The qualifications you need to teach internationally will usually differ based on the region and the type of international school you’re applying to. Whilst some may accept the standard British qualifications, other may require international qualifications or qualifications specific to their region.

To teach at a British International School, you will need: 

• A bachelor’s degree 

• A teaching qualification such as Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or iQTS) or the equivalent from your home country. In some countries, this may be a PGCE or Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) 

• Strong English language skills 

• A few years of teaching experience is beneficial – but newly qualified teachers may also be accepted in some cases 

• Depending on the country, you might need a teaching visa

To become qualified to teach at an IB school, you generally need: 

• A bachelor’s degree in education or a related subject 

• A valid teaching certificate or licence from your home country. For example, in England this would be QTS 

• To complete IB-specific professional development such as IB Educator Certificates or IB Workshops 

• Where possible, try to gain experience working in IB schools to better understand teaching in an IB context and IB pedagogy 

• Depending on the country, you might need a teaching visa

To teach at American International Schools, you usually need: 

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in your teaching subject 

• A recognised teaching certification (e.g. QTS in England) 

• A minimum of two years’ teaching experience 

• Sufficient English language proficiency 

• Depending on the country, you might need a teaching visa