Teaching English Abroad in International Schools

There are many opportunities for teaching English abroad that are open to anybody who is able to speak English fluently. Whether you have a teaching degree or a certificate in English language teaching you can find work almost anywhere in the world.

International schools are elementary, middle and high schools for expatriate children whose families live abroad. There are international schools that offer an American curriculum, those that offer a British curriculum and many more. The language of instruction in most international schools is English but many of the students have English as a second or third language, and so most international schools have teachers who support these students by teaching them English language.

Teaching English abroad in international schools can be done with the same qualifications that are required for teaching in a private language school however you will be competing with people who have teaching diplomas. With over 4000 international schools worldwide, there are many positions vacant every year.

Teaching in an international school often offers better pay and more benefits than teaching in a private language school. Some benefits you are likely to receive teaching in an international school are annual flights, accommodation allowance, medical insurance and, free tuition for your children in the school.

International schools follow the regular school year, so you will only be teaching for around 200 days, and you will be paid for your vacation time, unlike private language school where you will receive 3-4 weeks holiday in a 12 month contract.

Salary and Overseas Teaching Contracts

One thing to watch out for when you are signing an overseas teaching contract is that you are going to be paid for a full 12 months in the year, rather than the 10 months you'll be working.

Getting paid for only 10 months of your year teaching is not a common practice in international schools but it does happen and it could have devastating result on your family's fincances if you are not prepared.

Your overseas teaching contract should clearly state how much you will be paid, when you will be paid, the period of the contract that you will be paid for and who is responsible for any local taxes.

For more details on what benefits you should also have outlined in your contract, and the questions you need to ask to establish the real value of any benefits offered get The Complete Guide to Securing a Job at an International School!

Salary and Overseas Teaching Contracts