What are the differences an international teacher might face in terms of society and culture?
It essentially depends on one’s country of origin. As explained in Teaching in America, those coming from ‘conversational cultures’ (mostly industrialized, Western-type nations) will find the culture more familiar, especially in the big cities. However, those coming from ‘listening cultures’ (mostly traditionalist countries) will find the culture shock more compelling. There are, however, significant differences in teaching philosophies across the board, and that is where the everyday teaching life may become challenging. I have also explained in several research articles (google them online) that there are several teaching differences: teaching methods and styles, assessment, teacher-student interactions, and even school organization (that is, how schools are set up and administered). All these make for interesting differences that immigrant teachers need to understand before they even make their decision to leave their countries. 8. Does the American school system differ from other c
