Do you dream of traveling the world and making a difference in the lives of others? Do you have a passion for teaching and learning new things? Or do you want to challenge yourself and grow as a professional and as a person? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in building an international teaching career.
But how do you get started in this exciting and rewarding field? What are the skills, qualifications, and steps you need to take to land your dream job abroad? In this EDU Blog, we will share some tips and advice on how to build an international teaching career and what to expect from this journey.
Why You Should Consider an International Teaching Career
Tips for Building an International Teaching Career
Discover valuable advice and steps to kickstart your international teaching journey!
As an educator, you can have an exciting and rewarding international teaching career. You can explore different cultures, languages, and perspectives. You can also share your knowledge and skills with diverse and needy students. Some of the benefits are:
Good salary and benefits, including housing, health insurance, travel allowance, and more.
Supportive and collaborative work environment, with chances to grow and network professionally.
Flexible and adaptable lifestyle, with the choice to pick your destination and length of stay.
- Rich and fulfilling personal experience, with the opportunity to make friends, see new places, and learn new things.
How to Get Your International Teaching Career Started
But how do you get started in this exciting and rewarding field? What are the skills, qualifications, and steps you need to take to land your dream job abroad? We will share some tips and advice on how to build an international teaching career and what to expect from this journey.
1. Research your options and requirements
To build an international teaching career, you need to research your options and requirements. Different types of international teaching jobs exist, such as:
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in private or public schools, or universities.
Teaching your subject (like math, science, or history) in international schools with a specific curriculum (like IB, AP, or British).
Online or remotely teaching for organizations that connect educators and students worldwide.
Each option has benefits and challenges. They also have different requirements for qualifications, experience, and certification. For example, you need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate to teach English as a foreign language.
But you need a teaching license from your home country and two years of teaching experience to teach your subject in an international school. And you need a reliable internet connection and a suitable device to teach online or remotely.
So, before you apply for any international teaching jobs, do your homework. Find out what the employers want and what you can offer them. You can use websites, blogs, forums, podcasts, or social media groups to learn more about international teaching opportunities. You can also hear from other educators who have done it before.
2. Update your resume and portfolio
To build an international teaching career, you need a great resume and portfolio. Your resume should show your skills, qualifications, experience, and achievements in teaching. It should also be short, clear, and fit the job you want.
Your portfolio should show your teaching philosophy, methods, materials, and samples of student work. It should also include feedback from students or parents, testimonials from colleagues or supervisors, awards or recognitions, or any other proof of your teaching effectiveness and impact. Furthermore, it should be organized, professional, and easy to access online or offline.
Your resume and portfolio are your first impression of potential employers. Make sure they are polished and impressive. You can use online tools or templates to create them, or ask for feedback from other educators or mentors who have experience.
3. Network and apply for jobs
To build an international teaching career, you need to network actively and apply for jobs. Networking helps you find and get international teaching jobs. Many of these jobs may not be public or need referrals. Thus, you should connect with other educators, recruiters, or groups in international education.
You can network online by joining social media groups or platforms for international educators or educators. Another option is to network offline. For example, go to events, workshops, conferences, job fairs, or webinars about international education. You should also ask your contacts who might know people or jobs in the international teaching field.
Applying for jobs is also important for your international teaching career. You should look for jobs that fit your skills, qualifications, interests, and goals. It is also important to look for jobs that pay well, have good benefits, support, and chances for growth. Moreover, you should be flexible and open-minded about the place, culture, and environment of the job.
You can apply for jobs online by using websites or platforms that show international teaching jobs or connect educators and employers. Offline jobs are also available by contacting schools or groups directly or through recruiters or agencies that help with international education placements.
Takeaways
Building an international teaching career is not easy, but it is definitely rewarding. By following these tips and advice, you can prepare yourself for this adventure and achieve your professional and personal goals.
Are you ready to take the leap and start your international teaching career? If so, don’t hesitate. Create your EDU Passport today and let us help you find your ideal job abroad. We have a wide range of opportunities for educators of all levels and free resources to set you up for success.
