Teaching in an International School is Not Teaching English As a Foreign Language (TEFL)

Many people think of international schools as placesmany students learning in their second or third
where children are taught English as a Foreignlanguage, these children do not attend an international
Language. The fact is that international schools teachschool simply to learn English; they are studying all
through the medium of English and they offer thetheir subjects in preparation for further and higher
same broad range of subjects as state schools in theeducation and beyond.
UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and theMany teachers simply don't realise the opportunities
USA. In many ways, international schools are veryavailable to them at overseas schools; they
similar to schools in these countries. The mainimmediately think it's simply teaching English as a
difference is that the children are learning in theforeign language and many don't want that option;
second or third (sometimes fourth) language and thatthey want to a teaching job abroad teaching the
language is English. In addition, these schools usuallysubjects that they are skilled in. Also, many teachers
have children of many nationalities.don't apply because they think they need to speak
The children work towards external examinationsthe language of the country that the school is
such as International Baccalaureate Diploma, 'A'located in. That is usually not the case. All international
Levels, IGCSE, SAT, AP, US High School Diploma,schools use English as their language for learning
which are recognised internationally as entrancewhich is why there are so many opportunities all over
qualifications for universities all over the world.the world for English-speaking teachers.
As a teacher you can develop your career with anAnd the opportunities are increasing. There are
overseas teaching job in an international school in theteaching jobs in Europe, Asia, the middle east and the
same way that you would in your home country.rest of the world. There are now over 5,000
Similar posts of responsibility, middle and upperinternational schools in almost every single country in
leadership and professional development training arethe world and that number is predicted to rise to
available.8,000 by 2015.
While it is true that many overseas schools have