How to Apply for Teaching Jobs Abroad

Whether you’re just starting out, or have years of work experience under your belt, we’ve all been there: the Big Teach Abroad Job Search. (And it often comes with a jumble of questions: What do you wear to an interview when it’s pouring rain outside, and how do you respond to the dreaded “what’s your greatest weakness” question?)

Add a foreign country into the mix and there’s another layer. But with some preparation—and this guide—you’ll be on your way to getting jobs teaching abroad in no time! After all, knowing how to apply for teaching jobs abroad is half the battle.

And the payoff is sooooo worth it!

But before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make an en pointe teach abroad job application, you might have some burning questions; “Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?” is a common one. In short, qualifications vary by the type of school and the destination, so one of the best teach abroad job application tips is to just find the necessary background info.

Now let’s dive into what to expect from the job application process...and learn how to rock yours!

Get downloadable teach abroad job application tips →

7 steps to apply for teaching jobs abroad

Step 1: Find out which jobs or teach abroad programs might be right for you.

There is no “one size fits all” ESL job, so the job applications will also be different. It helps if you’re aware of the differences as you start applying for different positions. Below are some types of teaching jobs you might come across: 

• Government-sponsored programs: In these programs, a government, usually partnered with local organizations, oversees the selection and placement of foreign ESL teachers into a local school. South Korea’s EPIK program is one example. The competitive U.S. Fulbright Program is another, placing English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) in countries around the world. These programs have more standardized application processes and deadlines, so get familiar poking around their websites if they catch your interest. In these programs, especially the Fulbright, a compelling statement of purpose is necessary, along with letters of recommendation. Pro Tip: If you’re in college or recently graduated, check with your university’s international or study abroad office to see if they offer services to help you edit and improve your statement of purpose. (Many schools offer something like this!) 
• Private Language Schools: If you’re not interested in joining the ranks of a government-backed program, you can blaze your own trail and apply directly to a school abroad. Private schools and academies are popular choices, and can include kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, as well as tutoring schools outside the public education system, like South Korea’s Hagwons. Private schools can also include adult education and business English classes, like large chain schools Wall Street English, Berlitz, and other big companies that have schools around the world. 

Step 2: Prepare your documents early and know the country’s hiring timeline

Getting jobs teaching abroad also comes down to the basics. For example, once you narrow down a country, find out when the school year begins. In Argentina, the school year starts in March. In Taiwan, it begins in September. The hiring process can begin up to 6 months in advance, and you want to be ready.

“The most important preparation was to have all documents completed and ready to provide to employers or recruiters,” said Dr. Sam Hopp, a CELTA-certified teacher who taught at an elementary school in South Korea through the EPIK program. Hopp applied for his job through a recruiter, who handled all of his paperwork, which made it much easier, he said.

Whether you apply through a recruiter or not, have your paperwork ready. “Rarely will schools look to hire someone who is not fully prepared to leave,” Hopp said, who made sure his passport was valid for several years at the time of his application.

He also obtained sealed copies of official transcripts early. “Be ready to have an offer made. It may come much more quickly than you anticipate, so be prepared to leave...in a short period of time,” he said in reference to South Korea.

And most importantly, find out if you need to actually be in the country to get hired. If your heart is set on teaching English in Latin America and Europe, be prepared to apply for a job once you arrive. On those continents, it’s less common for schools to hire a teacher without meeting them in person first.

On the other hand, in many Southeast Asian countries, you can apply for a job online, do virtual interviews on Skype, and have your contract signed before your plane touches down.

Step 3: Polish your social media and resume

Before you begin sending out your applications and networking for jobs...hold up! Remember to clean up your online footprint. Check to make sure your email address, Skype account, and social media profile photos and handles are professional.

Your Name @ gmail.com probably inspires more confidence than “2bad4U2handle” (not judging—just sayin’). Create new accounts specifically for this job search, if need be. Remember, first impressions begin digitally. 

