Teach Abroad in the Caribbean

Set on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, the International School of Sosúa (ISS) is a fully-accredited, pre-K–12 school that rests on 10 acres of farmland and features classroom clusters nestled among palm trees, greenery, and an organic garden. ISS’s recently upgraded facilities include a computer lab, library, fine arts studio, a dance/dream space, a science lab, and a multi-purpose building with a cafeteria. The athletic complex comprises a large covered multi-use court, an outdoor volleyball/basketball court, and a soccer field.

The Dominican Republic (DR) shares the island of Hispaniola—southeast of Cuba and northwest of Puerto Ric­o—with Haiti. While the DR is challenged by economic underdevelopment and poverty, the country is also home to highly-educated residents and first-world amenities. A year-round, sunny climate makes the DR an appealing place to live and ideal for many outdoor activities.

Nearly 70,000 people of dozens of nationalities and languages live in the diverse community of Sosúa, a four-hour drive from the capital of Santo Domingo and 20 minutes from the major city of Puerto Plata. Residents of this semi-rural area are employed in real estate, hospitality, small and large businesses, internet-based careers, and the region’s largest gold mine, Barrick. Sosúa is just a few minutes from Cabarete, a popular beach destination for Europeans and North Americans that boasts some major resorts.

Accredited by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Education and AdvancEd, ISS delivers the U.S. Common Core and Advanced Placement choices in the upper levels. Currently, 208 K–12 students of 27 nationalities are enrolled, with 30% from North America and 5% from U.K. The teaching staff of 30 comprises 11 Dominican teachers,18 from North America, and one from the U.K.

In addition to providing art, music, computer, drama, and physical education during the school day, ISS offers extracurricular activities such as Model UN, Student Council, the National Honor Society, the school newspaper, and opportunities for service learning and cultural activities. Those who wish to play volleyball, basketball, and soccer can join one of the after-school athletic clubs.

ISS is interested in hiring certified singles and couples, including those with a non-teaching partner. They will also consider outstanding newly-certified teachers. Candidates must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. In the Dominican Republic, there is no age limit for certified teachers to obtain a work visa.

Benefits include an annual housing allowance, a settling-in allowance, and round-trip airfare to North America every two years. The tuition benefit is 100%. ISS provides professional development and full coverage of local health insurance. This package allows for some savings.

To gain access to International School of Sosua’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, 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 presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.