How To Teach Overseas In An International School – that will be the topic of today’s article.
Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here.
The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.
Introduction
If the opportunity to live abroad, travel regularly, and make money sounds like what you’ve been dreaming about, you’re not alone in this journey of life. Social media is filled with thousands of people who have left their current residence, got overseas teaching jobs, and are now enjoying.
Well, it’s important to realize that the reality of getting a teaching job abroad to finance those social media photos might not be as simple as the captions and blog posts make it out to be. And of course, it takes a lot of time, financial planning, research, the right qualifications, and the readiness for this experience.
That’s not to say that your dream isn’t possible; it’s just that it could take time. Whether you’re already a passionate teacher or someone studying to become a teacher, it’s entirely possible to find a position overseas that can take you on that life-changing international journey. Does that even sound interesting?
If your answer sounds like a Yes, worry less. You still don’t have to keep surfing the internet to get the right information about teaching overseas in an international school. Besides, this comprehensive guide to getting a teaching job overseas lays out everything you need to know to prepare for your next adventure.
In this article, we will walk you through the different kinds of teaching jobs abroad. Not only that, but we have compiled this article to explain how you can teach overseas in an international school. There are more to explore, so are you ready to check what we’ve unleashed here? Read further to know more.
Types of Teaching Jobs Available for Expats
You may have only heard about teaching the English language abroad, especially in western countries that seems to be a popular choice. However, depending on your qualifications, you might have more options than you could ever think of. Without further ado, let’s quickly walk you through the process.
Public School Teaching Jobs
Public school teaching job is the first thing to put into consideration as an expat. As the name implies, ‘public’ it might be difficult to get, but if you know your way around it, you’ll get the best result and achieve your goals.
Teaching at a public school often means that you’ll be required to speak the local language, as the schools may not be fully immersed in the English language. Besides, it’s even possible to find a job using your native language schools in a public setting. And of course, the salary will vary greatly, as it will also depend on the school itself and its location in the country.
Private School Teaching Jobs
Private school teaching jobs are also another job that could allow you to make your money while living in a country as an expat. Also, if you’re looking for a program that would almost certainly require little to no knowledge of the local language, becoming a private teacher is the best option, in fact, there are many types of private schools in each country, for example, international private schools, a religious or faith-based school, military schools, and many others to mention a few.
International School Teaching Jobs
Teaching in an international school is a great opportunity for expat wanting to expand their knowledge and learn. Also, many international schools are looking for qualified, native English speakers to teach grades from Pre-Kindergarten through high school.
Moreover, these schools are typically fully immersive, meaning you may not need to have any knowledge of the local language in order to teach in the country. However, private international schools will pay a stipend for living expenses or provide housing as well as airfare from your home country, insurance, paid vacation, or even free education for any dependents.
Volunteer School Teaching Jobs
Volunteer school teaching jobs are another teaching you should consider. Many short and long-term positions are available for those looking to volunteer their time overseas, especially when it comes to teaching English. Oftentimes, the requirements are less than for paid, full-time teachings jobs.
In fact, you could spend fourth months teaching English in Costa Rica or three weeks teaching at an English camp in Poland. However, many faith-based schools offer volunteer positions, as well, including those that require raising your own support fees. Besides, keep in mind that with any volunteer position, along with receiving no pay, you will most likely have a large upfront cost due for flights, meals, program fees, and housing.
Military School Teaching Jobs
Despite what you might think of, the military school teaching job is another thing to look forward to. A good example is the U.S. military bases that hire American teachers at bases around the world. Meanwhile, since it’s a military teaching job, information about these schools can be found through the department of defense.
Teaching Jobs through the Peace Corps
This is more like a long-term volunteer solution and partnering with the Peace Corps to teach abroad. Moreover, you must be 18 years or older to apply as a U.S. citizen. While the application process is long and rigorous, most of these programs require a 4-years degree, as well as a demonstration that matches the program you’re applying to. If you’re accepted, the Peace Corps will pay your monthly in-country living expenses, and you’ll receive a readjustment allowance once you complete your service.
Teaching Jobs through the Fulbright Program
For those who already have teaching jobs with several years’ experience and expertise, the Fulbright distinguished awards in the teaching semester research program offer the chance to teach abroad for 3-6 months?
Moreover, Fulbright emphasizes the fact that they’re looking for expert teachers and not those that are new to the career.
In addition, if you’re a U.S. citizen, and you’re currently employed at a U.S. K-12 school, have a Master’s Degree, and can demonstrate the ability to lead professional development activities, then this opportunity could be perfect for you.
