6 tips for finding the perfect international teaching position

If you’re an educator seeking to broaden your horizons and gain invaluable experience, working as a teacher in a foreign country may be the challenge you’re looking for. International teaching positions offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, enhance your teaching skills, and expand your professional network.

In this blog post, we’ve listed the top six tips for finding the perfect international teaching position.

Tip 1: Research and identify opportunities

The first step in finding your ideal international teaching position is to research and identify the job opportunities out there. Start by researching countries and regions that interest you and align with your career goals. Identify the types of schools and programs that are available in your desired location, and research their requirements and qualifications. As a Schrole member, you’ll have access to thousands of vacancies from more than 500 schools in over 100 countries, plus exclusive access to virtual and in-person recruitment events.

Tip 2: Consider your qualifications

International teaching positions often have specific requirements and qualifications that you need to meet. In addition to a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification, you may also need to have experience teaching in your home country. Research the specific qualifications required for the position you are interested in, and make sure you meet them before applying.

Tip 3: Network and make connections

Networking and making connections is critical to finding international teaching positions. Attend job fairs and events, join online groups and forums, and connect with other educators who have worked or are working internationally. Make sure to build relationships with school administrators and recruiters, and stay in touch throughout the job search process.

If you’re completely new to the international teaching world, join us for our online event, Introduction to International Teaching.

Tip 4: Prepare your documents

Once you’ve identified opportunities and determined that you meet the qualifications, it’s time to prepare your documents. Most schools require a resume, a cover letter, and a teaching philosophy statement. Additionally, you may need to provide transcripts, teaching certificates, and letters of recommendation. Make sure to tailor your documents to the specific job you’re applying for and highlight relevant experience and qualifications.

Tip 5: Be flexible and open-minded

When searching for international teaching positions, it’s essential to be flexible and open-minded. You may need to consider locations that you hadn’t initially considered or be open to teaching different grade levels or subjects. Additionally, schools may have different teaching styles and approaches than what you are used to, so be prepared to adapt and learn.

Tip 6: Follow up and stay persistent

After submitting your application, it’s important to follow up and stay persistent. Check in with the school to see if they received your application and if they need any additional information. Keep applying to other opportunities and don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a response right away. The job search process can take time, so it’s important to stay persistent and patient.

Finding international teaching positions requires research, preparation, and persistence. By considering your qualifications, networking and making connections, and being flexible and open-minded, you can increase your chances of landing a rewarding teaching position abroad.