The Lived Experiences of Host Country National Teachers in International Schools

Abstract

The existing research on the lived experiences of teachers in international schools has primarily focused on expatriate teachers, not on host country national teachers. This multi-site case study seeks to shed light on the experiences of 12 host country national teachers working in three international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The researchers explored host country national teachers’ motivations for joining an international school, their interactions with expatriate teachers, their feelings about bifurcated benefits, and the professionalization of their roles within the schools. The researchers also solicited advice from these 12 teachers on how to improve the lives of host country national teachers working in international schools.