International Schools

International schools are large and small, found in over 100 countries, in some of the largest cities around the world and in the countryside. English is the main language of instruction.

Governance: International schools are usually private and can be non-profit with a parent-run of directors, sponsored by a corporation, or sponsored by embassies. Some are proprietary in nature.

School curricula can be based on one or more of: the International Baccalaureate (IB), American curriculum, the IGCSE from the UK, host country requirements, or others, including Canadian (usually Ontario).

The majority of the students are university bound and can be entirely host country nationals (HCNs) or drawn primarily from the international community. In most cases, the student body is a mixture of the two groups.

The teaching staff is often a mix of HCNs and 'import' teachers.

Given all of the above variables, it's best to have a very flexible view of international schools.

Queen's University has an annual recruiting fair in February with approximately 80 international schools in attendance. There is an ongoing International Teacher Placement Service also available for certified teachers unable to attend the recruiting fair.

Regional Associations

• Association of American Schools in South America
• European Council of International Schools
• Association of International Schools in Africa
• Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools
• East Asia Regional Council of Schools
• Latin American Tri-Association
• Mediterranean Association of International Schools

Job Search Related Links

• The International Educator - Extensive vacancy listing plus information about subscribing to newspaper.
• Times Educational Supplement - TES job postings section includes some international school opportunities
• Teaching Jobs Overseas
• k12teachoverseas.com - Information on specific positions, schools' web sites, and more.
• Overseas Teacher's Digest - News, articles and resources.
• International Supply Teachers - Teachers on the Move - Short-term work in international schools.
• US Department of State - Listing of American Schools around the world.
• International School Search - On-line directory of 5400 international schools including IB schools and members of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the European Council of International Schools (ECIS).

Curriculum Links

• Advanced Placement Program (AP) - Senior high school curriculum common in American international schools.
• International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB) - Originally a high school diploma program, now K-12, common in international schools.