You’ve honed your skills in the classroom, and now you’re ready to take on a new adventure. Teaching abroad.
It’s natural to feel excited about this possibility while also wondering how to navigate this significant change.
The good news is that you can approach this journey one step at a time.
In this guide, we share nine practical steps. These steps will help you use your teaching experience. You can confidently chase your dream of teaching abroad.
- Step 1. Decide (yes), I want to teach abroad. (South America? Japan? The UAE?)
- Step 2. Join Teach Away’s free membership program and browse international teaching jobs abroad on the job board.
- Step 3. Understand how to translate your skills and accomplishments into a new role.
- Step 4. Showcase your adaptability.
- Step 5. Emphasize your cultural competence.
- Step 6. Showcase your tech savvy.
- Step 7. Align your credentials.
- Step 8. Tailor your Teach Away teacher profile, cover letters, and resumes to each position.
- Step 9. Build a global professional network.
Step 1. Decide to Teach Abroad!
Making the decision to teach abroad is a significant first step. Consider your motivations, personal goals, and preferred destinations. Research different countries and their education systems.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant culture of South America, the technological advancements of Japan, or the modern infrastructure of the UAE, understanding your preferences will help guide your job search.
With the high demand for US licensed teachers overseas, the world is your classroom.
Step 2. Join Teach Away’s Free Membership Program
Take advantage of Teach Away’s resources by joining our free membership program. This gives you access to a wide range of international teaching opportunities.
Browse the job board regularly to get a feel for the types of positions available, salary ranges, and required qualifications in different countries.
This step will help you narrow down your options and set realistic goals.
Step 3. Translate Your Skills and Accomplishments
Before applying, take time to reflect on your teaching experience and how it can apply to an international context. Create a list of your key skills, achievements, and unique experiences.
Consider how these can be valuable in a global setting. For example, experience with ESL students could be highly relevant for many international schools.
This exercise will help you articulate your value to potential employers.
Step 4. Highlight Your Adaptability
International schools value teachers who can easily adjust to new environments and teaching methodologies.
Showcase instances where you’ve successfully adapted to changes in curriculum, student demographics, or teaching technologies.
This demonstrates your flexibility and readiness for an international setting.
Step 5. Emphasize Cultural Competence
Many US teachers have experience working with diverse student populations. Highlight any multicultural experiences, language skills, or global education initiatives you’ve been involved in.
These experiences are highly relevant to international schools seeking teachers who can connect with students from various backgrounds.
Step 6. Showcase Your Tech Savvy
With AI slowly integrating into our everyday lives, be sure you showcase your ability to navigate AI tools in your classroom. Detail your experience with learning management systems, virtual classrooms, and digital assessment tools.
This expertise is particularly valuable as many international schools embrace blended learning approaches.
Step 7. Align Your Credentials
Research the specific qualifications required by your target countries or schools. Some regions may require additional certifications or prefer certain teaching methodologies.
Highlight how your US credentials and experience align with these requirements, and consider pursuing any necessary additional qualifications.
Step 8. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Customize your application materials for each position, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific school and country.
Use keywords from the job description and highlight any international or multicultural experiences you have.
Step 9. Build a Global Professional Network
Leverage social media and professional networking sites to connect with educators already working internationally. Join online communities and forums focused on international teaching. These connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to job opportunities.
By effectively showcasing your adaptability, cultural competence, tech skills, and tailored credentials, you can significantly enhance your appeal to international schools. Remember, your US teaching experience is a valuable asset – it’s all about framing it in a way that resonates with global employers.
Ready to take the next step in your international teaching career? Explore exciting teaching opportunities abroad with Teach Away. Our platform connects qualified educators with top international schools worldwide, helping you turn your global teaching aspirations into reality.
