Certified Educators: Teach Abroad!
Teaching Certificates Increase Benefits Overseas
Want to put your teaching certificate to use overseas? International Schools all over the world offer great benefits for professional educators. Get started today!
A Peace Corps billboard makes a compelling argument: “Never have to start another sentence with ‘I should have…’” Indeed, globetrotting seems to fulfill a fundamental human urge. Because travel can be costly, many young adventure-seekers, regardless of their profession, take time to teach English as a Second Language in a foreign country. As the requirements qualifying one for such work are less stringent than those for K-12 teaching in North America, pay is not necessarily lucrative, and the positions are often temporary.
Teaching certificates result in benefits overseas
North American certified teachers, however, have a unique opportunity to experience another culture without sacrificing income or their personal subject matter. A host of accredited international schools overseas regularly hire experienced teachers to teach all subjects, from first grade to art to high school science. These schools are designed to offer expatriate children an education similar to that in their home countries; many offer a valid American, Canadian, or European diploma based on the standard curriculum. Populations vary; some schools attract a diverse crowd, while others focus on serving children from one particular country. English is the language of instruction in such schools, and benefits packages for teachers are almost always tempting, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. Teachers generally earn a high tax-free salary and have housing expenses, home leave, and retirement covered within a two-year contract. With such earnings, many teachers can save more money in one year overseas than in five or more at home.
Take your certificate to an international school job fair
With your teaching certificate in hand, it is surprisingly easy to head overseas. The best way to gain exposure to the international teaching job market is to submit an application through a placement service and attend one of the many job fairs held in the U.S., Canada, England, and elsewhere. Representatives from international schools all over the world attend fairs to meet and interview candidates; many teachers even sign contracts at the fairs! While attending a fair is perhaps not necessary, it is wise; in this global market, a personal connection carries substantial weight. International schools often jump to hire married teaching couples, but the market is open to singles too.
Start putting your certificate to use abroad
To jump-start your search, check out the following sites:
1. International School Services (ISS), a nonprofit corporation serving international schools and teachers
2. Search Associates, an international teaching placement service
3. University of Northern Iowa Overseas Placement Service, one of the most established overseas job fairs around