Moreover, you’ll be doing more research and professional development rather than teaching, but you’ll have the opportunity to lead courses, most likely at the university level.
Requirements for Teaching in an international School
This is arguably the most important part of applying for a teaching job overseas. While doing this, it’s essential that you have the right qualifications. Besides, for most teaching jobs, there are a few universal qualifications you may need as an expat. Without further ado, below are the criteria to consider.
- Bachelor’s Degree from a reliable institution
- You must have a good language fluency
- You must have TEFL/TESL/TESOL Certification
In addition to what we’ve listed above, you may need to be a native English speaker or be able to demonstrate fluency in English before you’ll be considered. More so, if you plan to teach in a public school abroad, you may be required to be fluent in the local language. Beyond the qualifications mentioned above and depending on the kind of teaching jobs you’re applying for, you might also need to consider the following.
- Master’s Degree
- Teaching license and teaching experience
- Degree specific to your field, if not English
- Administrative Certification to back up your degree certificate
How to get a teaching Job Overseas
Once you might have understood the kind of position you’re applying for, the qualification you need, the next thing is to jump to finding the right job. Although it’s no doubt that it may require a daunting process, but the following steps will help you make sure you’re prepared for this possible new career.
1. Decide What to Apply For
If you want to get a teaching job overseas, you should decide whether to apply through a program, recruiter or independently. In fact, you may need to think about whether you’d like to find a job on your own, at a large organization, or through a partner.
However, prestigious volunteer programs like Fulbright and the Peace Corps can be advantageous as they will guide your placement, living situation, expenses and provide the kind of support you may need in the long run. Meanwhile, other organizations can provide the same such as volunteer solutions.
Furthermore, take a look at the job openings on the school websites of the places you’re interested in, and you should find a list of benefits as well as their application requirements. Not only that, but you can always find available teaching jobs abroad while you’re navigating to different platforms.
2. Choose a Suitable Country to teach In
As of today’s 21st century, there are many countries where you can teach as an expat. In this section, we’ll highest some of the best countries to which and the reasons for choosing them. On the flip side, choosing the country you want to teach may be the most fun part of the process. Below are some of the best countries to go to for a teaching job.
● Australia – Teachers in Australia, earn nothing less than an upward of $62,000 AUD
● New Zealand – Many experienced teachers in this country, earn up to $47,000 NZD
● The United Arab Emirates – As of today, expat teaching in this country earn nothing less than $32,000
● Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world, and they reward their teachers handsomely. This way, teachers could earn up to $36,000
● The United Kingdom – Living in London is a dream for many travelers and expats. However, expats could earn nothing less than $37,000 or more in London school
● China – China is by far the most popular destination for ESL teachers as of today. However, the average salary range for teachers in this country is nothing less than $1,100 to $4,400
● South Korea – This country tends to rank high for good reasons. Not only is there an incredible demand for foreign English teachers, but the ESL market continues to grow each year in the country. Here, teachers can earn up a salary range of about $1,700 to $5,000
3. Prepare Your Resume/CV (Updated)
Writing a resume can be a daunting task for everyone – particularly when you’re applying overseas. While doing this, the first step to consider is the right format that is expected. In North America, for example, standard resumes are used, whereas, in Europe, CVs are used while both are used in Australia.
Additionally, no matter the format of CV/Resume you’d like to use, below are some of the universal tips for writing a CV/Resume for teaching abroad
- Endeavor to check for grammar and spelling mistakes
- Use a professional format or purchase a template online on sites like Etsy and many more
- Be sure your resume/CV is easy to read, easy to follow, and check with your references to make sure you have the most updated contact information
- Relate your resume/CV to the specific job you’re applying for; highlight your experience and expertise, and make sure your skills relate to the specific job you’re applying for
- Include a professional photo of yourself and avoid using too many other graphics as they may be distracting and may not format correctly once sent to potential employers
4. Apply to Current Teaching Jobs
Once you’re able to browse and get the right teaching jobs that suit your need or meet your requirements, you may need to apply for the current job posting. Even if a school doesn’t seem to have any openings, you can always reach out to them to see if there are vacancies and ask if you can send them your resume just in case they have any future openings.
On the flip side, applying for multiple positions you’re qualified for will certainly increase your chances of finding a job. As with any job search, it makes time and patience to see the right job. In the meantime, you can always make your application stronger through the right certification, experience, skills, and many other necessary things to support your degree certificate.
5. Show-up Your Skills and Ace the Interview
Once you land an interview, it’s high time you demonstrate your skills and expertise in the particular field or position you’re applying for. If possible, show your knowledge and let the school know that you’re the right candidate for the job.