Resume Quick Tips:

• Keep it short! Try not to go over two pages. 
• Use bullet points to highlight key ideas instead of large paragraphs under each job.
• Don’t only re-state your job duties. Include the purpose of why you did those duties, along with numbers that show results and give the reader a more clear understanding of your impact. For example, instead of saying, “Worked with students in an after school science program”, what if you said “Lead after-school activities (5 hours/week) for 30 elementary school students to promote STEM skill attainment.” 
• Don’t list every single job. Your resume should highlight your relevant experience to the job you’re applying to: teaching and students. (It doesn’t need to include that 3-month gig you had at the pet store when you were 19.)
• Add volunteer and leadership experience. Have you tutored, volunteered at summer camps, or held a leadership position in your school or local community (peer educator, mentor, etc.)? It doesn’t have to be paid, but if it shows transferable skills that can benefit your teaching...add it!
• List your degrees and TEFL certifications at the top section of your resume. Because you rock and you want to show this important information first. 

Step 4: Look for jobs in diverse places 

There are myriad resources for finding teaching jobs abroad, like… 

• Scan online job boards. Check out GoAbroad’s teaching jobs abroad board, or the much-loved, longtime favorite, Dave’s ESL cafe. 
• Ask your TEFL program. If you completed a TEFL certification, check with the program for job-search advice. Many programs, such as International TEFL Academy, offer alumni job search assistance, preparation tips, and connections.
• Go door-to-door. Introducing yourself in person and sending your resume is effective when you’re in-country in Latin America and Europe. Don’t be afraid to hit the pavement and network in person.

Step 5: Research the school and its culture

Now that you’ve narrowed down some job postings, it’s time to find out more information about the schools. For example:

• Is the school known for one type of teaching style? 
• What’s the atmosphere or environment like?
• What’s the school’s mission statement? 

This will not only help you decide if this is a kind of place you’d like to work, but this information will help prepare you for the interview. Ask to chat with other teachers, or, if it’s a government teaching program, alumni.

Check out the school’s website and look at photos, staff bios, and more to learn as much as you can.

Step 6: Submit your application with a personal touch

When you apply, and especially in your cover letter, address the hiring person (usually the school’s principal) by their last name, “Dear Mr. or Ms. ____”. If you don’t know their name, try to find out this information ahead of time, by looking at the school’s website, LinkedIn, or asking around. As in any job application, this personal touch can help. 

Step 7: Ace the Interview 

Now on to the fun part…..the interview! There will usually be a few rounds of interviews, along with a teaching demonstration. (More on that later!) If you’re not already abroad, the school may invite you for a Skype or virtual interview. Other schools will require you to come to their interview in-person.

General Interview Tips:

• Arrive 5-10 minutes early 
• Dress formally. It’s always better to dress one step above what you would normally wear day-to-day at that job. Close-toed dress shoes with khaki pants and a button up shirt, a blouse with dress pants and a blazer, and subtle, minimal jewelry is a good start. (Avoid tank tops, jeans, sneakers, and wrinkled clothing.)
• Remember to smile; a good rule of thumb is to try to mimic the interviewer (in a subtle way, of course). 
• Send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and for the invite to interview. You can send it within a day, to show your enthusiasm. These little gestures go a long way!

Tips for a Skype/Virtual Interview:

• Re-state the time zone when confirming your interview appointment. This avoids any confusion. “I look forward to speaking with you on Thursday, November 11th at 11:00 AM (PST).” 
• Test your audio/video. Check both your computer and Skype/Zoom settings before the interview. 
• No distractions in the background. Sit against a blank wall or an area with no distracting backgrounds. Since you can’t be in-person, the lighting will have a big effect on the overall presentation. Natural lighting in front of you or from the side is your friend. 
• Use a headset. The microphone will help you sound clearer.
• Look into the webcam to “make eye contact”. We know...it’s weird to look into a lens, but this will help you connect with your interviewer, since it appears as you’re actually making eye contact. 
• Pause before responding. Sometimes there is a few seconds delay, due to internet connectivity speeds around the world. Make sure you’ve heard everything before jumping into your response, so give yourself a second or two. 
• Nodding and gestures. This not only shows you’re engaged in the conversation, but it can also help your interviewers know you’re still there and reassure them that the video hasn’t frozen. 

