Five books to prepare you for working in an international school

In one sense nothing can prepare you for the experience of working in an international school for the first time. International education is a very different animal.

However, over the years I have read a number of books which I wish I’d read before I moved abroad. Also these make great discussion texts for school reading groups, especially in international schools.

Here’s my top five:

1.      The Culture Map by Erin Meyer

The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, a professor at INSEAD, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and navigating cultural differences in the business world. Her insights will help you better understand your international colleagues as well as students and their parents.

Through eight key dimensions—such as Communicating, Evaluating, and Leading—Meyer illustrates how cultural norms shape workplace interactions and expectations. By decoding these dimensions, leaders and professionals can improve their cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and management skills. Meyer provides real-world examples and practical strategies for bridging cultural gaps, enhancing teamwork, and fostering successful global partnerships. Her insights are invaluable for anyone working in or with diverse, international teams.

2.      Beyond the Tiger Mom by Maya Thiagarajan

Beyond the Tiger Mom by Maya Thiagarajan explores the differences between Eastern and Western parenting styles. (The title is an echo of the equally interesting Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua.)

Thiagarajan, an Indian educator who trained and taught in the United States before heading to teach at UWC in Singapore.  Her book explores how Asian parents emphasize academic excellence, discipline, and respect for authority, while Western parents often prioritize creativity, independence, and critical thinking. The book offers practical advice for blending the best of both approaches to help children achieve their full potential. It includes interviews with parents and children, providing insights and tips for fostering a balanced, supportive environment for child development.

It is incredibly insightful and useful for any teacher heading to the Far East.

3.      Cleverlands by Lucy Crehan

Cleverlands by Lucy Crehan explores the education systems of five high-performing countries: Finland, Singapore, Shanghai, Japan, and Canada.

Intrigued by their performances in PISA tests, Crehan, a former teacher, traveled to these countries to uncover the secrets behind their success.

She identifies five core principles that drive their educational achievements: getting children school-ready, designing curricula for mastery, supporting children to take on challenges, treating teachers as professionals, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration.

The book offers valuable insights into the underlying philosophy that drives educational systems around the world.

4.       Learning from Singapore: The Power of Paradoxes by Pak Te Ng

Following on from the Cleverlands theme. This book provides a deep dive into the success of Singpore in the PISA tables and how they are responding as a nation. This book will surprise you as it is far from the stereotypical vision of Singapore’s education system.

The book examines Singapore's education system, highlighting how it balances competing philosophies and paradoxical positions.

Ng explores four key paradoxes: Timely Change vs. Timeless Constants, Compassionate Meritocracy, Centralised Decentralisation, and Teach Less, Learn More. He also discusses four dreams: Every School a Good School, Every Student an Engaged Learner, Every Teacher a Caring Educator, and Every Parent a Supportive Partner.

The book provides insights into Singapore's journey of educational transformation and offers lessons for other education systems.

5.      Safe Passage by Douglas W. Ota

Moving from the academic to the pastoral. Safe Passage by Douglas W. Ota addresses the challenges faced by children in international schools due to frequent relocations. Ota, a psychologist and former school counselor, introduces the "Safe Harbor" program, designed to support expat children during transitions. The book outlines six laws of transition and offers practical strategies for schools and parents to help children cope with the psychological and academic impacts of mobility. Ota emphasizes the importance of creating a stable environment to ensure children's well-being and academic success.