Online teaching interviews have become a standard part of the recruitment process for schools and educational institutions worldwide. Preparing effectively can significantly improve your confidence and increase your chances of success.
Being well-prepared helps you stand out as confident, informed, and genuinely excited about the opportunity.
Prepare for the key questions you’ll likely face—and ask—when interviewing for a role abroad.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by international schools:
- What attracted you to this position, and what challenges are you looking for?
- What unique strengths can you bring to our school?
- Why do you want to teach overseas?
- What do you know about our school, its ethos, and our location?
- How will you prepare yourself—both personally and professionally—for life in a new country?
- Describe a recent lesson you taught that went really well. What made it effective?
- How do you foster high-quality learning in your classroom?
- What does your ideal classroom environment look and feel like?
- How do you differentiate for students with different needs or learning styles?
- How do you handle conflicts—with students, parents, or colleagues?
- How could you support or lead professional development at our school?
- What are your thoughts on your current school, and what would you improve?
- How do you see yourself fitting into our school community and culture?
- How do you support students who are learning in a second (or third) language?
- How would you adapt your teaching approach to an international context?
- What challenges do you anticipate when teaching abroad, and how will you handle them?
Questions You Should Ask
The questions you ask during an interview say a lot about your priorities and mindset. While it’s natural to be curious about salary and benefits, opening with questions about pay can send the wrong message.
Instead, start by asking about:
- The school’s teaching philosophy or curriculum framework
- Opportunities for professional development
- How new staff are supported during the transition
- The school’s community culture and staff collaboration
These kinds of thoughtful questions show your genuine interest in the school as a learning environment—not just a job.
Once again, good luck from the TIC Team!