"We have answered just a few of the common questions we receive from our candidates."

What is involved in the registration process?
Once you have uploaded your CV, you will be required to fill in a form which takes less than 1 minute. After doing so you will receive an email detailing your Login details. You are then able to login and apply for jobs as well as amend your details. A member of our team will then contact you to discuss the next steps.

How do international schools interview teachers?
In the first instance, international schools tend to conduct first round interviews by telephone or Skype. This way they can further short-list those teachers they feel are strong candidates. Depending on the time of year and locality of the school to the country of candidates will determine the next step. Some head teachers travel to the UK and meet with teachers face-to-face or even pay for teachers to come and visit the school. Many teachers will be unable to see the school of potential employers which is why the services of an agency like Compass can assist.

Will international schools consider Newly Qualified teachers?
Some international schools may consider applications from teachers who are currently completing their qualifying year. We do generally advise that teachers have a minimum of 1 year post-qualification experience, particularly for those in England and Wales so that they can have their NQT year signed off. International schools do prefer teachers who have solid curriculum teaching experience and thorough preparation, planning and teaching techniques. To those teachers about to qualify, feel free to contact us and we will discuss where we may be able to assist.

Is there a cost for teachers to use your services?
There is absolutely no cost for teachers to use our services. Registration is simple and quick and all you need is an up to date CV and if you are having any difficulty in writing this, there is a template on our Support & Resources page which is there to help.

Are there any regulations for teachers wanting to teach in Europe?
Unfortunately most European international schools will require teachers to have a UK or other EU passport. It is becoming increasingly difficult for schools to hire teachers without such passports, relating to conditions from the EU placed on member states. This includes Switzerland, which despite not being part of the EU, does have reciprocal agreements with regards to employment. All of our vacancies we have for schools in Europe will state whether they will consider candidates from outside the EU.

Do international schools consider teachers with partners and children?
Most international schools will consider teachers with family members. Often packages cater for families, sometimes providing additional flights, suitable housing, dependant schooling amongst other additional benefits. Those who have a partner who is also a teacher may find that the school can provide work for them too, appreciating the stability that this may provide. For each of our vacancies we will state the personal circumstances that are suitable.

Without experience of the IB curriculum can I apply to IB schools? 
It is difficult for teachers looking for their first overseas opportunity to have IB experience given that it is only taught at a limited number of schools in the UK. Some international schools will only consider teachers with such experience, however, many schools are open-minded and welcome applications from teachers with a similar level of teaching experience - i.e. A-Level, Leaving Cert, Advanced Placement. Click for more information about the IB curriculum.

Contact Us if you have any other questions to ask.