Deciding to Go
Depending on the stage of your career moving overseas can be a big decision. This is especially true if you've built up work seniority or have a family and permanent position to think of back home. Yes, moving overseas can be glamorous, but the gloss of exoticism does wear off and can cause both financial and relationship strains too. With pensions, health insurance and home ownership to think of, there's plenty to consider for those who like security. That said, if you do have your heart set on heading overseas there's definitely good salaries to be made and wonderful experiences to be had. But do your homework first.
How to Find Work
Those on the expat teaching circuit work out pretty quickly who is reputable and who is not. Recruiting agencies, such as the Council of International Schools (COIS) and International School Service (ISS) are definitely the best known and going to one of their recruitment fairs is the easiest and best ways to get work. The COIS London fair, for example, will give you the most options, but is also the most competitive. The March fair is more likely to get you a job, but the pickings will be slimmer. To get to the fairs start your research early, around October or November, as school terms for the North American year begin hiring in January. You'll need to be a native English teacher, have American or English curriculum under your belt and at least two years experience - although desperate schools are increasingly looking the other way. Experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is definitely a bonus these days and will eventually become a mandatory requirement for any international job.
Choosing a School
Many teachers have a burning desire to teach in a certain location and refuse to compromise on the issue. For those in this boat, chances are others also want to live there and so the package might not be great or the competition fierce. This is particularly true of Southern European countries. And, unless you're an EU passport-holder, this is especially difficult anyway. Others may be looking to make a quick buck. It's still possible - the Middle East still offering the best opportunities - but is becoming harder and harder to come by. War-torn countries or far out rural oil outposts with schools for their employees are another place to look if you're truly interested. It may also require a bit of social and lifestyle sacrifice to get those savings you may have heard about on the grapevine. When hearing about these jobs remember the old adage that says if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Realistically there is a lot of money to be ade - some school directors easily make over $100,000, but like any occupation, this is for people with lots of experience and qualifications. Because overseas contracts are for a minimum of two years, a short stint overseas isn't going to lead to immediate promotion. My advice is to be open to new countries, new experiences and new opportunities.
