Along with the number of years teaching experience you have, your future employer will look at your teaching qualifications. The vast majority of International schools follow either the UK curriculum, US curriculum or International Baccalaureate. To meet the standard required you will need at least a bachelor’s degree and/or a teaching qualification (PGCE or B.Ed. or equivalent). If you are applying for secondary school jobs it is probable that you will also be expected to have a degree in your specialist subject.
Below a list of qualifications which are generally required to teach in International schools abroad:
- Bachelors of Education OR
- Bachelor’s degree related to your teaching subject PLUS
- Teacher training obtained at a university for the appropriate age ranges:
- PGCE (England, Wales, Aus, NZ, Canada etc)
- PGDE (Scotland)
- Higher Diploma of Education (Ireland, South Africa)
- Masters of Education
- Full (non-temporary, non-emergency) state certification (US and Canada)
- Teacher registration (NZ, Ireland)
- Bachelors of Teaching (NZ)
- Qualified Teacher Status (UK)
You may also need a police clearance letter from your home country. This is something that you can apply for and receive prior to leaving. There is usually a small cost for the service.