How do you know if a school abroad is showing you the real story or just the shiny version created for marketing?

In this episode, we talk through the digital world of international schools and how families and educators can read websites, social feeds, and online messaging with a critical but curious eye. We explore what each section of a school website actually reveals, how the Instagram effect shapes first impressions, and what silence or missing information tells you about leadership and culture. We also unpack how to evaluate authenticity across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, while keeping in mind the realities of privacy laws, staffing, and regional differences.

We share strategies for verifying a school’s identity from afar, including how to check accreditation, how to interpret tone, and how to ask the right questions. Whether you are preparing to teach abroad, choosing an international school for your child, or comparing offers across countries, this conversation will help you understand the human stories behind the pixels.

Inside the episode:

• How to interpret school websites beyond the marketing
• What social media reveals about school culture
• The Instagram effect and the polished narrative
• Reading tone, transparency, and leadership presence
• Using accreditation, LinkedIn, and community feedback wisely
• What missing information might be telling you

If you are exploring international teacher resources, comparing international school contracts, or searching for a global educator network that helps you prepare for teaching abroad, this episode will guide you toward more confident decision making.

🔗 Links & Resources

🍬 Find lots of other global education goodies at:⁠ https://connectedglobal.org

📞Book a consultation with us! We’re here to personalize support for whatever choices you are facing. 😊

https://connectedglobal.org/book-a-consultation/

💬 Have a question or story of your own? Drop it in the comments! We’d love to feature listener topics in future episodes.

💓 Don’t forget to subscribe if you're navigating life, learning, and leadership abroad.

Understanding an international school contract can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re comparing countries, currencies, benefits, and legal protections. In this Teacher Toolbox episode, we break down what international teaching contracts typically include, what varies across regions, and where teachers realistically can and cannot negotiate. We walk through salary scales, bilingual contracts, housing and flight benefits, notice periods, and the clauses that matter most — so you can prepare confidently for your next move abroad.

Inside the episode:

• What to expect in international school contracts across school types
• Where negotiation is possible (and where it usually isn’t)
• Key clauses teachers should look for when moving abroad
• How regional differences shape your offer and benefits package

If you’re getting ready to teach overseas, comparing offers, or trying to understand your next steps in the hiring process, this episode will help you approach your contract with clarity and confidence.

🔗 Links & Resources:

📌School Tiers Explained Guide: https://connectedglobal.org/product/school-tiers-explained/?v=9c049173fad5

📌Common Clauses in Comprehensive School Contracts

https://connectedglobal.org/product/common-clauses-in-comprehensive-school-contracts/?v=9c049173fad5

🍬 Find lots of other global education goodies at:⁠⁠ https://connectedglobal.org

📞Book a consultation with us! We’re here to personalize support for whatever choices you are facing. 😊

https://connectedglobal.org/book-a-consultation/

💬 Have a question or story of your own? Drop it in the comments! We’d love to feature listener topics in future episodes.

💓 Don’t forget to subscribe if you're navigating life, learning, and leadership abroad.

International education is changing fast, and what teachers need to know before moving abroad looks very different than it did even a few years ago. In this Insider Voices episode, we talk with longtime international educator and consultant Kirsten Durward, who shares candid insights about the realities of teaching overseas today. We explore what makes a great international school, how leadership and school culture shape the educator experience, and the growing impact of recruitment trends, entitlement cultures, and shifting financial expectations across countries.

Inside the episode

• What great schools prioritize in teaching and learning
• How international hiring has changed and what recruiters value now
• Why evidence of impact matters more than passion statements
• How teacher entitlement and anonymity are reshaping online communities
• The financial planning all educators should consider before moving abroad

Whether you’re preparing for your first international move or thinking about your next step, Kirsten’s perspective will help you navigate the evolving landscape of teaching abroad with clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of what to look for in your next school community.

🔗 Links & Resources

📌Kirsten’s FB Group: International School Jobs and Recruitment Chat: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361913421263770

📌Kirsten’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-durward-805a7528/

📌Edblana Learning:https://eblanalearning.com/

📞Book a consultation with us! We’re here to personalize support for whatever choices you are facing. 😊

https://connectedglobal.org/book-a-consultation/

💬 Have a question or story of your own? Drop it in the comments! We’d love to feature listener topics in future episodes.

💓 Don’t forget to subscribe if you're navigating life, learning, and leadership abroad.

🍬 Find lots of other global education goodies at: https://connectedglobal.org