Teaching Jobs Overseas
International Employment for Teachers

Teaching Jobs Overseas Topics: international teaching, teaching overseas, teaching abroad, American and international schools, overseas jobs, international employment, etc.

1998 - 1999

  I have been teaching and coaching in Iowa for the last 4 years. As someone who is still young, single, and possesses several degrees, how can I get a job overseas? I am currently working on my Master's degree and am wondering if it is wise to get ESL certification? 

What will be the best feather in my cap when job hunting this spring? Also, should I complete my Master's coursework prior to accepting a job? 

A: First of all you are making a common mistake by starting too late. We emphasize it everywhere that you must start early. If you  start job hunting "this spring" you will be disappointed to find out that there is not much left for you.

Since you have 4 years experience you are qualified for most international positions, as long as you have good references and approach your job search properly. 

The easiest way is to attend one of the few international recruitment fairs in winter. You must register now. It is a large subject (read The Insider Secrets to Finding a Teaching Job Overseas for the detailed description and tips).

Do you need an ESL certificate? No, unless you plan to teach ESL. MA degree? -- no either. Many schools have professional development programs that will help you complete your MA degree.

There are no "best feathers", generally speaking. You must look good as a candidate. Submit  a professional CV, recommendations, show maturity and familiarity with overseas specifics, don't make stupid mistakes during the interviews, and most importantly, get all the information BEFORE you start doing anything. Once again, spring will be TOO LATE.  -- Igor

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   Hi Pam,

   i'm having a great time here in berlin. it's my kind of city and my kind of school...small classes, few teaching hours, smart kids, short commute. and i have you 2 to thank. 

i am definitely spoiled by the small class sizes, relaxed student rules, diligent student body, and incredible parent involvement not to mention the fabulous (never boring) city of berlin. i can't imagine teaching the way i was in the states. all of pam's advice was right. 

i feel like i finally started living!

A: Thank you ! -- P.&I.

A: It appears that UNI is moving towards a more structured organization. This year, there is pre-screening of candidates as well. Thanks. -- Igor

Although I obtained this position without your help I will be looking for another position for next year 2001-2002. I will purchase membership in January. I think your program is very helpful.

A: Hello Sandra, good to hear from you! Yes, teachers enjoy much more respect overseas than here in the US, it is really inspiring. I remember the kids would stand up and stop talking as you enter the classroom. 

Regarding your membership. There have been many improvements since the time you ordered your disk. Now we offer daily vacancies and there are usually a lot of ESL jobs, so you will find it most useful. Please email if you have any questions. Thanks, --Igor

  Went to the UNI Job Fair last spring---never saw such a mess-disorganized and a total waste of money- I would never advise anyone to take part - no help from organizers - who seemed mainly interested in obtaining their fees!!!! Sounds like you have the right idea- wish I had found you first!!! [email protected] 

A: The UNI fair is almost free. Everyone and their uncle attend. Hence the mess. 

If you've followed our guidelines and established a few preliminary contacts the chaos is less of a problem.  You simply meet with the directors you know (while your competitors are trying to make sense of the mess) -- before the fair is over. 

The selective fairs (those that charge real fees and pre-screen candidates) are less chaotic, although it is also a big risk *and probably a waste of money as well* to go unprepared.  --Igor

 I will be teaching at the  American Academy for Girls. I have a two year contract. I just finished  getting my visa from the Washington Embassy. I am waiting for the tickets to  arrive. The contract seems good. I'm taking my 10 year old daughter with me  and she will go to the same school. 

Thank you for being a good customer. Pam and I are glad that our information was helpful. -- Igor

  I'm a satisfied teacher for the overseas DoDDS system of schools (these are for the children of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas). 

I wanted to let you know that I've made an unofficial webpage that includes many helpful links and lots of "real-deal" information about teaching overseas for DoDDS schools and what living on/around overseas U.S. military bases is like.  Here's the link:
http://www.tmn.com/~mcgarity/st/doddsteaching.htm 
Rory McGarity (currently assigned at Landstuhl, Germany)

  I've been offered my first overseas job teaching music in the Bahamas at Eight mile rock high school, near Freeport. So far have received no information (my employers are the ministry of education) but am due to go in 2 weeks, and am worried about re-locating my family. I will have to find my own accomodation. Is this regular? I'm considering turning it down but don't want to waste a good opportunity. They've told me nothing about the school or cost of living- salary is US$21,800. They also refuse to pay flight for my husband as we weren't married at interview stage. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.

A: Please contact us by email. We have some information about this school that I can't post here. --Igor

A: Well, frankly, this is not our area, we work primarily with international schools that recruit professional teachers. 

