International Teaching Agencies

If you want to score a job at an international school, you may want to consider using teaching agencies (a specialist recruitment agency for teachers).

Recruitment agencies are popular with many international teachers. They’re one option in a recruitment toolkit that should also include direct applications, networking, and strategic job hunting.

Let’s take a look at some of the best-known international teaching agencies, their pros/cons and things to consider when deciding which agency (or platform) is right for you.

Each agency has its own strengths, fee structures, and regional focus. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Search Associates

Website: searchassociates.com
Best for: Experienced teachers and school leaders seeking placements worldwide, especially in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Pros:

Trusted by top-tier international schools globally
Offers in-person job fairs for candidates who Search Associates has accepted as members
Candidate support with dedicated consultants
Extensive database of thoroughly vetted schools
Reputation for high-quality placements

Cons:

Competitive application process – typically requires 2+ years of experience
Higher bar for acceptance
Be mindful that once you verbally accept a position (regardless of whether or not you sign a contract) with Search, it indicates you’ve committed to taking the job
Can be financial ramifications if you break a contract secured with Search Associates, and you’re likely to be removed from their database (permanently)
Based on feedback, some teaching families believe they prefer to place teachers without kids
More like a ‘dating agency’ than a traditional recruitment agency – acting as a ‘matchmaker’ between schools and candidates.

Regional note: The service used to be free for UK teachers and expensive for non UK teachers (around USD200 or more). According to their website, it looks like they’ve introduced a flat pricing structure of USD $100 annual membership and USD $75 for returning teachers.

Perfect for: Those wanting access to an extensive school database who are targeting premium international schools with comprehensive packages.

When my husband first registered with Search he was told by his consultant that even with 20+ years teaching experience it was highly unlikely he’d get a role with four dependants. He applied direct to schools (via TES) and we’re now at our third international school.
kelly quinn, founder and editor at international teaching families

2. International Schools Services EDURecruit (ISS)

Website: iss.edu
Best for: New and experienced teachers looking for positions at US-curriculum schools overseas. Particularly strong in Asia and the Middle East.

Pros:

Free basic membership lets you create a candidate profile, appear in recruiter search results, apply for jobs and receive messages from recruiters
Operates one of the largest job fairs in international education
Dedicated leadership search division for principals and directors
Professional development opportunities and certification support
Strong relationships with American international schools

Cons:

Premium registration fee is $75 USD, which gives you greater features like full access to job fairs, access to school profiles and the ability to contact hiring recruiters.
Some premium job listings are only accessible after initial screening
US-curriculum focus may limit opportunities for other backgrounds

Perfect for: US-certified teachers, aspiring leaders, and those preferring structured, high-touch recruitment processes.

3. Schrole

Website: schrole.com
Best for: Teachers wanting a modern, digital job-hunting experience with access to schools across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Pros:

Intuitive dashboard with personalised job alerts
An optional video screening feature to enhance applications
Strong partnerships with schools offering visa support and relocation packages
Regular webinars and career development resources
More affordable than some other recruiters – USD $50 annually to access database to all registered schools, recruitment events and alerts for preferred roles.

Cons:

Fewer top-tier leadership positions (but is rapidly growing as more schools seem to be using this platform)
Some listed schools are newer or mid-tier establishments
Less established in premium European markets

Perfect for: Early- to mid-career educators seeking their first international role or those who prefer tech-forward platforms.

4. Teacher Horizons

Website: teacherhorizons.com
Best for: Teachers prioritising personal service, meaningful placements, and student-centred environments.

Pros:

Completely free to use
Focus on values-aligned schools
One-on-one guidance from experienced educational consultants
Strong vetting process for partner schools

Cons:

Smaller pool of high-paying positions
Limited leadership opportunities
Fewer options in competitive markets like Switzerland or Singapore
Less top tier international school listings than some other teaching agencies
Strategically, they may only put forward limited candidates for positions to maximise their chances of placing the role for the school

Perfect for: Teachers seeking international work with purpose-driven missions, progressive schools, or NGO partnerships

These guys are a great agency who know their stuff and have some excellent schools on their books. Unfortunately even though they’ve told me I’m a high quality candidate, I’ve never secured a job with them.
current international teacher with 20+ years experience

5. Teach Away

Website: teachaway.com
Best for: Teachers targeting Asia (Japan, Korea, China), the UAE, or government-sponsored programs.

Pros:

Dominant presence in Asian and Middle Eastern markets
Offers TEFL certification and professional development programs
Simple, user-friendly job search tools

Cons:

Many roles are in public school systems rather than private international schools
Limited support for senior leadership positions
Less focus on European or Latin American markets

Perfect for: New teachers or unqualified teachers looking for TEFL roles.

