Job Discussion Forums

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

Hi All,

I have been applying all over at a variety of International Schools. I know that many schools have not started interviewing but am getting worried that I have received many responses.

So my question is how difficult is it to get a job at an International School?
I feel that I am qualified (12 years of teaching experience and 2 master degrees in Education) but not sure if I am setting my hopes too high. I have never taught abroad, so I am lacking experience in that sense. In America it is very difficult to get a teaching job, where some times there are 100s of applicants for 1 position. Is that the case at International Schools?

I know that some schools require for the teacher to have an EU passport, but I have really applied all over.

My hope would be to get a job in April, is that reasonable? My present school district really would like for me to let them know as soon as possible.

Would that give me enough time to get all Visa requirements completed?

OR should I have a plan B?

Thanks for your help!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

You generally need to be a certified/credentialed K-12 teacher.

d

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

Really, REALLY depends. There are good intl ones and bad ones. Some want to hire local hires, since they're cheaper and basically they can treat them work than overseas hires. Soma wait until the last minute. Some only hire at intl job fairs. Some countries are more popular than others. Places like Costa Rica probably get more apps than Kazakstan.

With your experience, just keep sending your CV. Also check out IBO schools or TES adverts, International School Reviews would be a good website as well.

Actually, good schools often recruit a year in advance. But denise is right, you often need a teaching cert to get in. Though there are some that will hire you without one.

Have you been to intl school job fairs? Or applied with some of the intl school recruiters? Some dont take direct enquiries.

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

Since I am a certified teacher my chances are higher right?

I joined TIE and have been applying there along with TES notifications. I feel ok with the number of resumes I have sent out, but just am not getting the response I thought I would have gotten.

I haven't gone to any job fairs...too late for them. There is one in June, but I can't wait that long.

I think I am just getting anxious, because of the need to let my school know.

Maybe I need to think of a plan B. What would be an easier job to get? Maybe the language schools? EF?

tttompatz · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 5:07 am Post subject:

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

sistercream · Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 497 Location: Pearl River Delta

You didn't mention to which areas of the world you are sending your c.v.s.
Most of the top ranked international schools in Hong Kong have done the bulk of their interviewing already, but positions are still coming up as current teachers' significant others are informed that their jobs will be transferred to Elsewhere.
A lot of southern hemisphere places start their school years in February (after summer vacation Wink

) and so aren't even thinking of next year yet.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think that banking on landing a job within the next 30 days is probably going to be unrealistic (as I understand your original post on the thread, this is an issue, correct?). Though, as others have pointed out, quite a lot depends where in the world you are aiming to go. There is obviously more demand in some regions than others.

International school positions are generally pretty highly coveted and are often snapped up by qualified teachers already living in the area. The field isn't really wide open for new applicants, even with what sounds like quite decent qualifications (in your case). It normally takes some time and effort to land something reasonable.

What would be an easier job to get? Maybe the language schools? EF?

To make a move from a professional teaching context to a language school is a kind of professional suicide leap. Ok, that's a bit too dramatic, but I presume you currently have things like a stable contract, health insurance, pension benefits, etc. Private language schools mostly offer none of the above, and are generally considered a starting point for newbies in the field, though more experienced teachers sometimes find good niches in them as DOS/trainer/other manangement. Again, it usually takes local connections to get these better jobs at a private language school - they are unlikely to hire someone from abroad to do more than just the basics.

You might be best off to sign on with your current school for another year, and take the time to line up something more solid, rather than rushing into anything you can get in the next couple of weeks. It's a big step!!

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

somewhere_else · Joined: 14 May 2010 Posts: 15

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks for all the advice. I have been looking and applying at different schools since January...I was told that this was a little early since most schools don't hire until March and April for the following school year (much like in America) Which it sounds like that may not be true. However, a lot of the schools still have openings and are interviewing in April. I guess I was just wondering if it is really difficult to get a job. I know that others will be applying, but was hoping that my 12 years of teaching experience and 2 Master Degrees in Education would help me to stand out from the crowd a bit.

I am actually only planning on doing this for a year, really to experience a year living abroad doing something I love. I am fortunate enough to have a super supportive district that is granting me a year leave of absence to do this. I am guaranteed a job once I come home. So I am not worried about this being a long term commitment. My goal is to learn about a different culture and experience what it is like to live in a culture different than my own. I really would like to do this next year and not wait another year.

I am hoping to get something soon, but if not I need to look at other employment.

Thanks

tttompatz · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 11:54 pm Post subject:

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

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

No not negative Naturegirl. I know you are trying to help, but now I am just truly confused. When I first started on this board people told me with my experience I should look into International Schools...I was too experienced for language schools.

So that is what I did, now I'm being told that lots of people has this many years of teaching and it's too late in the year????

I would like to do this next year, I've already talked to my district and they are willing to allow me to do this for next year....don't want to say "oh think I'll stay this year and do it next" They may not approve the leave. I thought I would be able to get a job over seas for next year. I thought starting to look and send out CV's in January gave me plenty of time for a position in Sept.

Maybe not.

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

It's not too late. There are still lots of opening, but like I said, they might not be at the best of school, or they might be in far away countries, such as those in northwest asia. There ARE still jobs and if you're not picky you can get them. I've had friends get offers from northwestern asian countries that include a house, maid, cook, and driver. These countries don't get a lot of applicants, so they tend to bend over backwards to help the ones they have.

Go to a job fair. That's your best bet