Teaching Outside the United States

Written by Donovan Cook, Coordinator of Student Field Experiences, Washburn University, KS. Reproduced with permission.

Not all professionals have the opportunity to combine foreign travel with their chosen occupations. With certain qualifications, teachers do. If you are a certified teacher with dedication, character, and commitment, then read on--you could be the curious, adventuresome candidate that overseas schools are looking for!

Thousands of American-trained teachers are currently enjoying personal and professional growth in faraway places, but if you ask any of them, they'll probably tell you it's not for everyone.

The critical questions for candidates considering teaching overseas include: What are the requirements for teaching overseas? Who are the successful candidates? Where are the schools and what are they like? How does one go about getting an overseas position?

Requirements for Teaching Overseas

Candidates for elementary, secondary, and administrative positions typically need certification in order to be considered for employment in American overseas schools. (Information for those who want to teach overseas without certification) In some instances, however, candidates who are pursuing certification may be considered, particularly if they are willing to work in a developing country.

A two or three year experience requirement is often expressed on foreign job notifications, though there have been some recent exceptions: the inexperienced spouse of a particularly strong candidate may be considered for employment; candidates with previous international experience, excellent field experience and signs of cultural adaptability may be considered; and hard-to-fill positions, such as computer science, mathematics, or English as a Second Language may prompt an offer to an inexperienced candidate.

Inexperienced or non-certified candidates may find an avenue for international employment through the International Schools Internship Program, in care of the International Educator's Institute. Single teachers and teaching couples with no dependents are often given priority in hiring because this practice is less expensive for the schools, since they generally provide housing and transportation costs. Some small overseas schools hire teachers with families, knowing that it will add to the school population. Some of the larger schools desire a balance among singles, couples, and families on their school faculties.

Who are the successful candidates?

To be competitive for overseas placement, several factors are considered important:

• A willingness to consider teaching in a wide range of geographic areas for at least two years.
• The ability to teach in several subject areas.
• The capability of organizing and supervising extracurricular activities.
• Excellent physical health and emotional stability.
• A genuine interest in cultural differences.
• An outstanding set of references.

Overseas school administrators indicate that an energetic approach to teaching and a genuine interest in children are qualities that they seek.

Sometimes teaching materials are limited or are simply not available at overseas schools. For this reason, a degree of flexibility and resourcefulness is often required. Overseas teachers must become, of necessity, creators of their own materials and "Jacks and Jills of all trades."

Types of Overseas Schools

Overseas schools that typically hire Americans are located all over the world, an fall generally into five different categories, each with a slightly different orientation.

Private schools with Department of State Affiliation

Private schools with Department of State (DOS) Affiliation are generally quite independent of the U.S. government. However, they receive some assistance from the Department of State. There is no government hiring agency for DOS schools, rather each school hires its own staff. These schools operate with an American curriculum. Many of the schools are truly international as students of the host country make up part of the student body. A directory of these private and international schools may be obtained by contacting the Office of Overseas Schools

Department of Defense Dependents Schools

Teachers in the U.S. Military Dependents Schools, or DoDD schools, are government employees. As such, they have many of the same privileges that military personnel do. DoDD schools are found in most countries with a U.S. military presence. The curriculum and student populations often retain the character of American public schools.

Company Schools

Company schools are privately run by large U.S. overseas corporations, and the students in these schools are the dependents of company employees. Because these schools are independently operated, they vary in size and are therefore difficult to characterize.

Some of these schools are quite isolated while others are located in large foreign cities. The names and addresses of most company schools can be found in The ISS Directory of Overseas Schools, International Schools Services, P.O. Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08543.

Church-Affiliated Schools

Church-affiliated schools offer opportunities for service and cross-cultural experiences in developing countries. The schools are often in remote areas, and may lack standard school facilities. To obtain information about these schools, write to the United Church Board for World Ministries, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10015.

The Peace Corps

The Peace Corps teaching opportunity is unique in that it provides several months of training in preparation for living in the host country. This training includes foreign language instruction. If you become a volunteer you will be totally immersed in the culture of the host country. Peace Corps volunteers currently bring their skills to 65 Third World countries, and teachers are in particular demand. You may write for further information to The Peace Corps Recruiting Office, 1990 K Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20526.

Locating an Overseas Position

It is important that you update all of your placement materials, including letters of recommendation, resume, transcripts, and proof of certification as your prepare for your job search. Collect pertinent information and addresses of schools that interest you. After narrowing your focus, compose a letter of inquiry to the superintendents or school representatives, including your reasons for interest in overseas employment. To help you contact schools, refer to such directories as The ISS Directory of Overseas Schools or The International Schools Directory published by the European Council of International Schools.

Overseas schools begin the candidate review process much earlier than do stateside schools. Therefore, you should send your correspondence early in the school year (as early as November) prior to the year in which you hope to obtain a position.

The International Educator, which is published by the International Educator's Institute, contains specific vacancy notices and advertisements from overseas schools, as well as articles about educators involved in international teaching and programming in international schools.

There are a number of placement services to assist you in applying for overseas teaching positions. Most of them offer a range of services and interview opportunities. Registration and placement fees vary, and you should contact each organization directly.

A few other notes on international job searches

Start Early

Many schools overseas begin thinking of hiring much earlier than stateside schools. In addition, you'll need to add extra time for international mail delivery. Begin researching specific schools and countries as early as late summer. Write directly to the schools, asking for application materials so that you can have completed files by the end of January. Job fairs are usually held in February and March; attendance at a couple of these is an excellent way to find a position.

Resumes for International Schools are Different

Information which is illegal to ask about in the U.S. is necessary when being considered for a job in another country. Hiring authorities may need to know about your citizenship, marital status, number and ages of children, spouse's occupation, gender, and age. These are Bona Fide Occupational Questions and your answers can be included on your resume or employment application. A photo is also sometimes requested (passport photos are usually used).

Paperwork

Any of these documents may be needed during the application/employment process, so it's a good idea to pull together a file of the originals, sending only copies to the employers: birth certificate, passport, visa, marriage license, adoption decree, divorce decree, diplomas, transcripts, teaching certificates, health certificates, and immigration cards.