13. New to International Teaching: An Interview With Mel and Cole in Abu Dhabi

Mel Idema and Cole Savage joined us from Abu Dhabi as first-time international educators. They shared their story and provided some very helpful tips for teachers as they prepare to transition from their home country to a new home abroad.

Mel and Cole are a newlywed couple from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They love hiking in the mountains with their dog, Nhala. They’re also big fans of good food, better coffee, and unreal views. Mel and Cole decided to take a job working abroad to enjoy a year of adventure in their first year of marriage. Cole is secondary trained but has enjoyed teaching grades 4-6 for most of his career. Currently, he teaches A.P. Biology. Mel has spent most of her career working in grades 1-3 and is currently working in a grade 2 classroom. Both are working internationally at the same school for the first time.

The guiding question for this episode was “What has been your experience as a first-time international teaching couple?”.

We covered recruiting, document and finances preparation, onboarding, and first impressions of international teaching. 

This episode was recorded on September 24, 2022. 

Mel and Cole’s Contact Information: ​The Global Traveler’s Wife and ​The Wondering Learner. 

Categories: Recruiting | Finance

Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal!

Email us with comments or suggestions at [e-mail]

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page.

Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.