International School Recruitment Agencies: Do You Need One?
If you’re thinking about teaching internationally, you’ve probably considered registering with international teacher recruitment agencies. Agencies can connect you with schools around the world and often run in-person and virtual recruitment fairs. But do you really need one to land an international teaching job?
Here’s what to know before you sign up.
What Recruitment Agencies Do
Recruitment agencies act as a middleman between you and international schools.
- Collect your CV, references, and teaching qualifications/certification details
- Match your skills with school vacancies
- Provide access to job boards and sometimes exclusive listings you won’t find elsewhere
- Organise recruitment fairs where schools interview candidates face-to-face (or online)
- Help you with contract details, benefits, and can answer questions you may have about relocating overseas.
For many first-time international teachers, a recruitment agency can offer support and reassurance during what can feel like a chaotic process.
The Advantages of Using an Agency
- Wider access to jobs: Some schools exclusively recruit through agencies – so to apply for a specific role you’ll need to go via an agency.
- Streamlined applications: Instead of sending documents to 20 different schools, you upload once and the agency looks after the rest.
- Professional credibility: Schools trust agencies to screen candidates and put forward the best recommendations for their requirements.
- Recruitment fairs: Agencies host the events where dozens of schools interview in one place – getting you fast access to a wide range of schools.
- Support with logistics: Agencies can answer questions about visas, contracts, and family benefits.
The Downsides of Using a Recruitment Agency
- Not every school uses them: Many schools now advertise directly on their websites, on public job boards or even on LinkedIn (to help keep their recruitment costs down).
- Competition is fierce: Top roles attract hundreds of applicants through agency portals.
- Not all agencies are equal: Some are highly selective, others less so. The quality of support varies. As does the way they work (from matching services to 1:1 support).
- Less control: You may feel like you’re in the agency’s system rather than building direct relationships with schools.
- Membership fees: Some agencies charge teachers (though many are free). Using multiple agencies can also be time consuming to set up profiles.
Popular International School Recruitment Agencies
- Search Associates – Large global network, well-known for recruitment fairs and its big database of schools.
- ISS (International Schools Services) – Offers jobs, fairs, and relocation support.
- Schrole – Online platform with job listings and application tracking.
- Teacher Horizons – Free for teachers, growing network of schools (though not necessarily top tier international schools).
Do Families Benefit More from Agencies?
Yes — and no. Agencies can be useful for teaching couples or families with children, because:
- The turnaround time is typically faster with agencies – you’ll know pretty quickly how your application is progressing.
- Schools brief agencies on what specifically they’re looking for – so again you’ll find out fast if you’re in with a chance.
- You can easily find out about family benefits, like family housing, tuition coverage for kids, and health insurance.
- Fairs allow you to compare multiple packages side by side — helpful when weighing family benefits – but you’ll need to be more flexible about what you’re looking for.
But some families prefer to apply directly to schools once they know what they’re looking for, avoiding the middleman and giving you more control.
I’ve registered with a few agencies, but all the roles I’ve got since working internationally have come from applying direct.
CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER WITH THREE CHILDREN AND TRAILING SPOUSE
When to Use an Agency
An agency is worth considering if you:
- Are new to international teaching and want extra guidance
- Hope to attend a major recruitment fair
- Want to maximise your access to job listings
- Prefer having a point of contact for questions during the hiring process
You may not need one if you:
- Already have contacts in schools abroad
- Are applying to a specific school directly
- Prefer a DIY approach to your job search
- Know exactly the destination, type of school and benefits you’re looking for (and are happy to apply direct)
Final Thoughts on International Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies aren’t for everyone, and there’s no guarantee you’ll land a role. But they can help make the process smoother and easier – which is always a good thing when you’ve got a family!
Based on our experience, think of them as one tool in your job-search kit, not your option for securing the right job.
Top tip: Use agencies to widen your opportunities and access fairs (if you choose to attend these – again just one option in your toolkit), but also apply directly to schools. A blended approach gives your family the best chance of finding the right fit.
