FOR TEACHERS WITH FAMILIES

International Teaching Jobs: Where to Start

Whether you’re searching for international teaching jobs for the first time, or looking for your next overseas role, let’s look at what you need to know to help land your dream job as a teaching family.

How to Get International Teaching Jobs

Securing international teaching jobs isn’t just about sending in your international school CV and hoping for the best! It’s about understanding how international schools recruit, how to navigate the process, and how to find the right school package that’s right for your entire family.

Searching for an international teaching job can definitely feel overwhelming if you’re new to the international education sector. Especially if you’re looking to move internationally with your family for the first time.

International schools typically recruit through job boards (like TES, which is free to use), recruitment agencies, and job fairs.

Knowing where to begin can save time and help you target the right schools for your family.

Using Agencies vs. Applying Direct to Schools

Recruitment agencies (like Search Associates, Schrole, or Teacher Horizons) provide structure, vetted schools, and access to hundreds of roles. But depending on which agency you choose, it may come with fees. It also means you’re reliant on a third party.

Once you’ve registered with an agency they should have access to your CV and references (many agencies require up to date references in order to create your profile). An agency will typically deal with the school directly on your behalf, although all agencies will work slightly differently (e.g. you may still need to write a cover letter with some agencies, while others don’t require this).

Be sure to check the process when you register and do your homework about which one offers the right set up for your needs. For example, Search Associates is more like a matching site rather than a traditional recruitment agency – you’ll get access to their database and apply to open jobs. Schrole is similar, while Teacher Horizons offers a more personal approach where you speak directly with an an adviser who oversees your application.

While many schools use teaching agencies, a lot also list available job roles directly on their website. Direct applications cut out the middleman and give you more control (you’ll know for sure that your CV reaches the HR inbox). But you’ll need to make sure you tailor cover letters and CVs to the role to give you a better chance of your application standing out.

If you’ve already done your research and have a hit list of schools you want to work out, regularly checking their websites can be a great strategy. If you’re flexible to a wide range of schools, an agency could be a better option – particularly if you’re time poor.

Preparing to Apply

International schools look for more than just credentials and experience. Here are a few things to consider when applying with schools.

Adaptability

Demonstrate your international experience, or adaptability to new cultures if you’re new to the sector.

References

List references from current or past schools – usually schools will want your current Head of School included.

Flexibility & Resilience

If you have kids, schools will want to know your family can handle the international move, so highlight your flexibility and resilience as a family.

Experience

Clearly highlight your experience. For example, curriculums taught, student results, pastoral care, CCA experience, initiatives etc.

How to Apply

Once you’ve found a job that suits your skills, experience and teaching qualifications, you can typically submit applications either through an agency or directly to schools.

Make sure each application is tailored to the specific role and school – clearly demonstrating how you meet the criteria. Be aware that each school’s application process will be different.

While most ask for a cover letter, some require you to complete questions via an online portal. Take a look at the application requirements before you start writing anything to make sure you don’t waste your time. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

For a step-by-step approach and insider tips specifically for teaching families, see our Teaching Family Recruitment Tips guide.

Understanding Recruitment Fairs

Many schools hire directly at international recruitment fairs. These events are fast-paced, competitive, and often involve interviews with offers on the spot. Families may find getting to in-person fairs logistically challenging (not to mention expensive if you need to travel), but there are also virtual fairs that offer more flexibility.

Let’s be honest. Recruitment fairs aren’t for everyone. They’ll suit some people’s personalities a lot better than others (e.g. introverts will probably hate them!).

While they can be a great option if you’re completely open to a wide range of schools – they are not the only way to secure international teaching jobs. If you don’t want to go to recruitments fairs don’t worry. You can still apply direct or via agencies.

Many schools advertise roles online before recruitment fairs, and if a position isn’t filled, they’ll bring it to the fair. This means some of the jobs you see at fairs may have already been open for weeks or even months.

At the same time, fairs are also a first-choice hiring tool for some international schools, who use them to meet candidates face-to-face and make quick decisions.

Group of diverse adults smiling and engaging during an indoor event - similar to what you would see at an international recruitment fair.

Key Hiring Seasons

Being prepared by understanding the key hiring seasons in the international school sector can help to make sure you don’t miss out on the top international teaching jobs.

Northern Hemisphere Hiring Cycle

Most international schools worldwide follow an August–June calendar.

Peak hiring: December–February
Early openings: October–November
Last-minute roles: March–August

Southern Hemisphere Hiring Cycle

Some schools in Latin America, Asia (usually Australian schools) and Southern Africa often follow a January–December calendar.

Last-Minute Openings

Unexpected vacancies appear throughout the year due to resignations, visa issues, or family changes.

Fewer options, but can be a great way in if you’re not locked into a contract
Suited to flexible teachers open to different locations
Relocation may be fast-tracked, which can be tougher with kids in tow

Packages & Negotiation

Salary is just part of the story when you’re applying for an international teaching job. A strong international school package should offer a range of benefits, including:

Housing support or stipends
Flights for the family
Healthcare coverage
Tuition discounts or waivers for dependents
Relocation allowances

Don’t hesitate to ask questions upfront if you secure an interview. You don’t want to go through multiple rounds of interviews only to find out only one child is covered if you have three kids.

Consider the overall quality of life in your destination (e.g. outdoor parks, cycle tracks, air quality, travel opportunities etc.) alongside the financial package to make sure it’s the right choice for your whole family.

At the best international schools salary isn’t usually negotiable. That’s because there are transparent pay scales in place so you can see what band or level you’ll be on based on your years of teaching experience. If the school doesn’t have an open pay scale, it could be a red flag.

Top tip: Although you can’t usually negotiate salaries with set pay scales, there may be opportunities to negotiate benefits for the right candidate. This can be especially true if you’re applying for a leadership position.

FOR TEACHING FAMILIES

Final Tips for Families

Start early – top schools fill positions quickly.
Research destinations and schools – lifestyle matters as much as the job, especially with a family.
Evaluate the full package – not just your base salary (and do your research on cost of living).
Consider your kids adaptability – is the school community welcoming and will your kids be supported and happy?