The good news is that we also post many ESL vacancies (English as a Second Language). A lot of these ads require only a BA degree in any area, neat appearance and clear diction. Here's a recent ad:

Save $20,000 a year

Try something different; spend a year or more teaching your native language in Taiwan. We are looking for young and energetic teachers to teach children and adults throughout Taiwan. Teachers must have a university or college degree and speak English as a first language.

Applicants should embrace challenges with a positive attitude and be willing and able to lead. Remuneration will reflect skill level, ingenuity and commitment.

Teachers are required to teach 24 hours per week, in addition an average of 6 hours will be required for meetings and consultation.
Teachers will work Monday to Friday with weekends and all National Holidays off. Starting salary will be equivalent to $2,500 US, plus free accommodations in a new, fully furnished western size and style apartment. 

Health care is provided, paid holidays and return flight to Taiwan. All meals on working days will be provided. Free Chinese language classes will be provided, and private classes will be arranged to augment teachers’ salaries. All overtime is paid at time and a half. 

With this salary and these living arrangements teachers should be able to live very comfortably and save in excess of $20,000 US per year. All those interested please fax a cover letter and your resume to 81-3-3797-7670, 

or by mail to: 

Sandra Leishman 
5-1-14-111 Hiroo, 
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 
150-0012 
Japan

A: Please send an email with the specific details of the problem. --Igor

  To whom it may concern:
I went to the UNI conference and thought it was horrible. I
definately won't go back again. Having had such a bad experience, I am, of course, wary of paying any more money to someone with the hopes that they will magically be able to get a me a job.

A:  International conferences, especially  non-selective fairs like UNI, can be a real mess -- you must have a rudder. You need to understand what's happening behind the scenes.

This disaster could have been prevented if you had prepared for the event. Avoiding  the common traps alone would have doubled your chances, not to mention our proven step by step directions and interview guidelines we offer.

Let's see... You must have spent a few hundred dollars on your air tickets,  hotel,  food and tips, probably new clothes, etc. etc. It could have been from $500 to $1,500. Not to mention the lost opportunities and the unpleasant experience. 

Question: is the $30 "savings" worth is? (our members package is $30).

We have people on this message board - members of Joyjobs.com - that attended the same UNI conference you write about. However, they returned with several job offers and very positive experience. Their success is based on the specific information and personal effort (preparation),  not magic. That's right -- A LOT of people use our info to land great jobs every recruiting season.

If you think this is only a sales pitch -- think again. We receive similar stories year after year.  Here's some advice from other participants. --Igor

  I was wondering if joyjobs could please list college/university level schools in your international school information section. There are many teachers, like myself, who only teach these upper levels and you, unfortunately, only list high schools. 

This seems quite surprising since you have some college/university positions listed in your job section. It would be nice to obtain information about these schools.

Could you please do more marketing for colleges and universities? I would love to teach at a university in one of several different countries, but there's no information.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
-- Kay

A: Elementary, Middle and High Schools, as well as ESL schools, to be exact. We also post college level openings but there is no separate section for Universities in the Schools Directory and the Insider Secrets. 

However, organizing the available information is only a question of time,  so we will be adding a separate directory that will target overseas colleges and universities.-- Igor

I feel obligated to warn all teachers currently in international or those thinking about getting a job overseas about the American school in Paraguay.

Oddly enough, despite all the recent bad press, the country itself is a nice place to live, but the school is poorly administered  and the students basically run ASA and PAIS.

Despite the fact that these schools are advertised as either "American" or "International" schools, they are in fact national schools (all of my American passport holders are the children of rich Paraguayans born in Miami). Academics are a very low priority with these students, and they will crucify you if you  demand the least effort from them.

If you run afoul of any of the more powerful students, your days are numbered, or you will be given a bad reference when you leave. I would love to give you my name and email address, however I fear retaliation by my principal  and director. Bottom line is this: if you have a job offer somewhere else, take it!

A: Pam and I talk about the importance of information all the time. Especially when you deal with overseas markets. Obviously, knowing the school's name and country is not enough. Yet, we receive many emails where people say: "I don't need all this stuff, give me a list of vacancies and addresses and I will do the rest." Do not fall for this trap. 

A few weeks ago we received another email describing a similar problem in a school in Turkey. We post all these alerts and warnings to the Members Area of our website. 

The names American and International can be deceiving. At the very least, you must find out if the school is accredited with a major international organization!

Always check the school in our Overseas Schools Directory  for accreditation; and if it is not listed (not a good sign!)-- email us.

  Can you tell me in which countries salaries are the highest. 

A: Countries that have high cost of living (Western Europe, Japan). It is not the countries but schools that pay you, though. Unlike in North America, your quality of life and buying power will depend not exclusively on your salary but on your benefits package (free housing, insurance, paid travel, bonuses, allowances, etc) and the cost of living in a particular country. The best deals we have had were in the developing countries such as Indonesia, -- not Japan or UK.

