Teaching overseas can be an incredible opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures, and enhance your teaching skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives. Whether you’re looking to teach Early Childhood, Maths, Science or any other subject, there are plenty of opportunities available for teachers who are interested in teaching overseas from Australia.

Research your options

The first step in teaching overseas from Australia is to research your options. There are a variety of ways to go international, depending on your interests and qualifications. Some of the most popular options include:

• International schools: If you have a teaching degree and some experience, you may be eligible to teach at an international school. These schools typically follow a curriculum that’s similar to what you’d find in Australia, and they’re often attended by expat families.
• Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL): This is a popular option for many Australian teachers who want to teach overseas. TEFL courses are typically short-term, and many programs don’t require a teaching degree. The demand for English teachers is high in many countries around the world, so there are plenty of opportunities available.
• Teach as a supply teacher in the UK. Working in London is a right of passage for a lot of Aussies. However, you don’t have your own class and community.  There can be long commute times and a variety of resources. Teaching is challenging in many cases.
• Volunteer teaching programs: If you’re interested in volunteering your time to teach, there are many programs available. Some may require a teaching degree, while others may only require a willingness to help and a love for teaching.

Meet the requirements

Once you’ve identified what interests you, it’s important to assess if you meet the requirements. These may vary depending on your choice, but some common requirements include:

• A teaching degree: Many programs require a teaching degree, especially if you want to teach at an international school.
• Teaching experience: While not always required, having some teaching experience will help you stand out as a candidate.
• TEFL certification: If you’re interested in teaching English as a foreign language, you’ll need to complete a TEFL certification program.
• Work visa: You’ll need a work visa to legally teach overseas. The requirements for obtaining a work visa will vary depending on the country you’re interested in teaching in.

Apply for the program

Once you’ve met the requirements, it’s time to apply. This will typically involve submitting an application, along with any required documentation (such as your teaching degree or TEFL certification). You may also be asked to participate in an interview.

Prepare to teach overseas

If you’re accepted into a teaching role, congratulations!  It’s now time to prepare for your overseas teaching adventure. This may include:

• Researching the local culture: Before you go, it’s important to research the local culture so you can be respectful and mindful of local customs.
• Packing: You’ll want to pack appropriately for the country you’ll be teaching in, taking into account the climate and cultural norms.

Your new school HR department may be the best source of information to help you leave Australia! We have been very well supported by the school that we are teaching at. They had local SIM cards waiting at our hotel. Having support and contacts here, as well as lots of research and preparation before we left have made it relatively smooth. Rebecca (international school teacher).

• Saying goodbye: Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to your friends and family and embark on your overseas teaching adventure!

Teaching overseas from Australia can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By researching your options, meeting the requirements, applying for the program, and preparing to teach overseas, you can make your dream of teaching abroad a reality. Best of luck!

I would strongly recommend having a global roaming function to be able to complete all the required registration forms via QR codes. There is always a verification number that needs to be sent to the mobile number, without the global roaming function it is very difficult. The locals are extremely helpful and will try to do their best to resolve any issues. Language is often a barrier, and using the online translator app, with an audio function, is strongly recommended. The WeChat app is the most popular way for communication here, and it has this fabulous function of translating messages – I write in English, get an answer in Chinese, press on the message, click translate and have the answer in English. It is a lifesaver if you don’t speak Mandarin. Donata (international school teacher).

Teaching overseas from Australia is an increasingly popular career path for Australians. If you would like to learn more about international school teaching as a possibility, please contact Nick Kendell to set up a time to chat online to see if it’s right for you!