Image: http://www.tes.com landing page for international job search
Read on for a brief guide to where to hunt for your teaching job abroad. Excerpts are taken from my book, Becoming a Successful International Teacher, where you can research the options at greater-depth. In this guide I share my methods of securing multiple overseas roles, but also used my survey information where I asked international teachers which methods were most successful for them and why.
“International schools are beginning to post their positions earlier and earlier [especially if you are interested in leadership positions], therefore it is recommended you begin your search around September for an August start [of the following year]. This is not true for all countries; Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, for example, have earlier start dates. So be aware of the academic start dates and adjust your search accordingly” (2021, pp.18-19).
Most teachers use one or several of these methods:
Internet job sites – examples TES, Guardian Education, these sites post roles from all over the world (with a focus on British schools overseas) and teachers can apply to these roles for no fee.
Applying to an educational group – examples include International Schools Partnership. These are umbrella companies that often own multiple schools in one or several areas of the world.
Applying to a programme – for teaching English rather than in international schools, such as the JET programme in Japan.
Recruitment agencies – a few examples (more specified in my book, as well as a discussion of the value of each) include Inta Education and Teacher Horizons. The two quoted are free for teachers and will support your application to schools which they work with. Paid for agencies such as Schrole, are also worth exploring (particularly for IB/American curriculum schools) and explored in-depth in my guide.
Recruitment databases – subscribing to a paid ‘jobs database’, more information in my guide.
Approaching schools directly – more information on how and when to do this can be found in my guide.
Social media: Facebook/LinkedIn/X – check my guide for an in-depth discussion of these areas.
Personal recommendations from teachers
Contact previous employers and colleagues
“Overall, international teachers believe that there is not a one-stop-shop anymore in finding a teaching position abroad. The best method is to conduct a job search is to use several methods: join agencies and also complete your own search. Ask around and check forums for advice and leads” (p.29).
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.
New to International Teaching with Jess Gosling 