Teaching Abroad Content

Delivered February 19th, 2020. Contributors: Alexis Z. and

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Teaching Abroad Content - Physical Education

In general, physical education teachers looking to teach internationally, regardless of country, must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant major and a teaching license, must have on average two years of relevant experience, must have strong communication skills and cross-cultural awareness, and must be able to obtain the required work visa in the country of interest. The recruitment process is generally handled via a third party agency, with documents including a CV, cover letter, and references being required before an interview is granted, generally over video. 
EducationIn general, individuals interested in teaching physical education internationally must have at minimum a Bachelor's degree, generally in a relevant major, as well as a "recognized teaching post-graduate accreditation," like the PGCE, BEd, or other teaching license.  
For higher salary and more options, an advanced degree is recommended. 
At some schools, a TEFL/CELTA/DELTA qualification would be an advantage.
Some schools will also require a valid First Aid Certificate. 
Instead of a bachelors degree, some schools will accept other sports and physical education related qualifications (e.g. Fitness Instructor, Coaching Certificate, Sports Leadership, etc.). However, these schools will generally still want a candidate to have a teaching license. 
Some schools will also require applicant to hold a full driving license. 
ExperienceIn general, most schools require two years teaching experience. Some schools require as little as one year, and some three or more years. Also, some schools require the experience to be in physical education, while for others basic teaching experience is enough. 
For most, previous experience in an international school is preferred. 
Additionally, some schools will require that candidates have previously taught the subject to the same age group that the job requires. 
However, there are some schools that will accept new graduates, with no experience, however, that typically means the pay will be on the lower end of the scale. More experience means a higher rate of pay. 
Personal CharacteristicsCandidates will need to be team players and have strong communication skills.   
Additionally, successful candidates will need to have cross-cultural awareness. 
Legal RequirementsDepending on the country selected, candidates will need to have a passport from a country that is allowed. For example, for a job in China, the candidate must be a passport holder from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. 
The candidate will need to have the ability to obtain a work visa in the required country, which may have requirements such as necessary experience or education level. 
Application ProcessIn general, the application process begins with candidates submitting their CV, application letter and references (at least two). This can be done via email or through a recruitment agency, which are used by many schools to hire international teachers. 
Interviews may be done over video call, or in person at multiple different locations. 
Research StrategyThe above insights were determined after reviewing both general information on requirements for teaching the specific subject internationally, and reviewing multiple job descriptions for the subject in different countries, and identifying the commonalities across the majority of postings. This was necessary to do as general information was extremely limited. 

In order to attempt to obtain information, we reviewed the blogs and articles written by reputable recruitment agencies for international teachers, like Edvectus, to see what their general recommendations were for qualifications. Then, we looked for first-person experiences or narratives of teachers who have taught PE abroad, in the hopes that they would share their qualifications and information about the hiring process. Then, we looked for information put out by colleges or teaching programs to see what advice they had for student PE teachers interested in teaching abroad in the future. Finally, we reviewed multiple international job posting for PE teachers to identify the commonalities across countries. 

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Teaching Abroad Content - Math

In general, candidates interested in teaching math abroad must have a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, have a qualified teaching certificate or license, and have experience teaching the same level and curriculum of mathematics that the job posting specifies. However, there are some lower-level mathematics teaching positions that do not require a degree or experience, other than being fluent in English. Candidates must also posses computer skills, be a strong communicator, and be able to handle challenges in the work place. Lastly, candidates should ensure they are eligible for a work visa in the specified country and are able to pass a background check. 
Education Most international math teachers must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a teaching certificate in the specified subject (like a PGCE, a Bachelor of Education or H.Dip.Ed in Mathematics). 
Some schools require the degree to be certified from the country's embassy and require the grade point or final marks. 
However, some programs generally for younger kids with a focus on the English language do not require a degree. 
ExperienceMost schools require that math candidates have two to three years teaching experience with a similar age range and with the same mathematics level and curriculum. 
For many jobs, experience teaching in a multicultural international school environment is an advantage. 
Lastly, candidates should have basic  computer skills.
Personal CharacteristicsCandidates must be team players with strong communication skills for communicating with students, parents and colleagues. 
Candidates must be able to think creatively, be enthusiastic about teaching, and be comfortable taking risks and handling challenges. 
Candidates must have the mental agility to differentiate their lesson plans for the needs of different students, manage multiple priorities, and set and meet goals. 
Legal RequirementsCandidates must be able to obtain a work visa in the selected country, which may limit the nationality of potential applicants. For example, for jobs in China, the applicant must be a passport holder from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
Schools generally require identity checks, criminal background checks, qualification checks and employment checks (which may look for reasons for any gaps in employment and three satisfactory employment checks). 
Application ProcessMost hiring of mathematics teachers seems to be done via third party recruitment agencies which generally require a resume/CV, letters of reference and an online application.  
Following the application is generally a phone/video interview. 
Research StrategyThe above insights were determined after reviewing both general information on requirements for teaching the specific subject internationally, and reviewing multiple job descriptions for the subject in different countries, and identifying the commonalities across the majority of postings. This was necessary to do as general information was extremely limited. 

