Teaching Overseas: Why? What are the benefits? And are international teachers happy?

If you are thinking about teaching overseas for the first time, these may be some of the questions you are asking yourself. This blog post aims to answer some of them, giving you reliable information backed by the Council of British International School’s 2020 research findings.

Why do teachers choose to teach internationally?

Teachers choose to work internationally for a number of reasons. The main motivations are travel and cultural exploration (72%) and enjoyment and challenge (62%). Other contributing factors include salary (49%), career growth (47%) and dissatisfaction with the home education system (42%).

More than a third of teachers entering the international school sector (36%) were thinking about leaving the profession before taking an international job (up from 32% in 2018).

Many make the move overseas to challenge themselves; this was the case for Helen Maisey. “I decided to teach overseas because I wanted a new challenge. I’d been teaching in the UK for nine years and I’d reached a point at my school where I was feeling stagnant. Teaching in the UK was all encompassing; I needed a new adventure.’

In the case of Cheryl Eversfield, she decided to go international instead of retiring.  “As I’m now 60, I would never get a job in the UK. I am not ready to retire and feel I still have a lot to give, and I love teaching!”

What are the benefits for me once I am here?

The international school sector is well established and can provide a tremendous opportunity for teachers to develop themselves both personally and professionally.

Returning teachers bring with them a wealth of experience and skills, including:

• Cultural awareness (81%)
• A better global outlook and international mindedness (71%)
• EAL experience (62%)
• Adaptability (61%)
• Resilience (60%)


Schools are also engaging with training new teachers in their locality. Nearly two thirds of schools have supported teachers to gain UK teaching qualifications through programmes such as PGCE, IPGCE, or Assessment-Only QTS in the past two years.

Pictured here is Adam Masheter; TIC helped place Adam at Edron Academy in Mexico.

Are international teachers happy?

Overall, teachers are positive about their international school experience. 82% of new international school teachers are happy or very happy with their experience, with 75% of incoming teachers feeling that their work/life balance has improved since moving to the international sector. 74% feel they have an acceptable workload, and perhaps most importantly 75% feel valued and respected as a teacher.


“Do it ! Teach internationally. I have no regrets” Molly Stones, pictured here in Thailand.

Great! Now how can I teach overseas?

If you are interested in teaching overseas this year, click here to view our current vacancies.

If you are interested in teaching internationally, register with TIC here for free. It’s quick and easy and gives you access to many international school jobs in reputable, accredited international schools, some that are not advertised anywhere else.

Want to share this content?