Working with British Embassies in International Schools

Planning for your INSET? Another idea...

It is the time of the year that teachers are planning to relocate to a country or return back after a summer break. Something that I include before the start of every school year, is a session on 'the importance of your Embassy'.

This can sometimes include a visit from the representatives near your school. I have enjoyed excellent support from British (And other) embassies across various countries.

Planning an Embassy introduction session

During this time of planning your training days, an Embassy session can reassure, support and help settle a lot of staff in school. Some of the areas that have come up have been:

- Passports

- Support/guidance on returning home

- Birth/death certificates

- Cultural advice

- Contacts/Networking

- Documentation such as a good conduct certificate etc.

Embassy purpose

The purpose of the visit can be shared with all staff that everyone is invited to find out the following:

Support from Embassies

Understanding local and regional culture

Do's and Do nots in the country

Where to go for more information/help

This can be an information session for all staff, presentation by the emabssy and then an opportunity for staff to to ask questions at the end.

Common questions

Common questions that have been raised in British Schools I have worked at in the past, some have very simple answers that can alleviate stress and worry with employees:

1. How do I sign up for any important updates via email?

2. When do UK nationals meet? - are there functions?

3. Can the embassy help with my passport application?

4. Where is the British Embassy?

5. Can the Embassy help with a temporary passport?

6. How do I contact the Embassy in an emergency?

Here are some further ideas to help…

What Can an Embassy Help You With?

Embassy can help citizens with multiple services abroad, including:

• Issuing emergency passports (if yours got lost or stolen)

• Replacing/renewing your passport

• Issuing birth reports for children born abroad

• Issuing death reports for residents who pass away abroad

• Accepting ballots for elections in a person’s home country

• Filing taxes in a person’s home country

• Navigating foreign police, legal, and medical systems

• Assisting residents who get arrested or detained abroad

• Notarizing certain documents for use in a foreign country or your home country

• Assisting with emergency/evacuation situations

• Providing short-term protection (situation-dependent)

• Assisting local residents with citizenship matters pertaining to the embassy’s home country

https://www.clements.com/resources/living-abroad/embassy-purpose-what-does-embassy-do/

Where’s my nearest consulate?

Make sure you know where your country’s embassy or nearest consulate is, especially if you’re somewhere conflict is possible. It’s best to do this before you leave and carry the information on your person. If you do find yourself in a situation where internal or international conflict breaks out, you should immediately contact your embassy to find out what steps to take.

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-insurance/embassy-consulate-info#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20reason%20you,be%20applied%20for%20in%20person.

Call the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate , or the FCDO in UK on +44 (0)20 7008 5000, selecting the option: ‘Consular services for British nationals’. You’ll be put through to our 24/7 Consular team in our Consular Contact Centre.

You can also contact us by:

• sending us your enquiry online

• Twitter @FCDOtravelGovUK

• Facebook FCDOTravel

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad

Next Steps:

• Plan a British Embassy session to visit your school

• Gather the key questions asked

• Email all staff the updates and answers for all questions

• Create a shared area on your School network to save key information

• Arrange for British staff to have the opportunity to sign up for email updates from the British Embassy

• Send out information to all staff

Enabling staff to access the help and support provided will posively impact staff wellbeing, retention and sense of belonging in your community.

#schools #education #britisheducation #britishschools #educators #teachers #leaders #students #internationalschools #teaching #CPD #Professionaldevelopment #learning

Published by Dr. Paul Walton. @paultwalton

Principal, Educator, Leadership Coach.