will be.

Be open minded to many position posibilities, especially if you’re a young/new teacher. Also if you can get to a fair, I would highly suggest it. I felt like it is was huge advantage to getting the job I wanted. More importantly do your research!

 


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