All about the role of ... Academic Principal of a Hong Kong kindergarten

This has created exciting opportunities for experienced early years teachers to practise overseas. Many expatriate teachers live and work in culturally diverse locations such as Abu Dhabi, Italy, India and China, enjoying benefits and comprehensive employment packages.

Before taking the plunge, it is wise to research thoroughly, weighing up the pros and cons of the school, the location and the employment package. A good overseas package should cover accommodation, health care, school fees for dependents, professional memberships, inset, flights and a bonus. Salaries vary by school and location, and contracts may be for one or two years or permanent.

Check out any national and regional security issues - there are no safety nets for workers outside the EU. Be aware of the ways that cultural differences impact on codes of behaviour. If you expect to work overseas for years, consider investing in an independent retirement plan.

Hong Kong is a popular destination for teachers. Now a special administrative region in the People's Republic of China, it is governed under the unique principle of 'One country, two systems'.

Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy, retaining its capitalist system, independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech. English is the official language.

Hong Kong kindergartens are privately run by either voluntary agencies or private enterprises and registered under the Chinese Education Ordinance. Inspectors visit regularly to advise on curriculum, teaching approaches and school administration.

Teachers in Hong Kong kindergartens work with a multi-nation team of experienced professionals to deliver an Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, maintain children's development profiles, and ensure the happiness of children and parents. They should be knowledgeable about Chinese legislation and documentation and how to prepare for inspection in line with government requirements.

Qualifications and requirements

In China it is stipulated that principals should have equivalency with the country's own early years degree. Louise Heap (see below) was awarded equivalency on the basis of holding an NNEB, a BEd Hons (primary) and at the time of application was awaiting confirmation of EYPS. The Chinese government provides financial support for all serving teachers and principals in kindergartens for further professional upgrading.

Applicants for posts overseas should have an excellent level of written and spoken English and be flexible, adaptable and able to enjoy living conditions that differ from those in the UK.

A full medical examination is required prior to obtaining a visa to teach in China. Applicants should be in good physical and mental health.

FURTHER INFORMATION.

Teach Anywhere, The Old Boathouse, Ground Floor 1a Embankment, Putney, London SW15 1LB. Tel: 0208 788 8663 www.teachabroad.com

CASE STUDY - Louise Heap

'I applied for the post of academic kindergarten principal last year and exchanged information by email with the supervisor about the job, life in Sai Kung, my work experience and philosophy. Later, he arranged a four-way telephone interview between us and two members of the parents' committee. Negotiating between the different time zones led to some false starts, but eventually it took place.

'The kindergarten is inside a beautiful country park, surrounded by greenery. We rent an old Chinese school building from the government. Under the auspices of the Hong Kong PreSchool Playgroups Association we charge fees, and encourage parental involvement both in the classroom and on the committee.

'There are morning and afternoon two-hour playgroup sessions for oneand two-year-olds run by my colleague, and when the children are three, they transfer to my afternoon kindergarten group for the next year. This is followed by the morning group for the year before they start school.

'Most of the children are English-speaking, coming from Australia, South Africa and Great Britain, with a few Chinese and Japanese. We employ two Filipino staff, one English, and an Icelandic manager. Our policy is to speak mostly English, but a Mandarin teacher comes weekly to play games and teach songs.

'Many parents teach at the international primary and secondary schools. Some are Cathay Pacific airline pilots. Most families employ live-in helpers who bring the children to the kindergarten.

'I have a full time, permanent contract and work 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The kindergarten is run along the lines of a UK nursery. In this climate, we make good use of our partially covered outdoor area for messy activities such as painting, playdough, sand and water play as well as play mats, climbing frames, cars and slides.

'When I look back on my life, this experience will stand out as an important and exciting time. There may be unanticipated hurdles to jump over, testing your resilience and adaptability to their limits. But if you give it a go, you will have the experience of a lifetime!

July and August are oppressive in their humidity - even with air conditioning on full blast. Autumn is much more pleasant. Mosquitoes are a problem for me - I have tried all sorts of creams, wipes and sprays, but they relish my pale English skin.