4 (more) winning tips for your teaching abroad job application

1. Prepare for their interview questions

If you have previous teaching experience, reflect on your teaching methods and be ready to explain how your style would fit into their school. If you don’t have a lot of formal teaching experience, draw from stories and experiences where you utilized your public speaking skills, taught groups how to do something, lead a workshop, or worked with a similar population of students. 

“You should know what type of teaching style you tend to utilize or how you enjoy teaching your students,” advises Marek Booth, a seasoned ESL teacher who’s taught abroad in Fuzhou, China and Berlin, Germany. In his interviews, he said his schools wanted to know how he would use his skills in a classroom setting.

“Often in Chinese interviews, they will give you a mock trial in which you will have to explain how you would teach in a certain scenario,” he said. 

Finally, be sure to also emphasize why you want to work at their school, in particular. This is when all the research you did about their school will come in handy! What is it about their mission, type of classes, or teaching style that attracts you? 

2. Have questions ready to ask them

At the end of your interview, they will likely ask,“Do you have any questions for us?” Always have a handful of thoughtful questions to ask. Never say, “Nope! You’ve answered everything.” 

While some information may have been answered in your interview, prepare enough questions so you have about 3-5 good ones to ask them at the end. Prepare questions that show you really care about getting to know the school even better!

“Never forget to discuss the environment at the school, how the curriculum is set up, as well as how the interviewer feels about his or her own school. Find out as much information! Although you are being interviewed, you too need to interview the school,” advised Booth.

Other important information you should find out includes:

• What are the typical hours and does the school provide overtime pay?
• Is weekend/evening work required? 
• Does the school sponsor a work visa? 

3. Rock your teaching demo

Now it’s time to shine and show them what you got! The teaching demonstration will not only show your teaching skills and methodology in action, but your personality and preparation will be the icing on the cake to a solid application.

• Practice the demonstration. Even if you have experience and confidence, run through your demo many times beforehand. Practice with your actual teaching materials and bring everything you need to the demo lesson. If you’re having a Skype/virtual demo, practice in the exact same setting, so you can see the lighting and test the sound. Record your demo so you can view it and improve.
• Prepare your lesson plan portfolio. Bring a portfolio of your best lesson plans, and bring extra copies of the demo lesson you’re teaching. 
• Smile and let your personality come through! You chose teaching for a reason, and now is your time to let your enthusiasm shine.

4. Finally...make sure you find the right fit!

While landing a job is important, finding the right job for you should be your most important goal. You will come across many positions, so remember that each school is unique, and each job application should reflect your understanding of that specific school.

Ask questions, talk to current and former teachers, but at the end of the day, really dig into these questions: “Could I see myself happy in this school, in this city, and in this country? Is this the right position for me?” 

You’re embarking on an awesome, life-changing experience, and this is the first step to building an amazing future in your new country.

Get Even MORE Helpful Tips for Applying to Teaching Jobs Here

Get hired for jobs teaching English abroad!

Sooner or later, you’ll get that acceptance email.

Booth said that being himself and being able to clearly demonstrate and explain his teaching style and methods is what helped him land jobs. “I laughed...and I wasn’t afraid to ask questions about the school. Additionally, I did my homework about the school I intended to work at and showed that I possessed an interest in their school,” Booth said, noting that these little touches helped him.

Hopp, who knows a couple of recruiters for schools in South Korea, said, “Their main input was to present myself as someone who is positive and easy to work with.” He also said being able to talk about how you go about preparing lesson plans, as well as specific teaching methods, is helpful. In South Korea, he said the PPP (Presentation, Production, Practice) teaching method was common.

So with these final pointers in hand (and a shiny new download to peruse), get out there and start applying for your future dream job!

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