Preparing for international teaching jobs: expanding your CV

In this blog, I will discuss preparations for teaching abroad which could help your application. All quotes are taken directly from Becoming a Successful International Teacher, which is currently priced highly competitively across all world markets of Amazon and through other online retailers.

When you apply for an international teaching role in a British School, it is unlikely that you will send a CV. However, you almost certainly will need to fill in an application form that will require similar information to a CV. When applying for a new role, I always update my CV and use this as a base to copy and past relevant information into my applications. This can save a lot of time and energy, as it is likely for your first international role you will need to make several applications.

To help your chances on securing an international teaching role, it is important that your application stands out as much as possible for being a teacher who is dedicated and knowledgeable as well as committed to developing the school.

In every international school I have worked there is the expectation that teachers will offer 1-2 extracurricular activities (ECAs). They usually take place after school, but some schools can offer these before school or at lunchtime. Therefore, when considering your application or interview, a key focus of international schools is determining what you can offer outside of teaching.

International schools are often highly competitive in terms of the sports and music programs they offer. If you play an instrument and/or can coach a sport this will be looked on favourably. In addition, if you have any hobbies, such as yoga, knitting, or gardening, these ‘soft’ skills are also good to highlight to support the ECA program. In my book, I provide the following advice:

“Prior to the job search, you should begin to build up your CV. Support your current school in projects which highlight how you are a good team-player within the school and wider community; furthermore, include initiatives which set you apart from other teachers. Investing in English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses and observing colleagues who teach non-native children would also support your application” (Gosling, 2021, p.18).

In one school I developed our mainstream EAL program through an action-research project. I have organised and led special events such as UN Day, Christmas Performance, and Children’s Day. Volunteering in your current school for an event organisation will be a great talking point in the interview and show that you are willing to support the school.

Showing that you are part of the education community could also support your journey. There are many groups available which provide not only community but also training. I can recommend the following as I have worked directly with them:

WomenEd (a global grassroots movement that connects aspiring and existing women leaders in education). They offer global and regional groups so you can connect in person.

Chartered College of Teaching (a professional body for teachers – dedicated to bridging the gap between practice and research and equipping teachers with the knowledge and confidence to make the best decisions for their pupils). 

Step Up Network (for new and aspiring leaders in education)

Diverse Educators (a collaborative community that celebrates the successes and amplifies the stories of diverse people)

If you have been part of inspections, include this in your application and you may discuss this at the interview. International schools, similar to UK schools, are always looking to improve. If you can detail how you supported your year group/department in the inspection (and the work prior/after) this will show the school your commitment to improvement.

In my book, I emphasise the importance too of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). In general, the schools I have interviewed have been impressed with my commitment to CPD as it shows a commitment to professional improvement. In an interview, you could be asked how you will best support children with EAL or learning difficulties. If you do not have multilingual children in your class, try to build up experience of observing teachers working with them. An excellent source of teacher CPD (online) is the National College and free Twinkl TeachMeets. However, if you do share that you are an avid follower of CPD, make sure to take notes at the most recent CPD so you can share insights at the interview.

I hope this has given you a few ideas of building up you experience towards transitioning to an international teacher.

In my next blog, I will unpick Choosing Where in the World to Work

Ways to connect with me:

Via LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-gosling

Via X @jessgosling2

Via Instagram @internationalteachertravel

Via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/newtointernationalschoolteachers/

Website: http://www.jessgoslingearlyyearsteacher.com

Purchase my book here.