International Teaching Jobs

Seeking employment always offers several choices and requires decision making. You need to determine what type of job you are looking for, possible locations that are hiring for that type of job prepare your resume and home your interview skills. Once you have decided what type of  job you are looking for and have prepared your resume it is time to start looking for a job in that field. While most people look for local jobs, other people are interested in looking internationally.

photo credit: laverrue

Deciding to look for an international job is not a decision to take lightly. There are many factors to consider when making this decision. You will be leaving your family and friends when you move abroad and will more than likely have to be able to cope and survive on your own until you have created a new support network in your new country. You will need to look into obtaining a work visa and if you plan on remaining at the job for a considerable length of time, possibly a more permanent solution such as citizenship. You need to arrange for housing and transportation in your new country. Depending on the country you are seeking employment in there may also be a language barrier.

Many companies will not hire international employees unless they have had some international experience. You can gain international experience in a number of different ways. During your time at college or university, consider studying abroad for a year. Many campuses offer this opportunity in several of their courses. If you cannot study abroad at the educational institution you attend, consider taking a year off and spending it travelling. This does not have to be an expensive endeavour. Spend a summer backpacking through another country and staying at hostels. Many jobs offer the opportunity for travel within their company. Take these opportunities whenever you can. They are excellent for meeting contacts, networking and experiencing different work environments.

photo credit: alancleaver_2000

If you think you may want to work internationally you should start planning for it early. Take any travel opportunities you can whether they are for school, work or just for fun. Research and know what you will require to relocate from one country to another for a long period of time. If possible, create a network of personal and business contacts internationally. Research available jobs and their requirements for employment. If you do not meet the requirements take the necessary steps to obtain the necessary criteria. Even if you do not complete this in time to be hired for that particular job, there will be other jobs that will appreciate the extra experience.

International employment can be exciting and challenging. The knowledge and experience you gain can be immeasurable. If you are not properly prepared for it however, it can also be stressful and intimidating. Gain as much experience in foreign cultures as possible before applying for an international job. When you feel that you are ready, search for available job openings. There are many websites dedicated to international employment opportunities. Many companies also offer international positions within their own companies. This is an ideal choice since you would already be familiar with the company and their expectations. You may have already communicated with employees in the country you wish to move to.

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Accepting a teaching job overseas can be a rewarding and enriching opportunity. Some people choose to teach in one location overseas for a long period of time. This gives them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and forge bonds with their students and others in the community. Others teach in one location for two years and then move on to another location etc. This is great for teachers who want to stay in one location enough to make a difference but also want to experience several cultures. Finally, some teachers will take a year off their local positions to teach overseas or use their summer vacations to teach overseas for a couple of months.

photo credit: Claire L. Evans

Accepting a teaching job overseas comes with advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are many. There are several positions in many different countries to choose from. Many of these positions not only offer tax free income but also come with benefits. Class sizes overseas are typically smaller than the class sizes here at home. You will get to experience many different cultures and languages as well as get the opportunity to see beautiful countries. Many of these positions offer housing or housing allowances as well as relocation expenses. Some also offer annual or semi-annual home leave so that you can visit your families and friends.

There are also drawbacks to teaching overseas. Depending on the country you choose to teach in, you may have to try to blend in with your surroundings. Some countries are not as safe as others and appearing to be an outsider can be dangerous. Those positions that offer housing should be carefully researched.  Not all housing is equal and you should know what is being offered. Be sure you understand what the school day is like and how the school is run. It can be very different from what you are used to at home. If you use an organization that organizes world travel jobs, there are often fees that the employers are required to pay. If you break your contract for any reason, you may be required to pay these fees.

photo credit: woodleywonderworks

If you are seriously interested in an overseas teaching job, there are several websites dedicated to posting available positions. If you are already a teacher, there may be opportunities through your school board as well. Programs like Amnesty International also have positions available and advertised.

Decide what you are looking for in an overseas teaching job before searching listings. Decide if you want to go for a few months or several years. Figure out if you want to stay in one location or teach in a variety of locations. Learn what the necessary documentation is and if you require any shots prior to leaving. Be sure you carefully understand the housing offered and the requirements of the job. Expect to have positive enriching experiences but also expect there to be some bumps in the road.