6. GRC (Global Recruitment Collaborative)

Website: globalrecruitmentcollaborative.com
Best for: Seasoned teachers and leaders targeting non-profit, mission-driven international schools.

Pros:

Invitation-only job fairs ensure quality matches
Excellent for established IB and world schools
Free for candidates once accepted
Focus on not-for-profit institutions with strong educational missions
Used to be limited to candidates having worked at participating schools but is now open to all

Cons:

Must be pre-approved
Very selective – small (but growing) pool of opportunities
Limited to schools within their network

Perfect for: Experienced IB teachers and school leaders committed to mission-driven, not-for-profit education.

7. TES (Times Educational Supplement) – International Jobs

Website: tes.com
Best for: Independent job seekers who prefer browsing open job boards.

Pros:

No registration fees or membership requirements
Extensive variety of schools and regions
Direct application links and recruiter contact information
Regular posting of new opportunities

Cons:

No personalised support or guidance
No vetting of schools or positions

Perfect for: Self-directed job seekers who prefer to research and apply independently.

Many experienced teachers (and those with families) that I speak to would say TES is the best option, apart from directly applying to international schools.
anthony, current teacher at an international school in malaysia

8. Webbers ED

Website: webbersed.com
Best for: New and experienced teachers seeking roles specifically in Latin American countries.

Pros:

Personalised support from Mark Webber, who is known for understanding each candidate’s qualifications and career aspirations, to tailor the job search experience
No charge for placement services
Regional expertise within Latin America
Supportive placement process

Cons:

Only services Latin American international schools
Less top tier listings than some competitors
Some schools in the region may cater more to local students and not offer as many benefits as international schools in other destinations

Regional note: Listings specifically for Latin American countries.

Perfect for: Teachers passionate about finding the right role for their family in Latin America.

9. TIE Online (The International Educator)

Website: tieonline.com
Best for: Teachers seeking positions across Europe and international schools worldwide.

Pros:

Specialised focus on European and international school markets
Comprehensive school profiles with detailed information
Regular job fairs and networking events
Strong reputation with established international schools
Annual plan of USD $49 per year is lower than other recruiters

Cons:

Registration needed to access full listings
Primarily focused on European markets
Limited support for teachers new to international education

Perfect for: Experienced educators targeting European international schools and established educational institutions.

10. Edvectus

Website: edvectus.com
Best for: Senior educators and leadership positions in top-tier international schools.

Pros:

No cost for teachers
Focus on premium international schools and leadership roles
Personalised recruitment consultancy services
Extensive network of high-quality educational institutions
Professional career guidance and interview preparation

Cons:

Selective recruitment process – teachers are only recruited from specific countries (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Canada, USA, South Africa, Jamaica and other Anglophile Caribbean islands)
They recruit other nationalities if you work internationally in an IB World School.
May have limited entry-level positions

Perfect for: Experienced teachers and educational leaders seeking senior positions at prestigious international schools.

11. Teach Anywhere

Website: teachanywhere.com
Best for: Teachers looking for a range of international opportunities across all experience levels.

Pros:

Free service
Wide range of positions from entry-level to senior roles
Global reach with opportunities in most destinations
User-friendly platform with detailed job descriptions
Regular webinars and career development resources available

Cons:

Can be high competition for popular positions
Limited personalised support compared to other teaching agencies
The quality of schools’ advertising may vary significantly
Limited predominantly to Asia and the Middle East

Perfect for: Adventurous teachers open to exploring diverse international destinations and school types.

12. AMISA (Association of American Schools in Latin America)

Website: amisa.us
Best for: Teachers and leaders targeting Latin America, especially those with U.S. or IB experience.

Pros:

Direct access to apply for jobs through the platform – no third-party recruiter
Strong network of reputable American/international schools
Offers professional learning, conferences, and leadership development

Cons:

Must be nominated and accepted before accessing job listings
Smaller pool of schools compared to global platforms
Not open to early-career teachers without school endorsements

Regional note: Specialises in Latin American placements only in American schools. Also, be aware that pre-screening is required, and applicants must be recommended by their current Head of School.

Perfect for: Educators already working in international schools who want to transition to Latin America with direct access to quality schools.

Pros and Cons of Using Teaching Agencies

Pros:

Expert knowledge of the market: Recruiters typically have a deep understanding of international education markets, visa requirements, and cultural expectations across different countries. They can provide insights about living conditions, salary expectations, and career progression opportunities that aren’t easy to find through independent research.

