If you’ve ever dreamed of packing your bags and teaching in another country, you’re not alone. Each year thousands of teachers leave their home systems to work in international schools. It can be a thrilling adventure—professionally, financially, and personally—but it’s also a big step. Every expat teacher has their own story as to why and how they went overseas.

Getting a teaching job overseas starts a lot earlier than most domestic recruitment schedule. International educators typically work on contract cycles of 1-3 years. Often, initial contracts for teachers will be for two years with the opportunity to extend for an additional one to two years. Some schools offer bonuses for teachers who resign or extend their contracts and some don’t; each school is different. International educators often give their notice in October/November about their intentions for the next school year. It’s typical for an international educator to move around to different countries in their career and typically this happens on a 3-5 year cycle. For those international educators who are planning to recruit, their search is starting to gear up as they look at what opportunities are starting to become available around the world!

Before you start sending out applications, there are some important things to know about the world of international schools and how to set yourself up for success.

---

Want more information about how to get a job at an international school? Check out these posts:

• How to Get a Job at an International School: First Steps for Teaching Abroad
• International School Recruitment: Where to Find Jobs and How to Get Hired
• Moving Abroad as a Teacher: How to Prepare for Your First International School Job
• International School Services vs Search Associates: Which International School Recruitment Agency is Right for You?
• What to Expect at Your First International School Job Fair
• International School Teacher Benefits Packages Explained: Housing, Airfare, Healthcare, and Tuition Benefits
• How Much Money Can You Really Save Teaching Overseas? A Practical Guide for Educators
• Teaching Abroad with Kids: A Practical Guide for International School Teachers and Expat Families
• Teaching Couples and Families Abroad: Navigating International School Careers Together

---

Why Teach Overseas?

Teachers choose to go abroad for many reasons:

• Adventure and travel: Living abroad gives you the chance to explore new cultures and travel extensively during school breaks.
• Professional growth: Many schools use internationally recognized curricula (like the IB, British A Levels, or American APs), offering great opportunities to expand your teaching skillset.
• Financial benefits: Depending on the region, international school packages can help you save money, pay down debt, or build long-term financial security.
• Family opportunities: Children of teachers often receive free or heavily discounted tuition, giving them a world-class education in a diverse environment.

---

What to Look for in a School

Not all international schools are the same. Some are long-established non-profits with strong reputations, while others may be newer for-profit ventures. There is no hard and fast rule for or against a non-profit or for-profit school, especially these days when many schools are uniting under a central governing body. As you approach recruitment season, go with an open mind and be willing to embrace different possibilities.

In the international educator circle, it’s known there are some schools or countries that are great for families with kids and others that are better for families once the kids have gone off to university. There are some locations that are fabulous for singles or couples with no children and others that are HARD for singles or those without children. Just because a school or location is great for one professional doesn’t mean it’s going to be the right fit for everyone all the time. Keeping your goals and situation at the forefront of your decision making is key to matching with schools that help you grow professionally and enjoy your personal life.

Here’s a checklist to guide your research:

• Accreditation: Schools accredited by CIS, NEASC, WASC, or COBIS have been evaluated for quality. Accreditation doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it’s a strong signal.
• Governance: Schools with a board of directors (often elected parents or community leaders) tend to be more transparent and accountable than privately owned schools.
• Non-profit vs. for-profit: Non-profits usually reinvest income into facilities, salaries, and student programs. Some for-profits may prioritize business interests.
• Benefits package: Look beyond salary. Many schools offer housing or a stipend, annual airfare, healthcare, professional development, retirement contributions, and tuition for staff kids. Exact benefits varies by region and schools so it’s important to consider your individual needs when doing your research.
• Student demographics: Check the percentage of students from the host country versus other nationalities. A school with mostly host-country students may feel less “international” in practice. For families with children, this can be tough if your child doesn’t speak the local language.
• Staff demographics: A balance of expat and local teachers impacts professional collaboration and community life. It’s a gift to meet and work with people from the host country!
• Location & cost of living: Even with a good salary, living in an expensive country can make saving difficult.

---

A Smart Financial Strategy

It’s tempting to only chase the “top” schools in big, glamorous cities. But sometimes the best move is choosing a respected school in a country with a lower cost of living.

For example:

• A mid-tier school in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur may allow you to save far more than a prestigious school in Paris or London.
• Schools in the Middle East often provide generous benefits and tax-free salaries, making them ideal for building financial stability.

Pro tip: When comparing schools, don’t just look at salary. Look at net savings potential—what you can realistically keep after housing, transportation, and daily expenses.

---

The Inside Perspective

If you’re already an international educator:

• What motivated you to take the leap overseas?
• Was it adventure, professional growth, financial opportunity, or something else?

Share your story in the comments below. Your experience might be exactly what inspires someone else to make their first move abroad!

Thinking about your first international job fair? In my next post, I’ll cover exactly where to find international school jobs and how the recruitment process works.