Intern Opportunities

International Education Awaits You!

  • Do you enjoy working with children and/or teens?
  • Do you like traveling and learning about new cultures?
  • Are you energetic and enthusiastic?
  • Do you have a spirit of adventure?
  • Are you open to new experiences?

If you are looking for a way to explore a career in education, or are seeking a gap year experience overseas before graduate school or another career commitment, an international paid teaching internship could be just the ticket!

Paid Internships

There is a growing demand for teachers in K-12 American and International schools. Schools in many parts of the world hire graduating seniors and recent college graduates in all majors to work for a single school year as paid teaching interns. It's a great opportunity to gain classroom experience in an international setting and can sometimes lead to a full-fledged teaching job the following year. Most interns have a fabulous experience, enjoying motivated students, interesting colleagues, and exciting international teaching and travel opportunities. Not only will you gain experience for your career, but you have a unique opportunity to travel the world—and get paid for it!

Job Description

Intern job descriptions vary widely, depending on the needs of the particular school and on the individual talents and interests of each candidate. Some interns may have full responsibility for teaching classes under the supervision of a mentor, while others may serve as teacher assistants, apprentices, or substitutes in a variety of classes. Interns also assist with clubs and sports, and are expected to contribute to the general school community as much as possible.

Qualifications

Teaching experience is not required, but schools seek those with informal experience and enthusiasm in working with young people. Applicants with a credential and less than two years of full time teaching experience are highly competitive candidates for intern positions. Your chances of hire will depend most on the demand for a subject/field of expertise, the quality of your confidential references, and your ability to interview in an engaging manner.

The Intern Contract

Interns are hired for a single school year, which usually starts in August and ends in June. Interns earn around half of the salary of a full-fledged teacher, but opportunity for savings still exists. Because housing, airfare and insurance are usually provided, it can be possible to put aside some money from monthly earnings, which will vary depending on the school and its location. Housing is often shared with other interns.

The Hiring Cycle

Recruitment begins in mid-August for the following academic year, and most intern positions are usually posted around the end of the calendar year. If you want to submit an application, and be considered for membership with Search Associates, you should aim to do so during the late fall and early winter months, in order to have a chance to be invited to the Search job fair in Cambridge, MA, USA at the end of January. Cambridge is our most ‘intern-friendly' job fair, where schools that recruit interns expect to interview candidates personally. Sometimes it is also possible to get an offer out-of-fair altogether via online contact and Skype interview, especially when later vacancies occur.

If you are unsure whether you qualify to apply as an intern candidate or have further questions about our paid internships, please contact Senior Associate Diana Kerry, and she will be happy to assist you.

Testimonials

"I would sign up with Search Associates 100 times over. Not only was it one of the easiest job-hunting experiences that I can imagine anyone has ever had, but also it was supportive and an all-round positive affair."
Katie Barnum
"For a recent graduate with no teaching experience, Search Associates made the whole job-hunting process easy. The Cambridge fair was an incredible experience. Within 24 hours I had 6 offers for a teaching internship. My current position in Israel is a dream job, allowing me to explore a whole range of in and out of classroom experiences. At the end of the year, I will return to the US to complete a certification program, but then I look forward to working with Search Associates again!"
Danny Meltzer
"I have nothing but good things to say about Search-Associates, and would recommend any future teacher to apply to the program."
Alexandra Guthrie

Did You Know…?

Since 1990, Search Associates has assisted over 50,000 educators to find jobs in international schools around the world.