Conduct an international teacher job search and teach overseas. Teaching overseas is an exciting opportunity and is being increasingly sought after by educators, ranging from graduating students to those in the industry for many years.
Unfortunately, many people find the process of overseas job hunting confusing and complex. Job seekers can relieve this feeling if they do some research before beginning the job search process.
Searching for an international teaching job is much like searching for a local position. It involves planning and effort; after all, “looking for a job is a job.” Job hunting can cause tension and anxiety, so it helps to think of the search as a challenge and a great learning experience.
Let are some tips for job searching if you are over 50 and are concerned about age discrimination.
Before undertaking your job search, be sure to read and research to find opportunities. Talk to international recruitment or placement firms to learn about teaching job possibilities and obstacles you may face during your search.
There are unique considerations in conducting an international job search. The market is extremely competitive. While some job seekers will land jobs with ease, many will need to be persistent and thorough to get what they desire. To be successful, you must be determined not to give up.
Tips to Start Your Job Search
Foreign Language Skills:
Depending on what country and type of school you are applying to work in, you may be required to speak the native language to teach overseas. Knowledge of the language required could range from possessing basic skills to being fluent. It’s crucial you know the required language proficiency for different opportunities. Concentrate your search on opportunities that will work with your existing language proficiency.
Networking Application Procedures:
Before beginning the application process, it is wise to conduct research regarding the application process and what you will be required to do to complete it. Some application procedures can be lengthy and involved. It’s best to look into what is needed in terms of documents, records, and qualifications beforehand.
Suppose multiple teaching opportunities require a shared resource, such as a college transcript or exam results in your content area. Request multiple copies of this resource to easily attach it to applications when it’s time to apply.
Overseas Experience:
Some hiring organizations prefer to enlist professionals who have already worked overseas. That being said, there are plenty of opportunities for new teachers or those who have not lived abroad before. Research postings that align closely with your level of experience to maximize your chances for success when you apply.
Culture shock and feelings of homesickness are two other aspects of the overseas experience that many international educators need to consider. As you are researching the countries and regions where you’d like to target your search, make sure to develop a thorough understanding of the places you are interested in teaching.
Read both the country’s positive and negative to ensure you will be comfortable adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle. Within a country, focus on specific areas that interest you. This will help narrow down your job search and ensure you will like the area you decide upon.
Resume Differences:
Before sending your resume and other documents, research the proper format for your job search documents according to the country’s accepted standards. Requirements for resumes definitely differ from country to country, as do overall style and formatting. Get your documents noticed by the hiring committee by taking time to find out what they’re looking for in a new teacher.
One thing for sure, you need to include relevant accomplishments in your resume.
A stand-out resume in your home country might be too lengthy, or not long enough, or share little in common with the desired formatting in your new home.
Check out examples of excellent resumes, CVs, and cover letter designs before submitting your materials to ensure they align with potential hiring managers’ expectations.
Interview Process:
The interviewing process can be quite different than a local hiring process. Often, interviews are conducted over the phone, via the web, or if you are applying through a large education company, you can also have regular face-to-face interviews with travel agents connected to the school.
These interviews will normally be conducted in a hotel and may require you to travel to a nearby city. Learn what you can about the school to tailor your responses to the school’s needs.
As you are completing your applications, be sure to learn about how the interviews will be conducted. If you are unfamiliar with the interview method (such as using Skype or FaceTime for an interview), be sure to practice with a person you trust to make sure you have a hang of the technology involved. This will help you get straight to show off your qualifications, rather than stumbling through a technical difficulty as your first impression with a potential employer.
Women Gaining Respect:
Some countries, especially in the Middle East, are not as liberal with equal rights in North America and Europe. Though many women have experienced successful careers in these regions, it can prove to be much more difficult to find work in these types of countries as a woman. Developing respect among your students and your community can be a different challenge than it has been in your home country. Schools and classes are filled with mostly men.
Consider a Full Spectrum of Options:
Finding employment is not the only way to expand your overseas experience and is not the only way to build your skills. Studying and traveling can be great ways to follow your interests overseas while gaining credentials future schools will value.
Review industry or trade journals to analyze lists of available employment opportunities. Ensure your teaching resume and cover letter are up to date and position you in the best light to secure an international teaching job.
Before conducting any job search, you should ensure your online presence represents your value and does not affect your success.
