I am a few months into my experience teaching overseas, and I can safely say that I made the right choice in attending TORF last year. Through TORF I was able to connect with an international school where I fit perfectly within the environment. Since TORF focuses on not just finding any job overseas, but finding a school where your personal teaching philosophy fits within the school’s established culture, you get a head start on developing your teaching after finishing the B.Ed. program. Working at a school where you are on the same wavelength as everyone else lets you work and grow as a teacher in a truly supportive environment. This gives you the freedom to try new things, make changes to your teaching style, and advance your teaching skillset. Of course, teaching in a different country and culture comes with its own unique challenges, but overcoming them can help you develop and grow as a person.
The decision to attend TORF can be a difficult one to make, as at first the fair can seem quite intimidating. The contract that you sign will most likely be for two years, and that’s a big decision to make over the course of one weekend. There are seemingly endless details to consider when comparing schools, and it can easily become an overwhelming experience. Thankfully, TORF is designed to help you through this process, as everyone involved want what’s best for you. The organizers of TORF are there for you on the weekend to help support you in any way that they can. The recruiters are honest and want you to be comfortable and happy with the contract you sign, since that is what’s best for their students. This gives the weekend a very supportive atmosphere where everyone wants you to be confident in whatever decision you end up making. With this support and openness the anxiety surrounding the decision can be removed, allowing you to get the most out of the experience.