In order to attempt to obtain information, we reviewed the blogs and articles written by reputable recruitment agencies for international teachers, like Edvectus, to see what their general recommendations were for qualifications. Then, we looked for first-person experiences or narratives of teachers who have taught Math abroad, in the hopes that they would share their qualifications and information about the hiring process. Finally, we reviewed multiple international job posting for Math teachers to identify the commonalities across countries. 

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Teaching Abroad Content - Nursery Teacher

In general, candidates looking to teach nursery school/kindergarten abroad may not need much experience or education (simply an English language certificate). However, they must have strong personal characteristics such as the ability to be a team player, strong communication skills, and cultural sensitivity. However, some positions do require formal education such as a Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates must ensure they can obtain a work permit in the country of interest. 
EducationIn order to teach nursery (Kindergarten) internationally, some schools will accept candidates with only an English language certificate (TEFL/TESOL certification).
A Bachelor's degree is always helpful, and in many cases required. For some schools, any major is acceptable, while for others, the major must be Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.  
Additionally, some schools will require teaching credentials on top of the degree requirement. 
ExperienceFor international nursery/Kindergarten teachers, some jobs require no experience, although it is preferred. 
Other schools require one to two years of experience, generally with a similar age group. 
Some schools require familiarity with certain educational systems or techniques, like the Montessori system.  
Personal CharacteristicsAbove all, candidates for a nursery school/kindergarten teacher position "must enjoy spending time with children." 
They must have a no criminal record  and be a positive role model by living a "healthy lifestyle". 
Candidates must be culturally aware and able to work with colleagues from international locations. 
Candidates should have a "sense of adventure" and be outgoing and self-reliant. 
Finally, candidates should be professional, able to face challenges, and possess strong communication skills. 
Legal RequirementsCandidates must ensure they can travel to and work in the selected country. For example, for China, only passport-holders from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa are eligible for work visas. 
Additionally, certain countries require formal four-year degrees in a relevant field to obtain a work visa. 
Application ProcessCandidates are generally required to submit a CV and then have an interview online. They may be hired at the end of the interview. 
Some schools have online applications, while others are done via a recruitment agency. 
Research StrategyThe above insights were determined after reviewing both general information on requirements for teaching the specific subject internationally, and reviewing multiple job descriptions for the subject in different countries, and identifying the commonalities across the majority of postings. This was necessary to do as general information was extremely limited. 

In order to attempt to obtain information, we reviewed the blogs and articles written by reputable recruitment agencies for international teachers, like TIE online, to see what their general recommendations were for qualifications. Then, we looked for first-person experiences or narratives of teachers who have taught nursery school abroad, in the hopes that they would share their qualifications and information about the hiring process. Finally, we reviewed multiple international job posting for nursery teachers to identify the commonalities across countries.

