Okay, so I’m really keen on teaching overseas. I’ve got my teaching license for secondary English/Language Arts, a Bachelor’s in English Literature, and two years of experience teaching 10th and 11th grade in the US. I’m pretty flexible about where I go, but I’m hoping for a country where I can actually save some money (so cost of living is a factor!). I’m also really interested in teaching at an international school, ideally one with a good reputation and supportive administration.
What are the best websites or resources for finding jobs like that? What are some things I should be looking for when evaluating a potential school (beyond salary)? And what are some common scams or pitfalls to avoid in the application process? Like, are there specific red flags I should watch out for in job postings or contracts? I’m especially interested in hearing from people who’ve actually done it and have advice to share.
Answer
Finding a teaching job abroad requires careful planning, research, and preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the process:
1. Self-Assessment and Goal Setting:
- Define Your Objectives: What type of teaching position are you seeking (subject, grade level, curriculum)? What countries or regions are you most interested in? Are you looking for a short-term contract or a long-term career opportunity? What are your salary expectations and desired benefits?
- Evaluate Your Qualifications: Assess your teaching credentials (degree, certifications, experience). Identify your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. Consider any specialized skills or experience that might make you a more competitive candidate (e.g., TEFL/TESOL certification, experience with specific curricula like IB or AP, fluency in a second language).
- Consider Your Lifestyle Preferences: Research the cultural norms, cost of living, safety, and accessibility of different countries. Think about your comfort level with different languages, climates, and levels of development.
2. Research Potential Destinations:
- Popular Destinations: Countries with a high demand for international teachers include:
- East Asia: China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong
- Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore
- Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman
- Europe: Spain, Italy, France, Germany
- Latin America: Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina
- Factors to Consider:
- Visa Requirements: Research the visa application process for each country. Some countries require employer sponsorship.
- Salary and Benefits: Compare salary scales, cost of living, and benefits packages (e.g., health insurance, housing allowance, airfare reimbursement, paid holidays).
- School Types: Investigate the different types of international schools (e.g., private international schools, bilingual schools, international branches of national schools).
- Curriculum: Determine which curriculum is used at the schools you’re interested in (e.g., International Baccalaureate (IB), British National Curriculum, American Curriculum).
- Culture and Lifestyle: Learn about the local culture, customs, and traditions. Consider the language barrier and the availability of resources for expatriates.
- Safety and Security: Research crime rates, political stability, and health risks in each country.
- Accreditation: Prioritize schools accredited by reputable organizations (e.g., Council of International Schools (CIS), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)).
3. Obtain Necessary Qualifications and Certifications:
- Teaching License/Certification: Most international schools require teachers to hold a valid teaching license or certification from their home country. Check specific requirements for your target countries.
- TEFL/TESOL Certification: If you plan to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL), a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is often required or highly recommended. Consider taking an accredited course with a practicum component.
- Background Checks: Obtain necessary background checks (e.g., criminal record check) from your home country, as these are often required by international schools.
4. Develop Your Application Materials:
- Resume/CV: Create a professional resume or CV that highlights your teaching experience, qualifications, and skills. Tailor your resume to each specific job application. Include a professional photo.
- Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your interest in the position and demonstrates how your skills and experience align with the school’s needs.
- Teaching Philosophy: Prepare a statement of your teaching philosophy that articulates your beliefs about teaching and learning.
- References: Obtain letters of recommendation from former employers or supervisors who can attest to your teaching abilities and character.
- Portfolio: Compile a teaching portfolio that showcases your lesson plans, student work samples, and other relevant materials.
5. Search for Job Openings:
- Online Job Boards:
- TES (Times Educational Supplement): A popular website for teaching jobs worldwide.
- Search Associates: A recruitment agency specializing in international school placements.
- ISS (International Schools Services): Another recruitment agency focused on international schools.
- GSE (Global Services in Education): Offers job postings and recruitment services.
- Teach Away: Lists international teaching positions and provides certification programs.
- Footprints Recruiting: Specializes in placing teachers in East Asia.
- Dave’s ESL Cafe: A forum with job postings, particularly for ESL teachers.
- Indeed: A general job search engine that may include international teaching positions.
- LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to connect with international schools and recruiters.
- School Websites: Visit the websites of international schools in your target countries and check their career pages for job openings.
- Recruitment Fairs: Attend international teaching recruitment fairs, such as those organized by Search Associates and ISS. These fairs provide opportunities to meet with school representatives and interview for positions.
6. Apply for Jobs:
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Read the job description and application instructions carefully and follow them precisely.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each specific job application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
- Proofread: Proofread your application materials carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.
- Submit Applications Online: Most international schools require applicants to submit their applications online.
7. Interview Preparation:
- Research the School: Learn as much as possible about the school’s mission, values, curriculum, and culture.
- Prepare for Common Interview Questions: Practice answering common interview questions, such as:
- Why are you interested in teaching abroad?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
- How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners?
- How do you manage classroom behavior?
- How do you collaborate with colleagues and parents?
- Prepare Questions to Ask: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the school, the position, and the local area.
- Practice Online Interviews: If your interview will be conducted online, practice using the video conferencing platform and ensure that your internet connection is stable.
- Dress Professionally: Even for online interviews, dress professionally to make a good impression.
8. Visa and Work Permit:
- Employer Sponsorship: Most international schools will sponsor your visa and work permit.
- Gather Required Documents: Work with your employer to gather all the necessary documents for your visa application. This may include your passport, teaching license, transcripts, background check, and medical examination.
- Apply for Visa: Submit your visa application to the appropriate embassy or consulate.
- Follow Up: Follow up with the embassy or consulate to check on the status of your visa application.
9. Relocation and Onboarding:
- Plan Your Move: Make arrangements for your travel, accommodation, and shipping of personal belongings.
- Learn About the Local Culture: Research the local culture and customs to help you adjust to your new environment.
- Attend Orientation: Participate in any orientation programs offered by the school to learn about school policies, procedures, and resources.
- Connect with Other Expatriates: Join expatriate groups or communities to connect with other teachers and professionals who have experience living and working abroad.
Important Considerations:
- Timing: The hiring season for international schools typically runs from September to March for positions starting in August or September of the following year.
- Flexibility: Be flexible and open to considering different countries, school types, and positions.
- Networking: Network with other teachers and educators who have experience teaching abroad.
- Due Diligence: Thoroughly research any potential employer before accepting a job offer. Check online reviews and ratings. Contact current or former teachers who have worked at the school.
- Contracts: Carefully review your employment contract before signing it. Ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities. Pay close attention to clauses related to termination, compensation, and benefits.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be prepared to adapt to a new culture and to be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Adaptability: Teaching abroad can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Be adaptable, resilient, and open to new experiences.
