- In 2008, there were 196 American-sponsored overseas schools in 136 countries assisted by the U.S. Department of State. These are just the American-sponsored schools, and there are also more than 4,000 international schools all over the world who offer overseas teaching opportunities. Be sure to read the reviews of schools in different regions of the world (see Resources below).
- Teaching overseas can be a wonderful opportunity, especially to an adventurous single person. However, there are some important things to take into consideration while researching the possibility. You will need to decide if you will use a placement program, apply to teach English through a foreign government-sponsored program, or apply to an international school on your own. If there is a specific region you would like to teach in, be sure you meet their certification requirements. Compare the salary and benefits you will make teaching overseas to the expense of getting there and living in that part of the world. Also check on the income tax for that area (see Resources below).
- Traveling seems to be one of the biggest benefits to teaching overseas. While teaching in a foreign country, you can experience a culture and take in sights at the same time. Experienced overseas teachers have spoken highly of the wonderful teaching facilities in which they've taught, the close-knit bond established between the colleagues at the schools and the small class sizes that enabled them to accomplish more instruction. While teaching overseas, you can strengthen your resume in a way that makes you stand out from other applicants.
- One common misconception about teaching overseas is that you will be hired to teach English. This is not necessarily true, as overseas schools offer a varied curriculum and are looking for teachers for a variety of subjects. Another misconception is that just because you are a certified teacher in the United States, you will automatically meet the criteria to teach overseas. Although a teaching certificate normally makes you more appealing, each country has its own certification and immigration requirements. Many people also have the misconception that when teaching overseas, all of your students will be the nationality of that country. If you are teaching at an international school, you will probably have local students mixed in with children of military members and diplomats.
- Begin preparing for an overseas teaching opportunity about 10 months before the start of the school year. If the school year begins in August, have your resume and applications ready by the end of November. Also, be sure to apply for documents that will be needed to travel abroad if you do not have them already. Once you have your applications, resume and application for travel documents submitted, apply to attend international job fairs before the end of December. Job fairs are held between January and March. If you opt to avoid job fairs and search for overseas teaching vacancies on your own, jobs start being posted during this time (see job listings in Resources below). Between April and August, job fairs are held again to fill last-minute vacancies.
- If you decide to use a placement service to find an overseas teaching opportunity, be sure it is a reputable one. Trust your instincts, but beware of any company who charges for finding job leads, promises to find a job with a money back guarantee and/or uses a post office box rather than a street address. Read the reviews of overseas schools before signing a contract (see Resources below). Additionally, once you have secured a job teaching overseas, be prepared for culture shock. Educate yourself on the culture, customs and language of that country.
