Scottish teachers ‘heading abroad for jobs’

Posted 28 Aug 2009

The Middle East is proving a popular destination for newly-qualified teachers from Scotland, reports suggest.

A scarcity of employment opportunities for inexperienced teachers means many are looking to international schools abroad instead – something that could interest TEFL teachers.

Nova Dingsdale, 26, from Edinburgh, is jetting off to Doha next week and insists teaching overseas is a good move for her.

She said: "If I didn’t move abroad, I would have had to go on the supply list and would have had to get another job for the security.

"I’m happier that I’m going away to a permanent job than I would be staying here and being on the supply list."

Roddy Hammond, of recruitment firm Sanza Teaching Agency, added that the Middle East also offers some attractive perks including "a fantastic climate, next to no crime", and good government investment in education.

In related news, a gap year charity has claimed more and more young people are prolonging placements abroad to avoid the economic situation at home.

According to Projects Abroad, many people who have opted for years out to travel and volunteer overseas are fearful of returning to poor employment prospects.

Category: Teaching and Learning