Dreaming of faraway lands? Of traveling the world? Of meeting new people, trying new foods, or having each and every day be a new adventure? I was bit by the travel bug and can’t shake the need to go, do, taste and experience all that this world has to offer. That being said I also studied and love teaching mathematics. I’m passionate about making math accessible and building confidence in middle school students. I knew that a teacher’s salary in the US wasn’t going to allow me to live a life of travel and so I took the leap of faith and decided to teach abroad…… eight years ago. It was the best decision I ever made.

In my eight years of teaching abroad, I’ve taught mathematics at the middle school level, earned my Master’s degree, grown professionally AND have been lucky enough to travel to 9 different countries. I’ve snorkeled in the Galapagos Islands, stood among the ruins of Machu Picchu, hiked through Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia and much more.

After graduating from college with my teaching degree I was offered a job at a high school, only 30 minutes from my childhood home, in rural Maine. I spent my days teaching, working at home and eating way too much kettle corn. I was unhappy, unhealthy and yearning for more adventure. In April I decided that I wouldn’t be returning for the next school year and set my sights on teaching abroad. After a few short weeks, multiple skype interviews and lots of correspondence via email I had a job offer in Quito, Ecuador. Eight years later I’m still teaching math and living a life full of adventure on the equator.

Teaching abroad is more accessible than people think. The hardest part is jumping in! There’s a world of jobs out there waiting for teachers just like yourself – are you ready to pack your bags?. In this blog post, I’ll walk you step by step on how to find a job, when to start looking and where you can go. After that, all you’ll have to do is get that camera ready and lace up those adventure shoes. 

How to Find a Job Abroad?

There are many different types of teaching jobs abroad….People in other countries are always looking to learn English and so if you’re better at the English language than I am there are opportunities such as private tutoring and English schools for kids as well as adults. I could never teach English and my passion lies with math so therefore I knew that I wanted to be at a school where I would be able to teach mathematics but in English. Luckily there are tons of private schools around the world that offer bilingual or international programs and who are looking for native speakers to teach all subjects. Whether you’re a librarian, an art teacher, a primary or chemistry teacher – there are schools out there just waiting to scoop you up. 

The internet is obviously your best resource unless you actually live abroad and can reach out personally to schools. Below are different avenues you can take when it comes to actual job hunting:

    • Recruitment Services:

      The two largest that I know of are Search Associates and International School Services (ISS). These agencies provide personalized service, opportunities to attend job fairs (both in-person and virtually), and direct access to schools from around the world. It’s a one-stop-shop for posting your resume, going to job fairs and being able to connect with schools. They are the most expensive option – since they do have a hefty price tag for candidates but they are also a popular place for schools to look for potential hires. 

    • Online Job Boards:

      Not ready to dish out for a recruitment service but still want access to job openings around the world? Job boards such as The International Educator (TIE) allow you to view job openings and provide you with contact information but it’s a lot less personal and they do not offer job fairs. Or at least they didn’t use to. This is actually how I found my job and it was a much cheaper option than one of the recruitment services.  

    • Reaching out to Schools:

      The last option is free but it does take more work on your end to hunt for schools and drop them an email. You’ll need to be persistent and know you’re up against strong competition from the recruitment services. 

When should I start Looking for jobs? 

This all depends on what part of the world you’re interested in going to. My general suggestion though is to start in November and December. International jobs that run on a calendar similar to that of the US (August-May/June) will start hiring in December. Each year in November I have to decide if I’m returning or not the next year in order for my school to start looking for quality candidates at the Search Associates and ISS job fairs that happen starting in December. That being said I’m living proof that you can still find a great job in April. I didn’t start looking for a job abroad until April on TIE and I was able to land a position, at a great school, in the grade level and subject area I wanted. If you’re able to though I wouldn’t wait until April or May. Start early

Where can I go? 

Anywhere in the world! From Argentina to Nepal, to Vietnam – the world is in your hands. Depending on your experience and certification though, some locations will be easier than others.

  • Latin America: I’m very biased to this part of the world – I LOVE IT! There are many international and bilingual private schools across Latin America looking for teachers and the cost of living is significantly cheaper than in the US.  
  • Europe: The European market is tough. There are a lot more people that want to teach there, many schools aren’t willing to provide visas to citizens who don’t have an EU passport and the cost of living is high in most countries. 
  • Middle East: Jobs are plentiful and pay well. 
  • Asia: Jobs are easy to come by and normally pay is quite good.  

$$$

Let’s talk money. I have found that by teaching internationally I am able to live a lifestyle I wouldn’t be able to in Maine, on a teacher salary alone. My initial contract, 8 years ago was for $26,000. Now this is a lot less than my salary my first year teaching in the states but on top of that I get the following bonuses: 

  • $2000 one time moving allowance 
  • $1000 airfare bonus yearly 
  • $550 a month living allowance 
  • Free private health care 

I live comfortably in a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom in a great part of the city, have been able to travel extensively around Latin America and Ecuador and still have money to put into my savings account. 

When looking at jobs make sure to take into account the cost of living as well as extra bonuses since these are quite normal for international teaching positions. 

Why you should teach abroad

Living and working abroad has taught me a lot about myself and has provided me with invaluable experiences that I will never forget. I’ve learned a new language, been adopted by a new country, eaten weird things, found the love of my life and have been able to grow as a teacher. I have also found a great community of like-minded teachers some of which have become lifelong friends. Don’t wait till next year or in 5 years or when life slows down because it never will. If teaching abroad is something you want to do whether you’re a first-year teacher or in year 20 take the jump and do it! You never know what’s out there waiting for you.

Let’s chat! Please find me on Instagram (@smilelaugh_and_domath) and let me know if you have any questions or let me know where you’re teaching!