Job Discussion Forums

[Honky Nick]

Hi all,

I have spent some time reading old posts on this topic, but I am hoping to glean some new information if possible.

I am a qualified teacher (PGDE) with over 4 years' experience in Japan and Hong Kong (language school and government primary school respectively). I am hoping to break into the international school scene in Vietnam, Indonesia or possibly even Hong Kong. Where I end up next year depends on where I can secure the best job, and I'm quite happy to move to (or in HK's case, stay in) any of these countries.

As schools will begin hiring for the 2009/10 academic year soon, I have started contacting schools. Some have let me know their hiring schedule, but many have not yet responded. I was hoping to hear from anyone who has been successful in applying for an international school (preferrably International Baccalaureate). How was the application process? Is there anything you recommend I prepare beforehand? Did you just send a cover letter and CV, or did you call the school first? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

In order to get country-specific information, I will also post this on the Indonesia and HK forums.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

[anguyen]

Thanks for asking this question! Many people have told me that International Schools are your best chance for decent pay when working abroad, but I think there are a lot of out here wondering just what the ettiquette is to apply. If it isn't impolite to do so on these forums, is it best to come to the country first and apply or would it be better to apply out of country for International Schools? It seems very clear that arriving in country is recommended for the language academies, but International Schools may be different. If I am breaking a rule by following up one person's question with another, just ignore this.

[DrVanNostrand]

I'm going through the international school job search process right now for the very first time, so I'm by no means an expert on the subject. Take this post with a grain of salt if you'd like, but I'll share what I've read and learned even though I'm still in the initial stages of the process.

Showing up in country seems to be a bad idea. International schools aren't like language schools where you can show up in country one day and land a job the next. IS searches appear to be thorough and exhaustive, as a lot of time and money go into them. Schools want to ensure that their money is invested wisely, so they aren't just going to hire some guy that comes popping in unannounced one day. In fact, I've read they prefer to hire outside of country.

Calling seems to be frowned upon, as well.

Almost all schools -- especially the good ones -- will require at least two years of experience and certification in the subject area that you're applying for.

Based on what I've read and been told, these are the best steps towards landing an international school job:

1. If you can afford it, join a recruiting agency (ISS or Search Associates); or at the very least TIE online ($30 membership fee granting you assess to countless job openings).

If you're limiting yourself to one country or region, then I probably wouldn't recommend a recruiting agency. Just search online for schools in the area unless you want access to recruiting fairs, in which case you'll probably need to join an agency.

The more flexible you are in terms of where you're willing to teach, the better your odds. The less flexible, the lower your odds.

2. Once you've joined an agency or searched your region, start emailing your cover letter and CV directly to the schools. Check school websites for online applications and fill them out as well.

This could be as far as you go. Odds are you won't hear back from a lot of the schools that you contact, but I'm told that you shouldn't let that get you down. You need to be sure that you're going into the process with realistic expectations, so be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

3. I've heard mixed reviews on job fairs, but if you're marketable they seem to be beneficial though entirely not necessary. I don't see how they can hurt -- at the very least you show directors that you're dedicated -- but they are costly and typically inconvenient.

4. Pray

That's pretty much what I've learned. Many people say that you have to have local contacts to land an international school position. This is probably true for the more prestigious schools (e.g. IS-Paris, London, Copenhagen, etc.) where you won't be considered with anything less than an MA. However, while most schools are in demand, not all positions are filled seamlessly through an inner circle of contacts -- hence the need for job fairs.

My advice is to somehow get a feel the market (through an agency, websites, forums, etc.) and put yourself and your CV out there.

[Honky Nick]

Thanks for the advice, DrVanNostrand. I am pretty much doing as you suggested at the moment, but I am wary of job fairs. Not many come through Hong Kong, and the ones that do aren't necessarily offering jobs in countries that I want to go to. At the moment, I'm just using the internet to find potential schools and sending them a letter of introduction and my CV. Fingers crossed!

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[DrVanNostrand]

I know that Search Associates is having a Hong Kong fair in January. You may want to look into that.

If you already live in Hong Kong, you may find it worth your while to pay the $200 registration fee just to gain access to that fair, assuming you qualify and receive an invite to the fair. Right there you're eliminating both flight and hotel costs, both of which are huge expenses that most candidates are forced to swallow.

Again, I'm not sure how worthwhile these fairs are. I just know that it's the only way to schedule face to face interviews with multiple schools in one setting, and one of the few ways to set up interviews, period. Consider it instant accessibility to a number of schools that may be otherwise inaccessible.

If you're open to schools throughout SE Asia, it may be in your best interest to sign up for the fair and then set up interviews with schools of interest (that plan to attend the fair) between now and then. That's what I'm doing.

Of course, I could be wasting my time and money and you could be just as well off contacting schools directly via website and email.

Do what you think is best and continue to seek advice from people that have experience with the process.

Good luck.

[Honky Nick]

Yeah, I did consider going to the Search Associates fair, but having looked into the list of attendees, I decided against it.

[DrVanNostrand]

Sounds like you're positioning yourself nicely.

Here's hoping we both get lucky!

[Honky Nick]

Yeah, let's hope so! Someone on the Indonesia forum recommended I try this website: www.tieonline.com

I did a search on this forum and people have generally said good things about it. It's only $29 US for a year, so I think I will join up and submit my CV.

Another one some people have mentioned is www.joyjobs.com. I will check it out later today.

[cpiers47]

I'm in the same process...attending a fair in London at the end of the month. Just fyi, I have heard negative things about the joyjobs website. TIE online has been great, as has by recruiter's website (cois). ISS is supposed to be great, as well.

I also spent a lot of time searching school's websites and contacting them directly, whether or not they'll be at the fair I want to attend. Some schools don't advertise beyond their website.

I wish you both luck!

[inwanzhou]

Currently working at an International school and looking to move on to another one--possibly even in Vietnam.

Here is the process that I have been through.

Do a google using key words--"International schools" and the region you wish to work in so "International Schools Vietnam" or "International Schools Hanoi". It will usually give you a list of schools around the region--when you type in Asia I usually visit www.shambles.net they have a great list of schools.

Then visit the school websites--they usually have a recruitment page. This page will tell you the process of application for a job at the school. If it does not have a recruitment area then contact the school directly via email about who to send off your CV to.

You'll send off your resume and cover letter and wait until they sift through all the applications. THey get many applications year round. Interviews for the new school year will take place usually February. It is a real interview not just showing up and looking pretty kind of interview one would get at a language school. They are looking for real teachers not some fly by the night back packer. They will also want you to have a teaching degree or certificate(ECE diploma for pre-k to k). They will ask you about different teaching strategies. They want to know if you are a real teacher or not.

Once hired you usually get a great package deal. Very well paid.

Being hired locally is not usually how it is done. They do like to hire from overseas but a certain amount of the school budget is set aside for local hire. Local hire does not come with the same benefits as being hired overseas. You do not get the airfare or relocation allowance. However, with the finacial turmoil they may very well start local hiring practices.

Good luck on your search.