  Dear Pam and Igor,
I just wanted to let you know that thanks to your CD-ROM, my fiancé and I received five interviews and four job offers from the ISS fair in Boston, and we have just accepted positions with the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin.

Considering that we are both English teachers and are relatively inexperienced, we feel very lucky. The information you gave us was invaluable, particularly your tips about resumes, interviews, and contacting the schools early.

A: Congratulations! The JFK School in Berlin was Pam's first choice back in the 80-s. Berlin is a fascinating city, absolutely stunning (unfortunately, a bit expensive, too). Write back!

  I have been offered two TESL jobs -- one in Italy and one in Qatar -- only to have the offers rescinded when they figure out I'm not a young girl. How do I avoid the age trap that seems so prevalent overseas

A: Dear MaryAnn, stop targeting ESL establishments and focus on international schools. There are ESL positions with most American international schools, all over the world. And there is no "age trap"  as long as you are qualified. I think you are a good teacher so do not get discouraged. -- Igor

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  Wish I had seen your site 3 months ago...The list of schools alone would have saved me countless hours of research...

A: We are glad you ordered the package. When you study the whole program you will know more about overseas recruitment than 99% of teachers out there.  Quite an eye opener.

  Dear Pam and Igor, I have some excellent news. Thanks to all your advice, I have my first overseas teaching job. I am going to teach Kindergarten in Honduras at the American School of Tegucigalpa. I am really excited !! Thank you so much for all your help in understanding how to go about the process. It would have not been possible without all your tips! Thanks again, Sarah

  your site is idiotic, a real hard sell aimed at the foreheads of inexperienced teachers. do you consider yourself a professional in any way?  [email protected]

A: Indeed, we strive to assist those who have little or no experience in overseas teaching. We explain every detail and provide step by step directions. As a result, lots of people land jobs. Who can be unhappy about it? Only those who have always considered the international teaching market their own turf and guarded it against new-comers.  Yes, the international recruiting system is still a mess,  but there is a method to it. This is what Joyjobs.com is all about.

Many seasoned overseas teachers subscribe to our program as well:  the package has an excellent price/value ratio, with a very good record  (first release 1996, updates 97, 98, 99, 2000).  Having new jobs daily on your computer is not a bad idea either -- even for an experienced pro.

And yes, we post lots of feedback because it is the only way to prove that the package does what it says.-- Best, Igor

--Would this position be US tax-exempt?
--Given the high cost of living in Japan, does this still sound like a lucrative offer?

A: It sounds like a great offer to me, especially that the school flies you over to Japan for the  interview. You should use this opportunity to take a good look at the place.

To find out if you are tax-free, combine your total foreign income. If it is under $72,000 your salary is tax-exempt. The congress adds a few thousand dollars every year so in 2001 it will be around $74,000.

Yes, Japan is expensive, especially housing and food. Your $1,000 housing allowance may not be enough.  The school must be able to suggest a couple good places. A settling -in allowance is a good addition as most Japanese landlords  will ask for a huge security deposit plus some form of gratuity fee (a legalized bribe).

Please keep in touch, as a member you can still use our services in Japan.  --Igor.

  I have your CD-ROM and just love it. I loved your tips for creating a winning marketing package.

I went to the UNI fair and landed a teaching position at The American International School in Cairo, Egypt for the 2000-2001 school year! I still, however, want to hear from you so can you please update you system with my new email address? My "mindspring" address will be no good after April 4, 2000.

A: Congratulations! Egypt is amazing and everything is close: Italy, Israel, Greece, Turkey, you name it. 

As you know  we used to email job listings individually  last year.  Now you do not need to wait until we compile a new list. New vacancies are posted every day, including weekends, directly to the Members Area. To login from Cairo (or any other location in the world) to check on new jobs and other developments, simply use your member's password.  -- Igor

  Hi Pam and Igor. I have put off buying your resource mainly because I am not at all certain my credentials are worthy of the international teaching scene.

Basically, we all have two choices: 1. do nothing; 2. start looking through the available information. When you opt for number 2 you always have chances - although it may take some extra effort if your situation is non-standard.

If you select number 1 (do nothing) your chances are zero. Putting off your research will not get you any closer to your goal.

Dear Pam and Igor, Thank you for sending updated information. I attended the AASSA Fair in Orlando the first week in December and came away with a College Counseling job in Santiago, Chile. The preparation I was able to do based on your program was very valuable. I'm happy with the opportunity I have in Chile and am impressed with the people I have communicated with there. Regards, Carol

A: Hi Carol, Indeed, we sent you a reminder as we didn't know if you landed a job or not. I am glad your job search succeeded and that you like your new host country. I have heard a lot of good things about Chile. It would be great if you could share you impressions about  the  school and country. We will post it in the Stories section.-- Igor

Thank you for your help. I have been reading The Guide each night. As promised, it is packed with priceless information. Any news on the resume service? I would love to purchase a C.V. template for a quick and easy document.

