My family keeps me pretty much grounded here in the United States. I do no think I would want to work outside of my country. I did some research on websites and found some employment opportunities. Although I had the education required for some of the jobs, I did not have any experience working on the national or international level. Almost all the jobs I reviewed had experience in international work as a requirement.
UNICEF: There were temporary job opportunities and one of them was for a Child Protection Specialist. However, being able to speak two languages was required and I would need at least eight years experience in humanitarian work. Another position with UNICEF was a Consultancy Assignment. I would be able to work in Geneva Switzerland. The job involved supporting early childhood development. I would work with developing quality programs and policies around early childhood. The requirements were an advanced degree in a relevant field and three to five years experience at the national or international level.
Save the Children: There was a position with this organization in London England. The Director of Program Quality would work to raise quality of early childhood by increasing child protection, children's rights, and working with the health and education of early childhood. I would also ensure that the Save the Children's objectives were being met. A Master's degree in early childhood or social sciences field is required. As with the job with UNICEF, experience on the national or international level is required also.
Academy for Educational Development: On this website I came across the Fullbright Teacher Exchange Program. This would involve a direct exchange of teaching positions with teachers in other countries. We would share knowledge, and build networks. There were seven countries taking part in this program. I would love to be able to teach in Switzerland. A Master's degree is required and five years teaching experience. This job was the only one I would be qualified to even apply for.
Through this search, I realized that working on the international level involved so much more than just a degree. I would need to have experience working with other cultures and learn another language. I was very interested in the work that is out there in the field of early childhood.
Mary Jo,
ReplyDeleteI shared your feelings about wanting to stay within the States for a job. However, I loved how the possibilities opened up with these international organizations that would offer international connections, yet you are still able to remain state side. Imagine taking a job with Save the Children (many of there jobs were located within the United States). You would still be able to stay here, but your connections and work impact would reach around the world. It amazes me that as early childhood educators we do have opportunities to make a difference internationally with these amazing organizations and communities of practice.
Thanks for sharing!
Erin
I can see why you would want to stay in the United States because of your family. I was never someone who wanted to have children or even get married, so i have the ability to move around more freely. I would love to work internationally, but like you said these organizations require much more than just a degree. It did make me realize though how big the early childhood education field actually is though. Great job.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by your blog to wish you well these last two weeks! Take good care of yourself as we keep our eyes focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. Thinking good thoughts for you and hoping you have a lovely Easter week with your family. Take care, Katy
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your post because I wonder sometimes would there ever come a time when the issue of poverty will be stopped for every families. I think that poverty is a large issue in the world and it's our job to help end it. I thank God for getting to know you, and hoping for the best in your life.
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