Now that you know what to look for in a school, the next question is obvious: where do you actually find these jobs, and how do you land one? The international school recruitment process is unique because it runs on its own timeline, relies on specialized platforms, and can involve job fairs that feel like speed-dating for schools and teachers.

If you’re still deciding whether an international school is right for you, check out my guide to the first steps in teaching abroad.

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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

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The Recruitment Timeline

International school hiring starts earlier than many teachers expect.

• August–October: Teachers let schools know if they’re resigning. Many schools begin posting vacancies.
• November–January: This is the peak recruitment season. Schools interview and make offers quickly, especially at large job fairs.
• February–May: Most prime positions are filled, but new openings still pop up as schools respond to unexpected resignations.
• Summer: Only last-minute positions remain.

If you’re aiming for your first international teaching job, start planning at least 12–18 months in advance.

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Major Recruiting Platforms

Here are the three most widely used platforms for international school teachers:

• Search Associates: One of the oldest and largest recruiters. You get a personal associate to help with your search, plus access to thousands of schools. Cost: $100 USD for access to the platform and invitation to one fair. Additional fairs cost $75 USD.
• International School Services (ISS): Similar to Search, with a jobs database and recruitment fairs. Cost: $75 USD per year.
• TES & Schrole: Job boards where schools post vacancies directly. TES is widely used by British-curriculum schools, while Schrole provides HR and training support to international schools. Free for teachers.

Tip: Use more than one platform. Search or ISS plus TES/Schrole gives you the widest coverage. Once your profile is complete on a platform, you will only need to update it each time in the future you recruit for a new position.

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Job Fairs: What They’re Really Like

Job fairs for a long time were central to international recruitment. Many schools now also conduct online interviews, but job fairs still provide a multitude of opportunities for schools and educators. They’re fast-paced, high-energy events where schools and teachers come together.

• What to Expect: Schools often give presentations about their schools, benefits, and communities. This is a great way to gain perspective on cities and countries that might not yet be on your radar. Then, you might interview with five schools in one day, bump into school directors at coffee breaks, and get a job offer within 24 hours. It’s exciting but intense.
• When & Where: The biggest fairs happen in November, December, and January in cities like Bangkok, Dubai, London, and Boston.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Bring multiple copies of your CV.
  • Prepare short, clear answers about your teaching style.
  • Research each school thoroughly so you can ask thoughtful questions.
  • Have a list of your priorities (salary, benefits, curriculum, location) to guide decision-making.

Many people describe their first fair as overwhelming—but also unforgettable. The best advice for any educator considering a move overseas is to keep an open mind and enjoy the journey!

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Other Pathways

Not every teacher finds a job at a fair. Some schools prefer to recruit directly through their website. Networking in expat teacher groups on Facebook or attending regional conferences can also lead to opportunities.

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The Inside Perspective

For those of you already teaching internationally:

• How did you land your first job?
• Did you go through a fair, a recruiter, or a lucky connection?

Share your experience in the comments so new teachers can learn from the variety of pathways into this world.

Got an offer? In the final part of this series, I’ll share how to compare contracts, prepare for the move, and thrive in your first year overseas.