Teach English Abroad vs. Teaching in International Schools

If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching overseas, you’ve likely come across two very different opportunities: the chance to teach English abroad or to teach in international schools as a qualified teacher.

While both allow you to live and work overseas, the qualifications, expectations, and benefits you’ll receive are very different.

Here’s what you need to know about both options.

Teach English Abroad

To teach English abroad means working as an English language instructor in non-English-speaking countries. This can often be in public schools, private language centres, or through after-school programs.

Common destinations include South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, and China.

Benefits

• Easier entry point: In most cases, you don’t need to be a certified teacher. You just need to be a native or fluent English speaker and have completed a TEFL/TESOL certification.
• Quick start: Jobs are often readily available, especially in East and Southeast Asia, and start dates are frequent throughout the year.
• Immersive experience: You’ll likely live and work in local communities, offering the chance for deep cultural immersion.
• Flexible contracts: Many jobs are for 6–12 months, ideal if you want to travel and explore without a long-term commitment.

Qualifications and Training

• Bachelor’s degree (in any field)
• TEFL/TESOL certificate (often 120+ hours)
• Native English speaker or high proficiency
• Little or no prior teaching experience required (though experience helps)

Perks & Challenges

• Housing benefits (e.g housing allowance) is often included
• Some programs offer flight reimbursement, bonuses, and insurance
• Lower salaries compared to international schools
• Less curriculum freedom – most positions focus on conversational English and follow set lesson plans
• Limited career progression within a single school

Teaching in International Schools

Working as an international school teacher means working in a private, often elite, school that offers globally recognised curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British (IGCSE/A-levels), or American (AP/Common Core) systems.

These schools cater to expat families, diplomatic communities, and affluent local families looking for a global education.

Benefits

• Professional growth: Many schools offer excellent professional development and opportunities to move into leadership.
• Strong salaries and benefits: Pay is typically competitive, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Europe. Expect health insurance, relocation support, paid flights, and retirement contributions.
• Tuition for your children: Free or reduced rates on school fees which means your children can benefit from high quality education.
• Structured curriculum and resources: You’ll teach within a well-established academic framework and have access to quality materials and technology (depending on the individual school).
• Global community: Staff and students can come from around the world, fostering a multicultural, internationally minded environment.

Qualifications and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in education or subject-specific field
• Teaching license/certification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, teaching credential, or B.Ed.)
• 2+ years of experience teaching in your home country
• Experience with international curricula (IB, British, American) is a big plus

Perks & Challenges

• Generous benefits: Housing, flights, health care, relocation, and end-of-contract bonuses
• Career growth: Opportunities to grow your career in leadership, curriculum development, or pastoral roles
• Competitive hiring: Schools seek experienced, well-qualified teachers
• Greater expectations: As a qualified and experienced teacher, schools will demand appropriate planning, differentiation, and high student outcomes
• Longer contracts: Contracts are typically two years (at least the initial contract,) and you’ll face more professional accountability

So, Which Is Right for You?

	Teach English Abroad	Teach in an International School
Qualifications	Bachelor’s + TEFL/TESOL	Teaching degree + license + experience
Subjects Taught	English (conversation, EFL)	All subjects (based on curriculum)
Contract Length	6–12 months	Typically 2 years
Salaries	Moderate, varies by country	High, especially in Middle East and Asia
Benefits	Housing, flights, some insurance	Full expat package + tuition + PD
Career Progression	Limited	Strong growth potential
Cultural Immersion	Deep local immersion	Expat and multicultural environment

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a short-term adventure, a lower barrier to entry, and the chance to immerse yourself in local culture while gaining classroom experience, you may want to consider teaching English abroad.

On the other hand, teaching at an international school is a long-term professional career move that offers better pay, top-tier benefits, and real opportunities for growth. However, you must have formal teaching qualifications and prior teaching experience.

Both offer the chance to live abroad, meet incredible people, and see the world through a new lens. The right choice depends on your qualifications, goals, and what you’re after – both personally and professionally.