How to get an International School Teaching Job - Part 1 - Minimum Requirements and Types of Schools

[@Milfuelle100]

Thanks so much for making this video :) I was an EFL teacher abroad for a few years but I returned to Canada to become a certified classroom teacher. I can’t wait to move abroad again but I want to teach at international schools this time. This video is very helpful!

[@Likefood267]

did you ever move back abroad?

[@Milfuelle100]

@@Likefood267 I finished my degree in May 2021 so no, not yet! I am a teacher in Alberta now but I am very certain that my next country will be Japan. Unfortunately since I wrote my original comment, my mom had been diagnosed with the same incurable genetic illness that took my grandfather. She only has a few decent years left so I want to spend them in Canada, but I have my heart set on Japan as my next country!

[@sheridanhonore3712]

This was a good summary of what is required to teach abroad.

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Thank you for the comment! :)

[@AABMT]

Excellent breakdown & I appreciate your dedication to editing this video to keep it short and sweet! 😊

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

I appreciate that! I'm happy you found it useful!

[@sarahmccarthy1986]

Great to see someone putting out such helpful info. Thank you! Very clear and helpful!

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Thank you so much! :) Glad it was helpful!

[@FufuLulu02]

online teachers needed www.51talk.com/na?referrer=183105

[@frenchsmell]

Dude, the yerba mate, you had me right way.

[@dadap4783]

Thank you so much for the wonderful information! I am still so confused about the Teacher Certification and how I can get that online...?? Thank you!

[@krisderben3710]

What if I have master's degree in teaching from Germany plus teaching exprience? Would that also meet the minimum requirement?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hi Kris! I've taught with German teachers before so I know it's possible. I think any interviewer would be looking to make sure you are fluent in English without too extreme of an accent, but diversity is a plus in any school! Country policies differ with nationality, but I know many will accept a wider breadth than the ones I mentioned. Good luck!

[@denimili7659]

I have a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy. I was thinking I could get a masters in History in order to be a History teacher. Is this possible?

[@teachwritetravelpatrickyou1339]

Wish I had this before I started teaching internationally...

[@sina2209]

Thanks for the video! Informative and inspiring. What sort of extra curricular activities are relevant to mention in an international school application form? Thanks

[@MaxFarAway]

Do you think it is possible to find work doing extra curricular tutoring for International School students? I have a mathematics degree and two years teaching experience in the Peace Corps, but no teaching certificate. I also have a TEFL cert, but I prefer to teach math as it is my specialty. Any suggestions?

[@renee1667]

Thank you for the informative video! I'm going to be a new grad in April for my Master of Teaching program but I have less than 2 years under my belt. I really want to teach in Japan. Will Ib schools consider language schools as teaching experience? For example, one option I considered is applying to JET then applying to IB schools.

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hi Renee, I think the answer to your question will be relative to who is applying at the time and the visa policies of the country. Some countries require more documentation than others. Some positions are harder to fill than others. If you are applying for an international school position in English, History, or Civics for example, only two years may not be sufficient enough to set your self apart from the other applications. IB experience is oddly almost always required to apply to an IB school, which get's into a bit of a loop. I've known a lot of people that have to take a job as an "up and coming", new IB school in less-than-ideal situations to get the required IB experience. But, if your up for an adventure, there are no wrong turns. All this could be turned upside down though by the current CoVid crisis. I anticipate a lot of openings in school that might have been more difficult to get into before. It might be just the year to set up a Search Associates or ISS account, and start taking interviews right out of your MAT program! The timing might be right!

[@renee1667]

@@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196 Thanks!!!

[@user-bz5io6ph8w]

Awesome video! Thanks for doing a step by step guide. I couldn't find a good guide anywhere else on the internet. A quick question, when you said the minimum is 2 years of teaching experience does this have to be from a native speaking country. For example, I am an American currently teaching in Thailand, would I need two years of teaching exp from the US? I am currently pursing a teaching licence from Florida state remotely, and I have a B.A. degree in social science subject. Thank you for this video and any advise you can offer. Cheers!