Exclusive job opportunities: Many top-tier international schools work exclusively with trusted recruitment agencies. Recruiters often have established relationships with school leadership and can provide insider access to upcoming vacancies.

Professional support and guidance: Quality recruiters offer comprehensive support. This can include things like CV review, interview prep, contract negotiation assistance, and relocation guidance. If it’s your first time moving abroad, this help can be invaluable.

Time and effort savings: Recruiters can handle much of the legwork with initial school vetting, application submissions, and coordinating interviews across time zones.

Ongoing relationship building: Established recruiters maintain long-term relationships with teachers. So you can get career guidance throughout your international teaching journey and help with future moves when it’s time to move on.

Cons:

Limited control: When you work with teaching agencies, you may have less direct control over which schools see your profile. And how you’re presented to potential employers. Some recruiters may prioritise quick placements over perfect matches.

Potential conflicts of interest: Because schools typically pay recruiters, this creates situations where their financial incentives don’t always align with your best interests. They may push certain positions based on their relationships rather than your preferences.

Inconsistent quality and service: The quality of recruitment services varies dramatically between agencies and individual consultants. Some provide excellent support, while others may be unresponsive or provide outdated information about schools and locations.

Dependency and reduced self-advocacy: Relying purely on teaching agencies can limit your ability to develop independent job search skills. And direct relationships with schools.

Commission-based relationships: Recruiters earn commissions from successful placements, so there may be pressure to accept positions quickly rather than taking time to evaluate your options. This can lead to mismatched placements or rushed decisions.

Tips for Using Teaching Agencies to Find a Job at an International School

Before Engaging with Teaching Agencies

Research agency reputation: Look into teaching agencies before sharing personal information. Check online reviews, ask for references from recently placed teachers, and verify their track record with international schools. Look for agencies with established histories and transparent business practices.

Understand fees: Some agencies will charge an annual fee, which typically gets you access to the school database info. This information is helpful as it can determine whether it’s worth applying. For example, if it only offers tuition for one child and you have two kids, it may automatically rule it out for your family. But do some research to find out whether the fee is worth it for you. Recruiters are compensated by schools, not teachers. So there are plenty of options if you’d prefer to pay no upfront fees.

Define your priorities: Establish your non-negotiables before chatting to a consultant. For example, preferred regions, school types, salary expectations, and timeline. Having clear criteria helps recruiters match you appropriately and prevents wasted time on unsuitable positions.

During the Recruitment Process

Work with agencies strategically: Consider signing up with 2-4 reputable agencies at the same time. But be transparent about this. Different agencies have relationships with different schools. So signing up with a few maximises your exposure to opportunities while maintaining your professional integrity.

Ask detailed questions: Ask for comprehensive information about schools, including financial stability, staff turnover rates, professional development opportunities etc. Quality recruiters should provide thorough school profiles and honest assessments.

Verify information independently: Cross-reference recruiter information with independent sources like school websites, teacher forums, and social media groups. Recruiters may have outdated information or present overly positive pictures of challenging situations.

Evaluating Opportunities

Check your contract carefully: Don’t sign a contract without a thorough review. Pay attention to termination clauses, benefit details, workload, and professional development commitments. Look out for any contract red flags and ask for clarity if needed via your consultant.

Trust your gut: If a recruiter pressures you to make quick decisions, provides vague answers about schools, or seems focused on closing deals rather than finding the best match for you, consider working with different teaching agencies.

Maintaining Professional Relationships

Be clear: Keep recruiters up to date if you’re getting offers from schools, so they know where they stand and can help speed up school responses if needed.

Provide feedback: Share honest feedback about your experience with schools and the recruitment process. This helps reputable agencies improve their services and better assist future candidates.

Build relationships: If you’ve had a positive experience, keep in touch after your successful placement. Because international teaching careers often involve multiple moves, established relationships can be valuable for future opportunities.

Honour commitments: If you accept a position through a recruiter, honour your commitment to the agency and school. The international teaching community is small, and reputation matters for future opportunities.

Final Recommendations for Using Teaching Agencies

The international teaching market is competitive but full of opportunities for qualified, dedicated teachers. Teaching agencies are one tool you can use. They’re especially useful when schools have established relationships with recruiters and don’t accept direct applications.

But other times, applying direct, reaching out via LinkedIn, or utilising existing relationships in the industry can be just as beneficial.

Be sure you:

Research thoroughly before committing to any agency or school
Maintain realistic expectations about timelines and competition
Keep all documents updated and easily accessible (e.g. teaching qualifications, birth certificates, etc)
Be prepared for virtual interviews and assessment processes
Don’t solely rely on one approach, but look at a range of recruitment options to explore those that suit your needs

International Teaching Agencies