TEFL in International Schools

In the TEFL world, we talk about international schools a lot. What are international schools actually like, though? How are they different from private or state schools, for example?

Our detailed country guides list international schools alongside other teaching opportunities, like state schools or universities. As a TEFL opportunity, international schools offer something different. Job adverts ask for a lot from teachers, but the rewards for teaching English in an international institution are usually excellent. You’ll find the best wages, superb facilities, talented colleagues and an opportunity to teach students from around the globe.

Let’s have a look at international schools as a TEFL certified teacher , so you can decide whether they’re a good fit for you.

Who goes to international schools?

First, let’s look at the kind of students who go to international schools.

Most international schools are in major cities. Usually, pupils at these schools are the children of people who have moved abroad for work. This often includes diplomats, politicians, people working in oil and gas, international business, and other global industries. In some cases, local families send their children to international schools instead of a local private school to meet people from across the world. 

International schools teach children from various nationalities and backgrounds, and English proficiency can vary. 

For TEFL teachers, it’s a very different kind of teaching. Local and bilingual schools serve students from a specific area, while international schools welcome students from everywhere. You’ll be challenged as a teacher, since you’ll have to adjust to students with different English proficiency levels. That takes skill, perception and patience.

Patrick Smith, a teacher in Japan, shared his experience of international schools on our podcast ‘I Taught English Abroad’ . Previously, he’d worked in private language schools. Here’s what he told us:

“At my international school, it's more like a typical school setting.

“Now that I'm teaching first grade only… They're so excited about life, they have lots of questions, and they are lots of fun. 

“So even though it's like, it's a “school” school, they want to continue learning this, that, or the other. It's not like a, “we have to make it a fun environment for the kids” sort of thing.”

As Patrick states, international schools can be a more formal setting than some other TEFL environments. However, you can have a great deal of fun, really get to know your students, and create exciting, engaging lessons.

Curriculum types

If you want to teach in international schools, you need to understand the different types of curriculum on offer. International schools where TEFL teachers work will usually follow one of the following systems:

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is one of the most common curriculum types in international schools. Over 5,000 schools worldwide follow the IB curriculum, which focuses on developing critical thinking skills and cultural understanding.

British Curriculum

A-Levels and IGCSEs are widely accepted school qualifications, taught in international schools with a British curriculum. The UK National Curriculum shares much in common with English, Welsh and Scottish school content, which means it’ll be easy for British teachers to follow.

A lot of international schools were started by British teachers. This is particularly true in countries where Britain has had a colonial presence, such as China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and several African nations.

American Curriculum

Just like A-Levels and IGCSEs, SAT exams are world-renowned. That’s thanks to the presence of American international schools , which are often found where the US has strong economic ties or military bases.

These international schools follow the American education system. You can expect a focus on creativity and classroom participation alongside formal assessments. It’s a familiar structure for those who have studied or taught in the US, ideal for TEFL teachers who enjoy a more flexible, student-centred teaching style.

These different systems are the most commonly used in international schools, but what are class sizes like, and what kind of style do you need to use?

Class sizes and teaching style

So, what is it like to be a TEFL teacher at an international school?

For one thing, class sizes are usually smaller. International school classes have far fewer students than public schools, particularly in densely populated areas. 

There are different types of English learners in international schools. For some groups, the classes are more conversational. English lessons will be more about building confidence and vocabulary through group work and speaking exercises, with less emphasis on exams. 

Elsewhere, students who don’t speak English as a first language will receive intensive English lessons. This is because subjects in an IB, British or American international school are taught in English. 

State and private schools usually have far larger classes, with a much bigger focus on passing exams. However, you’re usually only teaching English in state and private schools. International school jobs require many different teaching skills, teaching a range of subjects in English. Depending on the school, you may have to teach another subject alongside English, like maths, art, science, music or drama.

Wages and facilities

For English teachers, one of the most attractive features of international schools is the salary. The vast majority of international schools are independent and fee-paying. That means they can offer some of the best teaching wages. International schools can also provide considerable benefits, like flights and accommodation.

International schools usually have excellent facilities. In some schools, English teachers might be expected to teach multiple subjects, so having high-quality classrooms, labs, and studios should be of interest.

As a TEFL teacher, you can find fantastic opportunities and salaries in any educational environment. However, international schools have specific advantages, and if you’re a TEFL teacher with excellent qualifications and a varied background in teaching, they’re well worth trying. 

Are international schools for me?

If you have a growing range of TEFL skills, qualifications and experience teaching worldwide, then international schools are worth your time. Jobs in international schools are competitive, so it’s worth trying to network throughout your career so you can hear about job vacancies before everyone else.

International school teaching is an exciting avenue for TEFL teachers. You can meet people from various backgrounds, learn from teachers who’ve been there, and develop new teaching methods and skills. 

International school teaching isn’t your typical TEFL job, but it’s a great opportunity for teachers looking to broaden their experience and take on new challenges. Expectations are high, but the classroom atmosphere can also be surprisingly relaxed and collaborative. It’s a unique setting - and an exciting one for the right teacher.

Looking to get your start in international schools? The TEFL Org Jobs Centre is the right place to look!