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hello. Sorry for the late reply. I think usually the experience should be in an accredited school that teaches a non-local curriculum. I don't think the country matters as much, although it may count for something in the mind of some involved in hiring. For example, if you're applying to a British curriculum school, experience in British curriculum school is the most useful, but some will hire with experience in American or another English language speaking country.

[@kwamezoe4301]

Hi please I’m in Ghana - a certified teacher here - how do I get a teaching certificate from Australia or South Africa and how much will it cost?

[@rayanehg6771]

Hey, I'm french but fluent in english. I'm a primary teacher here in France and have a primary education masters degree. Do you think it would be possible for me to work in an international school ?

[@clayton896]

For the 2-5 years teaching experience, is that something I can get experience in before I get my certification? I'm have almost 2 left to complete my Master of Teaching (primary) and currently in Japan, but thinking about moving to China. Just wondering if I can get some experience at a lower tier, unaccredited school while studying.

[@caseymizzone1390]

Great breakdown!

[@hiennguyen7026]

May I know, how many international schools that you have experience in Vietnam and other? Could you make a video reviewing those school?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hi. I teach at one and am therefore a little bit biased maybe. :) I've been to four difference schools in HCMC on student trips/ competitions and such, but I don't know a whole lot about them. The top schools in HCMC are generally seen as BIS, SSIS, ISHCMC. In Hanoi I know mainly about UNIS and HIS. I think an individual school comparison video would be difficult, because often a lot of data is not available to the public. :)

[@rokanmoschus1564]

would you suggest which online teaching certificate i should persui in those 6 countries?

[@Axecapoeiracomoxvalley]

I am going back to school for teachers baccalaureate at 44 y/o with 10 years experiencing kids in Martial arts, dance and culture full time. Is this considered experience? I sure hope would count for something!

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

I think it would count for something to get your resume to the top of the pile, but it might not count as experience (especially in countries where the requirement comes from a visa regulation) unless it's at an accredited school. Best of luck.

[@masim2137]

Hi.I did masters in organic chemistry from Quaid-e-Azam university Islamabad Pakistan.I did B.Ed.I served as a chemistry teacher for six years in Pakistan and got best GPA chemistry teacher certificate.Now i am living in Spain with my family.please help me how can I get teaching job in international schools.please reply

[@maxdrum92]

I have a music education degree. Do these international schools generally have music programs?? Thank you

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

+Max Feld Indeed! And some really great ones too. Often times the students are encouraged from an early age to get lessons outside of school, so, from what I hear (although I'm not a music teacher myself) their skill level is quite high. Here is a quick compilation of some that I found...and there are many more. Any major intl school will have a full, robust, music program. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnKsq2x7pd1-b9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3XLmJVjZr2LndU kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4Skg5qabJirmsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/goCohIl-nslqfNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/opnagn-Ebd55o8k

[@jenniferratto9232]

Thanks for such an informative video. I'm NNES and an experienced physics teacher. Will schools in HK consider me as I'm not in HK and will require the school to sponsor visa. Could you tell me frankly if I hold any chance in HK. Hope to get a reply. Thanks in advance.

[@UsAsiansEatRice]

What if I am a foreign language major? Would I be out of luck?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

I don't think you would be out of luck. We once had a Chinese language teacher who was an American man who grew up in New Jersey. By sight alone, nobody would have guessed he was a Chinese language teacher but he was one of the best around. That being said most of the foreign language teachers are native speakers hired from the country where the native language is spoken as a first language. That's not to say it's impossible just to say that you might have to be lucky and qualified. Good luck.

[@muhammadaminu9417]

I'm a non-native English speaker, but I've a great American accent and also have a degree in teaching English. What are my chances of getting the teaching English job abroad?