On that note, when your interviewer asks if you have any questions at the end of the interview, your answer should never be no. This means you need to come ready with a list of questions about the position. Some questions that will help you better understand the position while also demonstrating your interest and commitment should include the following.
- When you think about some of the most successful teachers, what qualities do you think may help you in this situation?
- What do you think is the most challenging aspect of this job, and do you think you’d be in a position to confront the challenge?
- How do you measure performance in this role, and how often do you think your performance would be assessed?
- What opportunities do you think are there for continuing education, training, and growth in this position?
- What are your school are the top values and priorities?
6. Ensure You Negotiate Your Salary and Contract
While you’re researching potential employers, ensure you look into salary information for similar positions or even previous employees at school. With this in mind, if you’re offered a position, you’ll know exactly what salary to look for and how much you can negotiate.
However, it’s worth it to practice negotiating salary with each job offer. This means you don’t have to be afraid of negotiating or asking for a higher salary than what’s offered, as this might lead them to retract your offer.
7. Accepting your New Teaching Job
Whatever you do abroad, keep in mind that things like pay, working conditions, and job requirements can vary greatly by country. However, if you plan to achieve your goal as a teacher, the following job terms should be completely clear.
- The pay and the benefits you’ll receive as a teacher
- Hours and working conditions that’d be comfortable for you
- Whether accommodations or housing assistance is included, and if not, know how you’re going to find a place to live and how much it will cost
- How to get a visa and what the conditions of your visa will be in the long run
8. Prepare Financially before You Depart Your Country
As an expat wanting to travel to a new country, it’s always crucial to prepare financially before departing your country. Unlike finding a job in your own country, there can be a very high relocation cost that comes with teaching overseas.
For a volunteer position, you may need to be able to cover all of your expenses, including flights, food, program fees, insurance, and activity fees. Also, volunteer organizations like Peace Corps and Fulbright will cover these expenses, but any outstanding debt or financial commitment must be paid by you.
Pros and Cons of Teaching Abroad
As a teacher in today’s digital world, you’re lucky to have the option to do what you love anywhere in the world. With so many organizations in different countries looking for international teachers, it has never been easier to teach abroad. Of course, these experiences come with their pros and cons. While teaching abroad can be an amazing experience, below are the pros and cons of teaching abroad.
Pros
1. Learning about Other Cultures
Being immersed in a different culture is a fascinating experience, and you’d love to explore that as a teacher. In fact, every day, you can learn or try something new. And that’s one thing you’ll enjoy while teaching in another country. Also, you’ll try new food, language, and meet people with different ways of thinking and living.
2. Opportunity to Share your Culture
Of course, many locals in your new country would love to know your native language, culture, dialects, and many others. Besides, some would even ask you to share some thoughts about the holidays and things in your culture. Also, being immersed in this new culture will help you understand people more.
3. Opportunity to Become a Better Teacher
When you teach abroad, you’ll explore, and you have the opportunity to become a better person. You can learn about a new educational system and will need to adapt to the way things are done at your school and in that country. This makes you more flexible and tolerant, and it forces you to be a team player and ask questions, and creating positive relationships with your co-worker.
Cons
1. You’ll Definitely Miss Your Home
It’s no doubt that you’ll definitely miss your home while teaching in another country. Whether you’re with your loved ones, pet, food, or being able to speak your own language more often, you’ll still miss your home. So, prepare for this whenever you’re moving to a new country for the first time.
2. Experience Cultural Shock
Even if you live in a country where you see people speaking your native language, you’ll still experience a cultural shock. Sometimes, though, things were so different that you could be comparing your culture to the new culture. This way, it could be shocking to see people doing things that you’re not used to seeing or hearing them talk about things that you’re not used to talking about.
3. You’ll Always Be a Foreigner
No matter what you do in a new home, foreigners will always be a foreigner. More so, you might look different from most people, and some people may not be accepting or welcoming. Besides, locals might make assumptions about you based on what they have heard about your home country.
Now, do you think teaching overseas is worth it? Well, in our opinion, we can confidently tell you that teaching abroad is worth it. Despite all the challenges along the way, you’ll always enjoy moving to a new home and environment. If you’re on the fence about whether teaching is good or not, take the plunge.
Conclusion
Teaching overseas at any international school is a fantastic career opportunity for any teacher trying a new environment. While planning this, it’s crucial you know that you might experience some challenges in the long run. Regardless of this, it’s the best decision, and you’ll enjoy your stay. So, if that’s what you’ve been planning today, worry less and refer to this guide to know more.
