1. What qualifications do I need to teach aboard?
Most international teaching positions require you to be a fully qualified teacher — a bachelor’s degree in the respective study and a recognized teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, TEFL, or a national teaching license). However, this can vary greatly based on the job, school, and country.
Often prior teaching experience is preferred and appreciated.
While opportunities for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) can be limited at first, gaining just two years of experience will open many more doors to teach internationally.
2. Why work in an international school?
There are countless reasons to teach internationally, and they often depend on where you choose to work. Some of the most common motivations include gaining rich cultural experiences, enjoying a better work-life balance, saving money, advancing your career, learning a new language, and living in a place with great weather. When you look at all the benefits, the real question becomes: Why wouldn’t you teach at an international school? Ready for a change? Teaching internationally offers more than just a job — it’s a chance to experience new cultures, enjoy a better work-life balance, grow your savings, and advance your career in inspiring locations around the world. With so much to gain, the real question is: Why not teach abroad?
3. Do I need to speak the local language?
No, speaking the local language is not required for most teaching positions, especially at international or English-medium schools. Classes are conducted in English, and schools provide support to help you adjust. However, learning basic local phrases can be helpful for daily life and cultural integration.
4. How do I get an international job?
To teach abroad, you’ll need a teaching degree and a valid certificate like a B.Ed, PGCE, or TEFL. Start by updating your CV to show your teaching experience and skills. Then, register with a trusted teacher recruitment agency—like us—to find schools that match your background.
Once you apply for a job, we’ll help you prepare for interviews and guide you through the hiring
process. If you’re offered a position, we’ll assist with your visa, paperwork, and relocation. It’s best to begin your search a few months before the school year starts.
5. Do I need teaching experience?
Most schools prefer at least 1 – 2 years of experience, but some entry-level positions are open to new teachers – especially in high-demand subjects like English, Math, and Science.
6. Can I choose where I want to go?
Yes! Of course you can share your preferred country or region with us, and we’ll match you with schools that fit your goals, experience, and qualifications.
7. How do the interviews work?
Most interviews are done online via Zoom or other video platforms. You’ll usually speak with the school’s principal or hiring team. They’ll ask about your teaching experience, classroom style, and why you want to work with them. We’ll help you prepare so you feel confident and ready.
8. Will I receive help in relocation and the visa process?
Many international schools offer support like visa assistance, accommodation or housing allowance, and flight reimbursement. We’ll guide and assist wherever needed – even with the visa! We also guide you through each step – including gathering documents and understanding requirements for your destination country.
9. How long are the contracts?
Most teaching contracts are for 1 to 2 years, with the option to renew if both you and the school are happy. Some short-term or maternity cover roles may be shorter.
10. Where are the best places to go?
It depends on what you’re looking for! Popular destinations include:
- Middle East (e.g. UAE, Bahrain, Qatar): Great salaries, benefits, and tax-free income.
- Asia (e.g. China, Thailand, South Korea): High demand for teachers, unique cultural experiences, and affordable living.
- Europe (e.g. Spain, Germany): Beautiful locations, established international schools, and travel opportunities.
- International Schools Worldwide: Offer strong support, diverse staff, and modern teaching environments.
Tell us your preferences—we’ll help you find the best fit based on your goals, lifestyle, and qualifications.
11. What sort of schools do you work with?
We work with a wide range of schools around the world, including:
- International schools offering British, American, IB, and other global curriculums
- Private and bilingual schools focused on high-quality education
- Language schools for ESL and EAL teaching roles
- Early years centers and primary schools
- Secondary and high schools across a variety of subjects
All schools are carefully screened to ensure they offer professional environments, fair contracts, and strong support for teachers
12. What are the salaries and benefits?
- Global opportunities – We work with trusted schools worldwide, including top international and private schools.
- Relocation support – We help with visas, documents, and settling in, so you can focus on teaching.
- Ongoing support – We're here before, during, and after your placement.
- Our goal is to help you find the right school, not just any school.
13. Why do schools hire through you?
Schools trust us to save time and find the right teachers. We carefully screen candidates, match them based on qualifications and values, and support the hiring process from start to finish. This helps schools fill roles faster—with teachers who are ready, reliable, and the right fit for their community.
14. What happens next?
It's simple, submit your CV and register with us today!
Salaries vary by country, school, and experience— but many international teaching jobs offer competitive pay. Some roles are tax-free, especially in places like the Middle East.
Typical benefits include:
- Free or subsidized housing
- Flight allowance (yearly or at the start/end of contract)
- Health insurance
- End-of-contract bonus or gratuity
- Paid holidays
- Visa support and relocation assistance
- Tuition discounts if you have children
We’ll give you all the details upfront for each job so you know exactly what to expect.
15. Why should I work with Bookmark?
- We make your job search easier, faster, and more successful. Here’s how:
- Personalized job matching – We connect you with schools that fit your goals and experience.
- Expert guidance – From your CV to interviews and contract review, we support you every step of the way.