[@onlinelearningwithms.dulud2017]

Hello! This is a great video series. I am an English teacher at a public school in the US. I have a bachelors degree in education and a bachelors in English, with one year of teaching experience. Have you ever heard of someone getting hired without the 2 years experience in the states? Thank you for the helpful info!!

[@day3058]

so for example you can get a English teaching job in japan with just a teaching certificate? meaning about a 2 year degree

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hello. I'm not quite sure. Here in the USA a teaching certificate is at least a 4 year program. Which country is your qualification from?

[@scap8104]

What is a teaching certificate in USA? In Australia you need a 4 year Bachelor degree in education to be a teacher in schools. If you haven't done a teaching degree, there's the option of doing a 2 year Graduate Diploma of education. Only people with a 3 to 4 year bachelor degree in another field can do this graduate diploma course. In the end, it's quicker just to do a 4 year teaching degree if you want to be a teacher. It's quite interesting how it may be different in other western countries. Just curious, how does it work in America? Is a bachelor degree called a certificate there?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

That sounds about the same to me as the USA to be honest. :)

[@asdfkie]

I’m applying to an international sch in my own country but don’t have a teaching cert. However I have some limited teaching experience many years ago and some working experience in another industry. I have heard of people who didn’t have qualifications that managed to get a teaching job here. With the covid situation I would expect a drop in hiring for foreign teachers so I might stand a better chance. Any advice?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

This as good a chance as any! I've heard already many teachers backing out of contracts . Start contacting schools, and good luck!

[@briankelly1817]

I have an M.Ed. and 8+ years in EFL abroad. I'll finish my teaching credential/certificate in a month. Do I need to work in my teaching certificate in my home country prior to getting a job at an Int. School?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Most times that is the case. With a master's degree in education you may be able to get a provisional license in some states. Good luck 😃

[@briankelly1817]

@@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196 Thanks! I mistyped. I meant to write the following: Do I need to work (a year or two) in my home country before getting an int. teaching job?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Ah. I understand the question better now. I misread the first time. I think that's all about supply and demand. If you are in a high-supply teaching subject the year you apply, your likely to get passed over for more experienced teachers, unless there is something else on your resume that attracts... Some countries have visa policies that require the experience, others it is just considered common practice. It's almost like applying for colleges, be sure to apply to some "safety schools" is perhaps some less desirable locations and you more likely to find a job. I've met teachers who first taught out of college in the middle east, for example, then used that experience to get jobs it a country of their choice.

[@briankelly1817]

@@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196 Ah, I see. Thanks! That gives a lot of clarity. I can plan a bit better now. I appreciate it!

[@TJarrellsRnD]

Hey there, I have an M.F.A in painting and am looking to teach in China. I do not have a teaching certification in the United States because an MFA is a terminal degree and I can teach college level with it. I have three years experience teaching undergrad part time, and some experience teaching k-5. Do you think I have a chance at landing a job?

[@johnnyorlando9601]

An M.F.A in painting. What a great and desirable qualification... Being you, I might consider applying for a kindergarten teaching position.

[@Chonus]

@@johnnyorlando9601 What a snarky reply, there a plenty of art teachers at international schools that hold very nice positions.

[@elizabethslibrary3691]

what's the best endorsement to boost chances to get into a better school?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Blair Hobart Makinney I’m not quite sure. It seems that science and math are posting a lot of jobs, but it’s not by a whole lot. Any cross certification would add more jobs to your possibilities.

[@wackyruss]

When you say "Quality International", are you talking about QSI?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hi Russell, Although I saw QSI pop up several times in my own job search, I don't know much about the organization really. It this case I was talking about, in general, high quality international schools. :) Best, Big E

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hi Russell again. It's been awhile since I made this video so I rewatched it. I was wrong. I was referring to QSI but I mistakenly typed it as "Quality International Schools". Thanks for catching that.

[@wackyruss]

No problem. Thanks for these videos. Very informative.

[@gracejeong02]

Big E Mini C (BEMC) BIGEminic Thank you!

