{"id":732,"date":"2014-03-02T15:12:05","date_gmt":"2014-03-02T15:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teacherhorizons.com\/advice\/?page_id=732"},"modified":"2020-09-15T05:11:47","modified_gmt":"2020-09-15T04:11:47","slug":"applying-to-international-school-jobs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.teacherhorizons.com\/advice\/applying-to-international-school-jobs","title":{"rendered":"Applying to international school jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why is applying international school jobs such a complicated process?  It doesn\u2019t need to be, but it currently is.  Lack of transparent and readily available information about schools, varying application methods, confusing accreditation bodies and distances are all issues that face the international school applicant, particularly those who are going through the process for the first time.<\/h4>\n

\"large-boat-on-water-with-hills\"Many fantastic teachers end up concluding that they are not able to secure an international school job.  This is simply not the case.  Teacher Horizons aims to reduce the stress of the application process by creating one application for all jobs whilst also ensuring that all the necessary information is in one place.<\/p>\n

Never-the-less, the number of applications for international school jobs can be high, particularly in desirable locations such as Europe and South America so you need to make sure you make the most of your talent and promote yourself.  The tips below should help.<\/p>\n

Who are international schools looking for?<\/h2>\n

This varies considerably and is dependent on the individual school.  However, as a general rule international schools tend to employ foreign teachers who have at least 2 years of experience.  In most secondary schools, international teachers are expected to have a degree in their subject and display a strong command of their subject whilst being able to engage with students of all abilities as they are rarely selective by academic ability.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, most of them are looking for passionate, well-rounded teachers with commitment to the values of an international education.  It is highly likely that they will expect teachers to contribute towards extra-curricular activities and get involved in the school social life, your personal interests are therefore much more likely to be of interest to an international school head.<\/p>\n

Carry out your research<\/h2>\n

Make sure you are ready to teach abroad first, our handy quiz<\/a> should help you with this process and asks all the right questions for you to consider.  Try to narrow down the kind of school and area of the world you want to work in.  The Middle East, for example, is an enchanting part of the world which many international teachers fall in love with but it is not for everyone.  Use our school profiles and country specific information to start with.  We would highly recommend you then look at individual school websites with a critical eye followed by researching information available on the various accreditation bodies.<\/p>\n

Accreditation bodies<\/h2>\n

For those new to teaching in international schools accreditation bodies and endless acronyms can be a source of constant confusion.  Once you have understood the different accreditations and membership bodies, they then often have different levels of schools within them.  Many are simply paid school memberships and aren\u2019t of any value to the teacher \u2013 they act as common marketing and strategic bodies.  However, there are a number of accrediting bodies that are fantastic:  eg CIS<\/a> (the Council of International Schools), NEASC<\/a>, COBIS<\/a> and WASC<\/a> and the International Baccalaureate<\/a>.  For further information, read our guide to the accrediting and membership bodies of international schools.<\/p>\n

Identifying the right country<\/h2>\n

\"lone-tree-in-sun\"Many recruitment agencies will tell you that the country doesn’t matter \u2013 it is the school that should be your primary concern.  This is not true, they are simply trying to push you towards taking a position at a client\u2019s job.  Your choice of continent \/ countries \/ cities that you would consider is critical.  Whilst you will need to be flexible in order to secure a good job, it is important that you don\u2019t compromise in accepting a country you are unsure about.  If you are unsure about it, carry out your research, visit the Lonely Planet<\/a> website for an overview, use our city guides, Numbeo<\/a> for the cost of living and if in doubt still try and speak to a member of staff about the lifestyle at the prospective school.<\/p>\n

If you are intending teaching abroad, you will most likely be committing to a 2 year contract \u2013 it is worth getting right!  Remember that there are some wonderful destinations such as Oman that may not be instantly on your radar as potential gems to live in \u2013 our travel guide will develop over time and make you aware of these countries and cities.<\/p>\n

The process \u2013 getting your application spot on<\/h2>\n

Ensure you have done the following with your full teacher profile:<\/p>\n