The demanding nature of teaching has caused some educators to consider leaving their profession for tutoring or online work. If you are also contemplating a career change, teaching overseas might be just what you need to keep your enthusiasm and joy alive!

Having said that, it can be challenging to get a job as an international school teacher.  Partnering with an experienced agency like Search Associates can significantly reduce stress and accelerate your journey to becoming an international school teacher. We offer the resources and expertise you need to navigate the process with confidence and land your dream job at a top-tier international school.

Competitive market  

International schools are often inundated with applications for each position. Successful candidates know that patience, persistence, and resilience are key when applying.

What are international schools looking for? Consensus suggests that international schools are searching for someone who:

• Is skilled and experienced in their field, and can hit the ground running. Someone who shares their love of learning, PD, and curriculum knowledge with other staff members.
• Can offer a variety of after-school activities to enhance staff or student learning.
• Has the right personality and attitude to complement the school community and go the extra mile in terms of being fully involved. A team player!
• Has the best interests of children in mind and an enthusiasm for helping each child grow and learn at their own pace.
• Can articulate why they want to work at a particular school. What is it about the school, its curriculum, or its philosophy that is attractive?
• Can adapt to living in that particular location and can work with staff, students, and families from that culture (and many other cultures).
• Is flexible and able to adapt well to change, with a great sense of humor and a positive outlook that can help lift others.
• Can stay past their first contract and commit to the long-term cohesion of the school.

Search Associates’ founder, John Magagna, summarises the main attributes that schools are seeking out:

“Aside from loving to work with children of all ages, successful international teachers are risk takers, highly adaptable to completely new environments, and highly accepting of the diverse cultural norms and language of the students.

“They are role-models of good citizenship, in addition to possessing an enthusiasm about their subject and an open mindedness to new learning. What sets thriving international educators apart is the spirit of adventure and commitment to student learning.”

How to apply to schools

There are several ways to apply to schools,

Teachers can choose to apply directly through individual school websites or partner with an agency like Search Associates.

Applying directly allows teachers to research specific schools in-depth and tailor their application to their unique needs. However, it requires extensive research and individual outreach to numerous schools.

Search Associates simplifies the process by offering a curated selection of accredited and vetted international schools. Their extensive database provides detailed information about each school, including class sizes, benefits packages, salaries, and other crucial details. This reduces your research burden and ensures you’re applying to schools that align with your expectations. Additionally, having a Search Associates profile adds credibility to your application. Schools trust the agency’s vetting process and expertise in international education. Ultimately, choosing the best application method depends on your individual preferences and comfort level.

I had already invested time and effort into researching international schools and contracts but really had just touched on the tip of the iceberg. Nick is a wealth of information about all the little things that add up and he fills in many of the blanks. Brendan (Search Associates candidate).

We take the guesswork out

Search Associates has helped thousands of teachers launch rewarding careers at top-tier international schools worldwide. At last count, there were over 700 schools registered with Search Associates in 132 countries, ensuring you connect with only the best-in-class institutions.

Our team consists of seasoned international educators, equipped to answer your questions, guide your application process, and champion your success. Teachers have the advice and backup of an associate to help them navigate through the hiring process. This gives peace of mind when embarking on a journey to becoming an international educator and making a lifestyle change while staying in the same profession.

Join our network and embark on your international teaching journey with confidence!