A solid r sum and a minimum of two years of experience is a requirement. Flexibility is also necessary because international schools do not have the same support services United States schools offer. Often one is called upon to wear a variety of hats. Although such places as the Munich International School are Christmas-card beautiful, for someone from New York City being in a city was very important. I spoke minimal French, but it certainly has improved.
Culture shock is real and happens to everyone.
It is not a fleeting thing but something that lasts through the years. Culture shock was just as real in the United Kingdom, so it should not be thought of as language-based only. I'm always an expatriate American. Those with whom you bond tend to have similar backgrounds. Although they may be Brits or French, they have lived outside their culture.