Opportunities for Teaching Internationally

Throughout the world, there are international schoolsmembers. Depending on where you decide to teach,
looking to hire American, Canadian and British teachers.you will also have the opportunity to save money,
With over 900 K-12 schools in locations as diverse aswhether for additional travel or use back home. It
China and Italy, the opportunities for teaching overseasshould also be noted that the application process for
are incredible. Despite the differences between eachoverseas teaching positions isn't as complicated as
international school, they are all first-rate, privatemost assume. While there isn't a formal organization
schools with great faculty members and top-notchgoverning all the international schools, placement
facilities. Most of these schools also boast small classagencies offer comprehensive services that allow you
sizes and diverse student bodies. Considering the factto organize your job search. In addition to newsletters
that there are over 5,000 vacancies each year atand job search tools, the placement services act as
international English-language schools, there is bound toliaisons between the international schools and
be a position that fits your personality and experience.prospective teachers. One of the best ways to learn
Many of these international English-language schoolsabout the international teaching opportunities is to
were formed to serve expatriate communities andattend a job fair organized by a placement service.
other English-speaking families residing throughout theSuch conferences will allow you to meet the
world. However, regardless of location, every schooladministrators of overseas schools, personally deliver
you discover will possess a unique vision andresumes and analyze your teaching options. As very
curriculum. Many schools will feel like private schools infew schools are willing to hire an educator without an
the U.S., while institutions in smaller countries that enrollinterview, this is also a good time to make yourself
more local students might have more creative, nativeknown to your schools of interest. When analyzing the
atmospheres. In schools with large numbers of nativeavailable overseas teaching opportunities, here are a
students enrolled, classes might also be offered in thefew extra tips to help you find the right school:
host country's language. Almost every capital city in- Remain flexible. Target a particular region of the
the world has such an international school. Many of theworld or type of school, but keep your options open.
schools are directly affiliated with the U.S. DepartmentYou may find yourself teaching in an exciting location
of Defense and are generally referred to as Americanthat you would have otherwise overlooked!
international schools, while other schools may call- Don't wait to fill out your applications! You should
themselves colleges. However, all of the schools youalways try to file your applications early - usually by
will find during your search of international,October before the upcoming school year - to ensure
English-language teaching opportunities will be U.S.the school receives the proper materials.
accredited. Generally, international teaching- Practice your interview skills. When it is time to meet
opportunities pay about as much as private schools inadministrators at the job fair, you don't want your hard
the U.S. However, your salary will usually be tax free,work to go to waste.
both in the U.S. and your host country. Furthermore,- Even if you aren't looking for a fulltime teaching
nearly all of the international teaching opportunitiesposition, many language institutes throughout the world
offer paid housing or a housing allowance andaccept instructors on a more limited basis.
round-trip travel between your home and the school.- Rely on your resources. Your placement service can
Many even offer pension funds, insurance packages,answer your tough questions and help you avoid
home leave and free or discounted tuition for familycostly application mistakes.