4 Tips to Boost Your International Teaching Salary and Career
| by Fayth Buriff
Are you an international teacher looking to make the most of your earning potential while expanding your job opportunities? Whether you’re just starting your career in education, considering your first teaching opportunity abroad, or ready to take your experience to the next level, you can start using these 4 strategies today to help grow your international teaching career:
1. Choose the Right School
Not every international teaching opportunity is the same. The school you choose to teach at can significantly impact both your earnings and career trajectory. When considering job offers, make sure you look beyond the base salary and think about other factors:
- Cost of living: A high salary may not stretch as far in areas with high expenses, while a modest salary in a region with a low cost of living can offer a similar or better quality of life.
- Benefits packages: Many international schools provide perks such as housing stipends, transportation allowances, airfare coverage, and professional development opportunities.
- Visa support and contract terms: Does the school assist with visa paperwork? Is the contract you are being offered flexible? The answers can help determine how easily you can get settled in a new country or school and how long you might stay there.
By thoroughly researching and understanding what schools offer international teachers, you can make an informed decision that balances salary with the lifestyle benefits you want.
2. Earn a U.S. Teaching License
While you can start your international teaching journey without a U.S. teaching license, earning one can open the door to higher-paying roles and more job opportunities. A U.S. license is widely recognized and respected globally, making it a credential that prestigious schools around the world look for when they are hiring for high demand teaching roles.
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program makes it more convenient than ever to earn your U.S. teaching license. With a 100% online format designed to fit into any schedule, you can complete it from anywhere in the world and advance your teaching career in as little as 9 months.

3. Network with Other Teachers
Building a professional network can help you stay informed about new opportunities for teaching internationally and give you valuable insights about educator pay in different countries and regions. Connecting with other international teachers allows you to share experiences and discover tips for navigating unique challenges, such as work visas or cultural adjustments.
Many international educators find communities through social media groups, professional associations, or alumni networks like the one Moreland maintains for its graduates. These connections can provide mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and even referrals for higher-paying teaching positions, so you can continue growing professionally.
4. Pursue a Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is a game-changer for international teachers. It not only increases earning potential but also opens doors to leadership roles like principal that combine higher salaries with meaningful impact.
Moreland offers 100% online master’s degree programs with high-demand subject areas like Educational Leadership as well as Globalization and Education Research that can be completed in just 12 months.
Want More Tips? Watch the Full Webinar!
These four strategies are just the beginning. Our complimentary on-demand webinar, Boost Your Career and Salary as an International Teacher, covers even more actionable advice, including how to embrace leadership opportunities and explore creative roles beyond the classroom. Watch it here, then take your inspiration to the next level by requesting more information about Moreland’s programs or applying today!