What You Need To Become An International Teacher – The Basics

If want to become an international teacher is something you are considering, this place is here to help you get started. While this page does not fully include everything you’ll need (you can find our available program to help you with everything), this page is a great starting point for teaching abroad.

Getting Started Teaching Abroad

We are proud to offer you our first course – Getting Started Teaching Abroad, where we guide you through the process of how to become an international teacher, from recruitment agencies to job fairs to types of schools!

INTRODUCTION MODULE FOR FREE!

However, if you are not fully sure yet, then to help get you started, you can find our first video and guide for free! No credit card or payment is necessary. All you need to do is click the link below or sign up for our newsletter where you’ll get the link to our first module. We’ll never send you any spam!

You can access the first module in our course here!

Along with our first video, check out your basic needs below to start your journey to teaching in a new school in a new country!

Basic Requirements – Becoming an International Teacher

What are the basic requirements you will need if you want to teach internationally? Let’s take a look:

Valid Teaching Certificate/License (could be US or UK)
Experience*
References
Background Checks
Resume

Teaching License

You will need a valid teaching license to get hired as an international teacher (unless you go the intern route). Generally, the country of origin isn’t a huge issue, but some countries require you to be a native speaker and/or have a degree from an English-speaking country to qualify for a visa. Some countries also have restrictions regarding online degrees.

Experience

Many international schools have high tuition, and parents and schools want to see highly qualified educators as part of their teams. As such, many schools, countries, and recruitment agencies prefer you have at least two years of classroom experience, possibly in your home country. This is not always the case, nor a deal breaker, but it can be if your sights are set on particular countries or top-notch schools. Teaching in international schools can be very competitive, so the more experience, the better.

Check out our post on necessary experience for more information.

References

As with any job, you will need professional references. Most international schools and agencies want references from at least the past few years, especially your current school or employer. Many agencies advocate for at least 3-4 references, with at least two being current.

Background Checks

Child protection and child safety are just as important internationally as they are back in your home country. To qualify for many visas and jobs, you will usually need a national background check (e.g., FBI) and, oftentimes, background checks from any other countries you’ve lived in.

Resumé

Again, as with any job, you’ll need a resume to showcase your work experience, extracurriculars, and any special skills (literacy, IB training, etc.) you want employers to notice. Having an online presence can be helpful, too (e.g., LinkedIn or a simple blog showcasing your teaching).

Final Thoughts

These will be the basic and most necessary elements you’ll need to become an international teacher! We recommend you check out our program, Getting Starting Teaching Abroad to help guide you through the entire process of becoming an international educator! You can find more about international education on our International Education Homepage

GETTING STARTED IN TEACHING ABROAD

A downloadable version of the information presented above for you to take with you and check off on your journey toward becoming an international educator.

Getting-Started-PDF Download