How Retired Teachers Can Work at International Schools

Everything You Need to Know to Start an Adventurous New Job or Career

By Kathy Fritts

Not Quite Ready for a Rocking Chair?

You (and your teacher spouse) just retired from a long and successful career in education or will soon, and the thought of gardening/golf/grandkids leaves you feeling restless. You fall into the gap between retiring in your 50s and yet not quite ready to stop working. You need a change, and the stimulation of teaching in an international school could keep you going happily for another few years. We retired at 55 and subsequently worked in Russia, Dubai, and Thailand before finally retiring for good. You can, too, assuming you are a capable teacher with a positive outlook and lots of energy.

Your experience and certification are the keys to adventure, rich new friendships, satisfying teaching, and a financial boost to your battered retirement account. If you are healthy, flexible, teach a sought-after subject specialty (and have a teaching spouse), you might be a prime candidate for an overseas recruiter. It is probably too late for the school year. Still, if you start now, there's time to make a firm decision, prepare your family and friends, register with a recruiting agency, attend a job fair next winter, and start work in an exotic location by August.

What are International Schools?

International schools vary wildly, but with a successful teaching career behind you, you should aim only for the best schools. Instruction is in English, and the curricula are American or British. These schools most often resemble elite private schools, which means you could enjoy the most satisfying and challenging teaching of your career. It is quite usual for an international school to have students from 50+ countries, and the typical parent is involved and supportive. Budgets are usually healthy, discipline problems rare, and special education is not the norm, except for ESL.

Teaching in International Schools

"Travel is intensified living." says Rick Steves, and teaching in international schools is intensified living AND teaching. It is not just a "'job" but a way of life. You will be working in close contact with fellow teachers and parents; for all practical purposes, you are moving to a small town. International schools typically provide housing, which means you will live right down the hall from your fellow teachers. Consequently, it would be best if you got along with everybody all the time.

A Stimulating Way of Life

You may spend 3-day weekends in Prague or Luang Prabang. Spring break could be skiing in the Alps or touring Vietnam. While friends and family back home are in the same rut they have traversed for decades, you are riding an elephant in Chiang Mai, seeing plays in London, or bargaining for carpets in the souks of Damascus.

You will likely meet fascinating people with extraordinary stories. International teaching attracts a lively faculty, and the dinner parties and outings will be more fun than you have had in years. You will be expected to pitch in and contribute to the overall social life, so you might find yourself organizing a camping trip into the deserts of Dubai, a book group in Chiang Mai, sleigh rides for school families in Moscow, or teaching young teachers how to cook their first Thanksgiving turkey. If you want to sit at home and watch TV, international schools are not for you.

Financial Benefits

Teaching in international schools can be financially rewarding. Your school's package most likely includes free housing and utilities, free medical care, flight to and from your school every two years, and pension account contribution. Perks vary. Income is free of American income taxes if the amount is below $87,600 per person, and you can satisfy the "bona fide residence" test. But the cost of living is the more important consideration; $50,000 in Dhaka goes much further than $50,000 in Paris. In Russia, Dubai, and Thailand, we saved half our salaries, paid off debt, and traveled widely.

Your Decision

So, should you (and your spouse) teach in international schools after retirement? First, do some honest soul-searching. Can you go back to work for two years or more? Even with the travel, monetary incentive, and quality of students, teaching in an international school is not a vacation but hard work. What about your responsibilities and connections at home? Your adult children might not take well to your decision. How much will you miss your grandchildren? Should you rent your house, and what about your "stuff?"

Can a reliable family member watch over your house and bank accounts? Even with Internet banking, this person's role is indispensable.

The Recruiter’s Decision

Hiring and housing an overseas teacher is expensive — often in the $10,000 range. During your 15 minutes in the hotel room at the job fair, the recruiter must judge whether you are suitable as a teacher and whether you and your spouse will fit into the school community without causing trouble. You will find yourself answering questions an American interviewer would have no business asking about your personal life. Below is a recruiter's wish list:

• Fully certified with at least two years’ experience.
• Matches vacancy. Math and science teachers, counselors and librarians are especially hard to find.
• Younger than 60 (many countries cannot hire those older than 60).
• Healthy (you will probably need to pass a physical).
• Proven record of successful teaching and extracurricular activities or coaching.
• Previous overseas living or extensive travel.
• Spouse with a desirable teaching specialty.
• Committed for a 2-year contract, minimum.
• No dependents to cost the school tuition.
• No emotional problems or issues with drugs or alcohol. Solid marriage.
• Ability to get along with all kinds of people; a positive attitude.
• Open to change and growth, flexibility, and a sense of humor.

When and How to Proceed

Once you (and your spouse) have firmly decided you want to teach overseas, researched the lifestyle (see More Information below), and prepared your loved ones for this change, here's the schedule:

• Register with one of the larger placement agencies in the fall, such as International Schools Services or Search Associates. These agencies are selective, so once you are accepted, prepare for the recruiting fairs in February. Learn as much as possible about international schools.
• Approach possible schools in advance. We recommend using some of the websites listed below for their highly practical advice on structuring your job search.
• Attend at least one recruiting fair in February. You will be hired if you have prepared well and are a good fit. Be flexible about location; you will likely do this for the adventure.
• Prepare to move overseas for two years.
• Start work in August.

Kathy Fritts was a secondary school librarian in Vienna, Moscow, Dubai, and Thailand, besides a long career in public and private schools in Oregon. She and her husband Brad also twice taught a workshop at Portland State University called “Teaching in International Schools.”