[@keishaunfiltered4612]

MermaidOnline asked a valid question. So many of them prefer white for whatever reason. If you are accepted (not white) people stare at you (in Asia) or even treat you differently. Its sad. Dont think this only happens in Asia, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, though predominantly black are 'standoffish' towards black teachers without the American or British accents.

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Keisha Unfiltered Hi Keisha. Thanks for commenting. I saw a lot of this in Korea when I taught there. Incredibly sad for many reasons, not the least of which is that it trains the children that there is a sort of "hierarchy" based on looks...but I digress. I had heard, though, much more positive experiences about working in accredited international schools. I can't, however, speak from first hand experience on this. Can you share more?

[@keishaunfiltered4612]

From my experience and that of my friends, its a little better in the international schools in that you arent openly or directly ignored but dont expect to be invited anywhere by co workers. Afterall, why d you think so many of them won't even process your application without a photo? According to a young teacher i met, "You would be so beautiful with pale skin, not saying you arent but you know what i mean." I wanted to give him the back of my hand across his nose but i remembered that i wasnt in my own country but i did give him the creole version of fuck off. I went on a embassy program from my home country.

[@FufuLulu02]

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[@ericvillanueva1653]

Any idea how much is the salary of teacher in international school in saudi Arabia?

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hi Eric (Great first name by the way...some of the best people I know.... :D ) I think it fully depends and there is a wide range. Saudi Aramco, which is one of the most reputable schools there, pays USD$5000-7000 tax free with a masters and a few years experience plus benefits. It seems the lowest you should accept there as a certified teacher is $3500 a month plus benefits. Hope this helps. :)

[@ericvillanueva1653]

Big E Mini C (BEMC) BIGEminic thanks for the info sir. Some says SAR 3000 only.

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Thank you for the reply. I would not trust those schools much. If they only pay that much, they might not value teachers in other ways as well. Perhaps check seekteachers.com or teachingnomad.com for some listings.

[@ericvillanueva1653]

Big E Mini C (BEMC) BIGEminic sir i am a chemistry teacher here in the Philippines

[@dubulge]

I have a quick question. I'm a masters student in NY right now getting my teaching certificate. I was planning on moving to Korea right after getting my certificate and teaching at a regular public school there, will that count towards my 2 years of teaching experience (since my certification area is TESOL) or do they want you to teach stateside? Thank you!

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

If you are looking to go to Korea to teach in Hagwon or in the public school system at a English Language Assistant, they will not require you to teach for 2 years stateside. But a big of warning, if you are looking to move up to international school later in your career, you'll need to get those 2 years teaching stateside, even in TESOL. I had taught one year in the US before going to Korea. But because I was teaching in Hagwons, I needed to come back to the USA to teach in schools here, 1) because my teaching certificate would have expired if I did not and 2) to get teaching experience for international schools.

[@gracejeong02]

Hi Big E, I want to teach internationally. I have a BA degree from a US institution. I want to get my certificate from a state that does not have complicated requirements. I understand some states give you permanent professional license/certificate that does not require renewal whereas others do. I am tired of people saying check all 50 states. What states would you recommend I check? Thank you!

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

G J Hi GJ, In not a huge expert in the area, but I'll recommend two states. Massachusetts, to my understanding, will allow you to get teaching certification by taking their own in state content area test, (or in some cases a series of two tests). Also, I think that the Massachusetts certification only needs renewal after five years teaching in Massachusetts, so if you are teaching overseas it should not expire. (Please verify my information, because the last time I checked it was about three years ago). Also, it seems that there are a lot of online certification programs coming out of Florida these days. I'm not sure why, but it might be a good one to check out. Thanks for watching and commenting. :)

[@FufuLulu02]

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[@williammitchell9508]

What tools did you use to edit your video?

[@BlueCrystal004]

+William Mitchell Some of the transitions look like they came from Final Cut Pro, so that's my guess.

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

+BlueCrystal004 Sorry i missed this comment.... that's correct.

[@FufuLulu02]

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[@gabrielthai8080]

AWESOME VIDEO SENSEI!!!