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Teaching Abroad Content - Music

Candidates looking to teach music internationally should hold a Bachelor's Degree in a music field and a teaching certificate, and may also need ESL certification. They should have at least two years experience teaching music, and experience teaching in an international school is an advantage. Candidates should be creative, organized, knowledgeable about a variety of different musical styles, and comfortable communicating and collaborating with parents, students and colleagues. Most international music teacher positions are hired directly by the international school and require written letters of recommendation, although some may use a third party recruitment agency. 
Education Most international music teacher positions require a Bachelor's Degree in a related music field and a teaching certificate/license. 
An advanced degree, like a Master's in Music, can be an advantage. 
Some programs also require ESL Instructor certification. 
ExperienceThe vast majority of international music teaching positions require at least two years teaching experience, most require two years musical teaching experience. 
Some schools require experience as an ESL teacher or experience teaching in an international or American school. Programs also look for candidates familiar with their curriculum. 
Some schools are also looking for candidates that are tech and computer savvy. 
Personal CharacteristicsApplicants are generally required to "teach many different elements of music" and many programs required curriculum and program development. 
Additional aspects that were emphasized were the importance of communication skills, the ability to act collaboratively with students and staff, and the ability to be emotionally flexible and mature. 
Successful candidates will be enthusiastic, energetic, organized, and creative. 
Legal Requirements Individuals must be able to obtain work permits and valid passports for up to three years in the country of interest.  
Additionally, candidates must pass background checks. 
Application ProcessMost international schools hire music teachers as a direct-to-school position, although some schools hire through recruitment agencies like TIE, ISS, SEARCH and CIS.  
The application process begins with the submission of a CV, official degrees and transcripts, letters of recommendations from previous teaching experiences. This is generally followed by a Skype or other online video interview. 
Research StrategyThe above insights were determined after reviewing both general information on requirements for teaching the specific subject internationally, and reviewing multiple job descriptions for the subject in different countries, and identifying the commonalities across the majority of postings. This was necessary to do as general information was extremely limited. 

In order to attempt to obtain information, we reviewed the blogs and articles written by reputable recruitment agencies for international teachers, like GoAbroad.com, to see what their general recommendations were for music teacher qualifications. Then, we looked for first-person experiences or narratives of teachers who have taught music abroad, in the hopes that they would share their qualifications and information about the hiring process. Finally, we reviewed multiple international job posting for music teachers to identify the commonalities across countries. 

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Teaching Abroad Content - Modern Foreign Languages

Candidates looking to teach English abroad can do so with only a TEFL (or similar) certificate, however many positions require the TEFL certificate in addition to a Bachelor's degree in any field. No teaching experience is required, although it can be helpful. Candidates should be patient, culturally aware, and possess computer skills. Candidates will need to be able to obtain a work visa in the country of interest, and be able to pass a background check. 
Education In order to teach English as a foreign language abroad, candidates generally need a Bachelor's degree in any major, and a TEFL (or TESOL, CELTA, or DELTA) certificate. 
However, for some programs candidates do not need a TEFL certificate as they can obtain it after being hired as part of the program. 
Those with a Bachelor's degree in an education field, however, will have an advantage. 
ExperienceCandidates looking to teach English abroad generally do not need any experience, nor do they need foreign language skills.  
However, teaching experience is an advantage, and some schools do require two years or more of teaching experience. 
Positions generally require basic office/IT skills. 
Personal Characteristics Successful candidates will be patient, able to work with young students, open-minded, and ready to live and work abroad. 
Additionally, candidates will be passionate about teaching, interested in the culture and language of their host country, able to build relationships, and able to adapt and be flexible. 
Legal RequirementsMost countries require a work visa in order to teach English. In order to obtain a work visa, applicants may need to have a passport from a native English-speaking country (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland or New Zealand). 
Some countries require a medical exam and/or a criminal background check.  
Application ProcessGenerally, English teaching jobs abroad recruit via a recruitment agency. Interviews are generally done online over the phone or online video.
Research StrategyThe above insights were determined after reviewing both general information on requirements for teaching the specific subject internationally, and reviewing multiple job descriptions for the subject in different countries, and identifying the commonalities across the majority of postings. This was necessary to do as general information was extremely limited. 

In order to attempt to obtain information, we reviewed the blogs and articles written by reputable recruitment agencies for international teachers, like Edvectus, to see what their general recommendations were for qualifications. Then, we looked for first-person experiences or narratives of teachers who have taught English abroad, in the hopes that they would share their qualifications and information about the hiring process. Finally, we reviewed multiple international job posting for English teachers to identify the commonalities across countries. 