Currently, there are 280,000 teachers working in international schools around the world. It is estimated that about 10 percent of these teachers were new to international schools this year; the busiest year ever for international school recruiting. For this coming September, the recruitment drive is even greater as current international schools expand and the number of international schools continues to grow.

The language for learning in all international schools is English, so most teachers come from English-speaking countries, in particular the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the US. A number of these teachers are expats already living internationally as a result of their partner's career.

Jane Denby is one example.  "I go where my husband's job takes me," she says. So far, that's been to Oman, Brunei, Dubai and the Netherlands. The Denbys are now in Russia, thanks to Patrick's work as a reservoir engineer with Shell.  Several years ago, knowing her that her job needed to be portable, Jane trained as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher "to open up opportunities for me, wherever we're living," she explains. Jane has since worked in several international schools. She is now an EAL specialist trainer, travelling to international schools all over the world to support them with their Professional Development learning.

All teachers who are considering applying to international schools for this coming September should think about a number of things at this stage, says Andrew Wigford, Director of Teachers International Consultancy (TIC), a specialist recruitment organisation that helps English-speaking teachers from all over the world find teaching jobs in international schools.

"Start your planning now," says Andrew. "Most international schools begin recruiting for the new academic year in January, February and March, so you need to act now." Here is Andrew's advice on preparing for an international job search:

Andrew says that some of the best advice for teachers considering the possibility of working overseas comes from teachers already there.

Nancy Appelbe started her career in international teaching as a result of moving to France for her husband's job. The family has since moved to Beijing, where Nancy is working at the British School of Beijing. "Take the plunge and just do it," says Nancy. "You can always get short contracts that last a year or two, and then move back home or move to another school in a different country to experience different styles of living and teaching.

Clare Lauritzen moved from the UK last year and is now teaching primary students at St Michael's International School in Kobe, Japan. She describes the type of personality that she thinks best suits an international school teacher: "You must enjoy a challenge, be fairly confident and resourceful, be able to bound back when you have a bad day, not take it all personally, and be able to laugh at the oddities, annoyances and differences," she says.

And Dulcie Copeland moved this year to The British School of Budapest in Hungary. She says "Find out as much as you can about the school. Read its website and prospectus. Has it got what you are looking for? Does the school reflect your beliefs?"

All three teachers all agree about one thing: "Go for it!" they say.

Teachers International Consultancy provides a free service for teachers, helping them to find the right job in the right international school. For advice on what to consider when thinking about working abroad and teaching internationally visit www.findteachingjobsoverseas or call 02920-212-083