Reflecting on your international teaching journey this year

As the academic year winds down, so too does another chapter in your international teaching journey. Whether it was your first year abroad or one of many, taking time to reflect on your experiences is more than just a nice idea – it’s a meaningful way to honour your growth, celebrate your wins, and prepare for whatever comes next. Here’s how to reflect on your year with intention and insight.

Look back on what you’ve achieved

When you’re in the thick of teaching, it’s easy to overlook how much you’ve accomplished. Take a moment to think about the big wins and small victories:

• Did you try something new in your teaching practice?
• Did you connect with students in a meaningful way?
• Did you survive a challenge you never thought you’d face?

Write them down. Celebrate them. Even the seemingly minor moments can have a big impact when you look at the year as a whole.

Reflect on what you’ve learned

International teaching is a learning experience—not just for your students, but for you too. Reflect on the skills you’ve gained, the cultural insights you’ve absorbed, and the personal lessons you’ve encountered along the way. Maybe you became more adaptable, built stronger cross-cultural communication skills, or developed a deeper understanding of global education systems. Acknowledge this growth—it’s a powerful part of your professional identity.

Consider the challenges (and how you faced them)

Every teaching year comes with its fair share of hurdles, and international teaching can amplify those challenges. Whether it was homesickness, curriculum changes, language barriers, or simply adjusting to a new school culture, think about how you managed those difficulties. What helped? What would you do differently next time? This isn’t about judging yourself – it’s about learning from the hard stuff.

Capture the memories

What moments stand out to you? Was it the laughter during a lesson that went unexpectedly well? A breakthrough with a student? An amazing school trip or local festival? Reflecting on these memories helps anchor the year emotionally. Consider creating a photo collage, writing a reflective journal entry, or sharing highlights with colleagues or loved ones.

Set intentions for the year ahead

As you reflect on what’s behind you, it’s also a good time to consider what lies ahead. What do you want to carry forward? What do you want to change or try differently? These intentions don’t need to be rigid goals – they’re simply guideposts to help you enter the next school year with clarity and purpose.

Acknowledge your impact

It’s easy to forget just how much of a difference you make. But as a teacher, your influence ripples far beyond the classroom. Reflect on the relationships you’ve built, the students you’ve supported, and the unique perspective you’ve brought to your school community. That’s worth celebrating.

Reflecting on your international teaching journey isn’t just about tying a neat bow on the year—it’s about giving yourself space to honour your growth, learn from your challenges, and appreciate the richness of the experience. As you close the book on this chapter and look ahead to what’s next, take pride in how far you’ve come. You’ve done more than teach—you’ve grown, adapted, inspired, and made a mark across cultures. And that’s something truly worth reflecting on.