Overseas Teaching where the Clouds Touch the Hills: Discover Kodaikanal International School, India

Located in the misty Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is more than just a school; it’s a calling. Founded in 1901 as HighClerc School, this Pre-K to Grade 12 residential IB World School fuses over a century of academic excellence with transformative outdoor learning and a deep commitment to international education.

KIS made history in 1975 as the first school in India to offer the IB Diploma Programme, and today, it stands proudly as one of the few fully IB continuum residential schools in the country; authorized to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma, and Career-related IB Programmes. Students graduate with both the IB and the KIS Diploma. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities, opening doors to top universities around the world.

KIS operates on two academic campuses, Ganga (Pre-K to Grade 8) and HighClerc (Grades 9 to 12). Both feature modern classrooms, science and computer labs, libraries, and sports facilities.

KIS’s international student body of 500 learners represents 16 nations, fostering a rich multicultural environment. While approximately 76% of the students and 69% of the teaching staff are from India, the school thrives on diversity and global perspectives.

Outdoor education is at the heart of the KIS experience. Its dedicated 135-acre Poondi campsite allows students to engage deeply with nature. Whether they are canoeing on the lake, climbing the professional wall, hiking 80 miles over the hills, or simply bonding around a campfire, students learn life skills, resilience, and environmental stewardship in unforgettable ways.

Student residences at KIS are home-like and welcoming, with 16 cozy houses spread across four campuses. Each residence is cared for by a residential parent and designed to foster a sense of belonging and safety. Rooms are shared by no more than three students, encouraging both community and personal space.

The international teaching benefits package includes furnished housing, utilities, annual airfare for a family of four, health insurance with personal accident coverage, and professional development opportunities. Tuition for staff children is waived, and school-related activities, programs, and meals are subsidized.

KIS welcomes applications from diverse, certified educators—including married teaching couples, teachers with a non-teaching spouse, newly certified teachers, and interns seeking overseas teaching experience. Teachers must hold a degree in the subject they teach, and current Indian visa regulations permit certified teachers under the age of 60.

To explore career opportunities at Kodaikanal International School, educators can access its profile on the Search Associates database. New candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.

Please note: The information provided is accurate as of the date published and may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the school profile.