Job Discussion Forums

adrianmark · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

I am trying to get my foot in the international school door.

I am an ESL teacher with 7 years experience. In order for me to work at an international school as an ESL teacher, could someone please tell me which qualification/s I would need?

Would any of these be acceptable?

MA in TESOL
CELTA
CELTYA

I would love to hear from other ESL teachers who are or have worked at international schools and know what qualifications/experience you have that enabled you to first get an interview and then be offered a job.

Many thanks for any info that can be provided.

Adrian

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

You could get into bilingual or international schools, my advice is just start emailing the schools. I'm the international British School in Peru, experience in teaching and Peru and persistence got me in the door. Email schools a couple of times, especially right before the school year as it's not uncommon for current teachers to leave at the last minutes.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=4556 go here for a list of international schools, you'll have to scroll down.

Usually CELTA courses and the like won't help too much, same for Masters courses. Schools usually require a teaching license in order to get a job. Though many places are flexible, especailly biligual schools or schools in not very popular places. THink about all the people who want to go to Spain or Italy, but there are probably less that want to go to Estonia. Apply to schools in those countries and you'll have a better chance.

adrianmark · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

Thanks so much for the info.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

If you mean the top rank international schools, QTS (qualified teacher status) would be essential i.e. state school certification from your home country - a PGCE or BEd in UK terms

keepwalking · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Peru, at last

Really depends on where you want to go in the world. There's a wide range of schools which call themselves 'international'. As the poster above says, the top ones, the traditional schools who serve a wealthy ex-pat community have high expectations for qualifications and experience. That said, good schools in regions which don't pay the traditional ex-pat salary (you do okay but don't send money home to pay a mortgage) such as Latin America are more flexible in their approach.

I'd say you'd be considered in any of the international schools here in Peru.

Looking for my place · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 49 Location: Portland

I was in the exact same position as you. 7 year of ESl and looking to get my foot in the International door.. I did tons of research and contacted schools and the general response was to teach in a creditable international school, I needed to be a certified teacher. I sucked it up and went back to school full time for a year to get the certificate and now... well I am working in a credited International School.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

BTSskytrain · Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 45

Qualifications typically include a BA in Education and certification. Having a couple of years of teaching experience is also a plus.

Skytrain

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

And connections, who will tell you about openings before they-re actually posted.

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Plus they back you up when they're making hiring decisions.

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

Looking for my place · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 49 Location: Portland

My other advice is to really research the city you will be living in because most schools require a two year contract and breaking a contract and continuing your international career is near impossible. I began job searching for an international school right after my graduation in May and though I was so lucky to get a last minute contract offer. Problem is that the people are so conservative and closed here, and at the end of my first year, I feel like I am wasting valuable years. Research as much as you can and if at all possible, visit a potential city first.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Looking for my place · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 49 Location: Portland

Hey Nature Girl, Just wondering if your experience was within an accredited international school. I was up front and honest and was told that if I left I would not be given a letter of reference or recommendations. As previously mentioned, contacts are key and so in since my directors and principals have been in the game along time and know many people, I felt that my choice was pretty limited.