A: The CV and Resume Sampler will soon be available, sorry for the delay. We post resumes daily, The Sampler did not seem like a priority as there are many samples in the Members Area (under The TOOLS section.) But you are right, we need to get it done.

Just curious, how will the charge appear on my visa statement? Thus far, I am extremely satisfied. Sincerely, --Jonathan

A: Thank you for your order. When your statement arrives you will see our business name "Teaching Jobs Overseas" and the description : "Online Access to Jobs, Product Downloads, Member Services" and the total charge: $30.00. No tax, no hidden charges.

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The last job posting I can access is for March 17.  Please advise how to get current listings. Thank you --Mary

A: Because of the large number of ads we opened a new job thread. If you can't see new posts you must have bookmarked the old thread and login to it directly. 

What to do: login to the Members Area (main page) then click on JOBS and select Current Log (not Previous Log!) New openings arrive daily.

As of the time of writing (March 29 3:16 PM Pacific Time) the latest post was from the American School of Paris (Math, Science).

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  Hi Pam and Igor, Wanted to express our appreciation for your wise advise.  We went to the ISS conference in Boston and landed our dream job in Las Palmas, Spain.  Hooray!

A: Congratulations! Good to hear from you. You may know that Spain is very different from the US, culturally, it is the opposite of America. Get ready for late dinners (9-10 PM), cigarette smoke and lots of wine ;-)

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  I just got a puppy and want to know if I can take him with me if I secure a position. Thank you. --Emma

A: We found out that the only concern is the size of your dog. Big animals are hard to travel with. The specific requirements differ from country to country so you need to contact the embassy of the country you are going to for this information. Basically, they all want the same:

• Vaccination against rabies.
• A certificate of good health.

Specific details differ (sometimes your pet must have a tattoo, for example, as an identifier). Except for Britain, taking a small dog with you should not be a problem. In some countries, pets have it even better than children (France, Austria) -- you can bring them everywhere -- cafes, clubs, shops, restaurants; it is quite common.

A: We publish as many testimonials as it seems reasonable. However, it is up to you to decide if $30 is too much a risk for you.  From my experience the real risk is to get involved in an international job search without a clear understanding of all the options and caveats.

  Dear Pam and Igor,

I'm writing to thank you so much for the help you've provided through your emails and most of all, CD ROM program on how to land an overseas teaching job. Three weeks ago I attended the Search Associates Cambridge fair--I'll been an intern at the AIS school in Israel this fall. Your advice, program and web site have been huge guideposts for me through all of this.

I ordered your CD ROM almost a year ago and have been plotting since then to get overseas. Your program offered me advice on just about everything involved in the process and gave me added confidence going into the enigma of the do or die job fair.

I think the ideas and creativity regarding your venture are
brilliant. And Igor, your prompt and personalized emails made me feel even more enthusiastic. I plan to use my membership throughout my career in overseas teaching--and I have a feeling it may be a long one. Once again thanks a million and keep up the great work. --Megan

A: Thank you Megan. You made my day.  I love working with open, positive-minded, enthusiastic teachers like yourself. Please keep in touch! -- Igor

  I'am very interested in teaching english overseas. But I don't have any experience nor do I have a degree or certificate. What are my chances of getting a position?


A: To be honest with you, from slim to none. Most language schools require an ESL certificate. Those that do not, require a BA degree. We often post openings that require only a BA degree in any area (otherwise you are not eligible for a work visa!)

You need to have some education, otherwise it is a waste of time.

  Q: I left the job fair with Search Associates in Carmel with 3 offers! Not only was the CD helpful but fun to share with other candidates! I know of at least one that has since ordered it!

I signed with a new school in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom Schools- not much information yet, school doesn't even open until September- have you heard anything about it- or anything in particular I should know? (other then major cultural differences)--Ann

A: Three offers! This is really impressive, well done! Get ready for some sun now. A new school has advantages and disadvantages. Most often there are not enough supplies and reading materials. Bring your emergency supply for photocopying.

You can also upload files to a personal storage box at www.driveway.com  and www.magicaldesk.com  -- they will always be available for download, wherever you are. Consider making a list of useful bookmarks pointing to teacher resources, too. Save it to a floppy (and also upload it to your driveway.com  folder).  There will be less time to browse the Internet: the Saudis are paranoid about sex and "inappropriate" information so there may be all kinds of security features and restrictions installed on your computer. Depending on your living arrangements you may be required to wear an abaya -- ask your director about it. Ask if there will be a phone in your apartment. I have had complaints from people who had to walk to another building to make a call. Make friends with the other teachers, new compounds may have little to offer in the way of entertainment. Please keep in touch.-- Pam and Igor 

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