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Thanks G!

[@goshencomputer9518]

I am going to open an International School in NE India at Mizoram, Aizawl, under NWAC (USA), How could I get good and experience teachers from other countries? Could you help me please

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hello, Opening an international school is a future goal of mine! I wish you the best of luck and would love to hear updates from you at some point. You can try to contact Search Associates, International School Services, Carney Sandoe and Associates or NAIS.org to list your jobs. Also there is SeekTeachers (Ask for Ash) or teachaway that may be able to help. Best of luck! Stay in touch

[@gkbiology858]

What chances for Indian

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hello Ganesh, I'm not quite sure. I think some schools would be more open than others. More important is probably having previous experience teaching at an international/American/British/Canadian curriculum school. There are usually teachers of many nationalities at each school, but almost all have previous teaching experience in the curriculum that is being taught at the school.

[@reshmir4846]

I am also Indian searching for teaching jobs in international school .But how could i get an idea of british / canadian / american school curriculam or syallabus

[@aaronclaar8748]

For syllabi, simply find the a teacher's website at the school you would like to teach at. Many teachers post the syllabus for their class(es).

[@johannarhyins7577]

Thank you so much

[@ranaawais3215]

hi... Nice to meet you I'm native english teacher currently in china and looking for job Does you know school info like their wechat who are looking for teachers? I wanna contact them directly let me know

[@michaelwilliam4278]

Ummm hello I’ve been in Dubai and am originally Egyptian but I’ve moved to Canada and got my degree and certificate as well as the Canadian passport. Can I apply to to native English speaker jobs? I’ve been speaking English all my life but not as a first language, but can I still apply ?

[@ChsonlineOrgUkinternetschool]

Good advice

[@caveman357]

Hello. I have my masters of fine art, & almost 4 years at a HBCU in DC. I teach 3d animation, video game design, and graphic design. Before teaching i worked at a non-profit as an art teacher for about 5 years, teaching kids 1-12th grade. Im open to anywhere, but I am looking for something in south America. Im wondering do i have a better shot at working in Asia, or Europe? Im wondering about pay, and if i will not be able to make as much as someone who has taught internationally. Does my state side teaching experience make up for that? Im thinking of going with Search Associates too, btw

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

Hi Caveman. From your brief description, I think you would be a good fit at an international school. Some school prefer hiring directly from the states. Asia and the Middle East have the most demand in terms of the most students and schools, so probability is you'll find a job there the easiest. Europe seems to be the most difficult to get into. South America you'll have to sacrifice salary often. Pay should be the same scale no matter where you've taught before. :) Hope it helps.

[@FufuLulu02]

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[@Chonus]

Sounds like Indonesia doesn't want any teachers, why would anyone pick them over any other Asian country that pays more and has less requirements.

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

It's a good question. I do know that the major international schools in the country (Jakarta Intercultural School, British International School Jakarta, Australian Independent School - Bali, etc) do have very generous packages. In most established international schools worldwide many teachers will have more than 5 year experience in any case but usually it's due to the hiring policies of the school, not the visa process. It is a bit of a restrictive policy.

[@SiwachHandwritingClasses]

Good information sir

[@bigeminicbemcbigeminic9196]

+Handwriting Dhaba thanks

[@FufuLulu02]

Online Teacher www.51talk.com/na?referrer=183105

[@md.kaosarhowlader4229]

I wanted to know many informations from your good speeches. Thanks lot, Sir.

[@likenew1325]

What does it mean to pass a criminal background check?

[@kumarstudentcando3398]

Thanks a lot sir. Sir can we get jobs to other subjects ? such as Business Studies or Travel and Tourism or Soft Skills etc... ? If there are any vacancies please assist me in getting a teacher job abroad. by the way i am kumar former asst professor. Could you please leave me your mail -id. thank you and best regards.

[@malikshabir5431]

Hy

[@googleuser2609]

Too much rambling and fidgeting.