Misconceptions about International Teaching

You have to speak the language of your host country.

FALSE! International schools are taught completely in English, so fluency in the local language is not required. However, learning the local language can aid with travel and enrich your experience, helping you connect more deeply with the community.

You must teach English classes to teach internationally.
FALSE! International schools require teachers of all subjects just like American schools. In addition to core subjects, foreign language teachers, counselors, therapists, educational psychologists, elective teachers, and technology specialists are also in high demand.

You need to sign a long-term contract to teach abroad.
FALSE! Many international schools offer initial two-year contracts to start, with the option to renew in 1 year increments after that, giving teachers flexibility without requiring long-term commitments. You are still allowed to travel freely and many teachers often go back to their home countries during both Christmas and summer breaks.

You need to have years of experience to teach abroad.
FALSE! Many international schools are open to hiring teachers with a variety of experience levels, including new teachers or those with a few years in the classroom. The most important thing is that you have an active and current teaching certification.

International schools only hire teachers with international experience.
FALSE! While prior international experience can be a plus, many schools value fresh perspectives and diverse teaching styles over previous overseas teaching experience. American teachers are actually highly sought after.

Teaching abroad means you’re giving up a comfortable lifestyle.
FALSE! Many international schools offer generous benefits, including competitive salaries, furnished housing, healthcare, and travel allowances, often allowing teachers to save money and enjoy an even more comfortable lifestyle than is possible on teacher salaries in the United States!

I can't move abroad now, I have kids...
FALSE! Many international schools offer family-friendly benefits, such as free tuition for dependents, housing allowances, and round-trip airfare for the entire family. International schools employ staff members to aid you with every step of the visa and travel process making it extremely easy for teachers to move abroad with their families and even offer cash "settling in" allowances so you and your family feel welcome. International school tuitions can be as high as $35,000 USD per child, is a bonus on your salary and a major benefit of teaching abroad with kids!

Teaching abroad is just like teaching in the U.S.
FALSE! While many teaching principles are universal, teaching abroad comes with its own set of cultural and educational differences that can be both rewarding and nuanced. While children are often better behaved, there are cultural norms that will affect your school's philosophies. Whether you are looking for a rigorous IB school, or a laid back Latin vibe, Erin can help you find the right fit for you and your professional goals.

You need to have a teaching certification in the U.S. to teach abroad.
FALSE! While most international schools prefer certified teachers, some may accept alternative certifications or relevant experience, depending on the school and the country.

The cost of living abroad will be too high.
FALSE! Many international schools are located in countries with a lower cost of living than the U.S. Plus, benefits like free housing, utilities, and healthcare are provided free of cost to you and this can help offset living expenses drastically.

You won’t be able to save for retirement while teaching abroad.
FALSE! Many international schools offer competitive salaries and retirement contributions paid by the school system. Additionally, the lower cost of living in some countries allows teachers to save more than they could back home. Many expats also choose to continue contributing to their U.S. retirement accounts while living abroad, and with proper planning, teaching internationally can be a great opportunity to build your retirement savings!

You can't own property in the US while living and working abroad.
FALSE! Many expatriate teachers retain their property in the USA while teaching abroad. With proper resources, many turn their American homes into passive income while maintaining steady careers overseas.