Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans offers an exciting opportunity for educators to expand their horizons and experience different cultures while advancing their careers. With a growing number of teaching vacancies in international schools in Kenya, there is a clear indication that Kenyan educators are in demand globally. These positions not only provide a chance to work in diverse educational settings but also allow Kenyan teachers to bring their unique perspectives to students around the world. Whether it’s teaching jobs in international schools in Nairobi or opportunities further afield, Kenyan teachers abroad are making a significant impact in the field of education.
Qualification for Kenyan teachers to teach international schools in Kenya or abroad (Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans)
To qualify as a teacher in an international school in Kenya, one requires;
- Specialized training in the potential school’s education system (e.g IGCSE or IB)
- A degree in Education (with the specific subjects)
- T.S.C certificate
- Able to offer co-curricular activities (e.g leading the debate club)
- To teach abroad, previous teaching experience at an international school in Kenya is required
International Teacher Training: How to Get Started Teaching at International Schools in Kenya and abroad
Most Kenyan teachers are graduates of the 8-4-4 Educational System, and trained to teach the same; therefore, when transitioning to becoming international schools teachers, one has to familiarize themselves with the international school curriculum which includes the IB and G.C.S.E.
Potential Kenyan international teachers are encouraged to take a short course to facilitate their transition into international teaching. The duration of the certificate course teaching International Curricula is mostly 3 to 5 months. The best-accredited learning institutions that offer the Teaching International Curricula course for potential Kenyan international teachers are;
a) Riara University
The Certificate in Teaching International Curricula (CTIC) program, offered by Riara University, with a duration of 3 months, is tailored to prepare educators for teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans by providing them with essential knowledge and skills for delivering and assessing international curricula. It introduces educators to contemporary, learner-centered, and skills-based pedagogical methods, while also enhancing their abilities in integrating ICT into teaching, learning, and research activities.
Riara University offers teacher training for potential international teachers in the I.G.C.S.E and the G.C.S.E international education systems.
b) The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa (A.K.A.M) provides authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) teacher training workshops for educators across the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programme levels, catering to both new and seasoned teachers aiming to enhance their understanding and execution of the IB curriculum.
These workshops, essential for securing teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans, are led by expert IB trainers and cover effective teaching strategies and techniques, curriculum skill assessment, and understanding of assessment criteria. They also offer a collaborative platform for teachers to engage with workshop leaders and peers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of ideas, practices, and strategies to foster a comprehensive learning environment.
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa trains potential international teachers in the International Baccalaureate (IB)…as well as IBDP (IB Diploma). The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa also trains Kenyan international teachers in the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
How to get international school teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans (Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans)
The following are places are popular as hubs for teaching jobs for Kenyans, check out their websites for more information;
i) Diaspora Educators of Kenya Association (DEKA)
Diaspora Educators of Kenya Association (DEKA) serves as a vital bridge for Kenyan teachers seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly in the field of education. Through specialized programs and networking initiatives, DEKA facilitates connections between qualified Kenyan educators and international institutions offering teaching positions. With a focus on empowering teachers with the necessary resources and guidance, DEKA actively promotes the placement of Kenyan talent in prestigious educational roles globally, including facilitating access to teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans.
ii) TES (the former Times Educational Supplement)
TES serves as a valuable platform for Kenyan teachers seeking opportunities abroad, including teaching vacancies abroad for Kenyans. Through its comprehensive job listings and international network, TES connects Kenyan educators with teaching positions overseas, facilitating Kenyans teaching overseas. With a user-friendly interface and extensive resources, TES streamlines the process of finding teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans, empowering them to pursue rewarding careers in education on a global scale.
iii) FACES (Foreign Academic & Cultural Exchange Services)
FACES (Foreign Academic & Cultural Exchange Services) is dedicated to assisting Kenya teachers in securing teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans. Through personalized support and global connections, FACES facilitates Kenyan educators abroad in accessing diverse teaching opportunities for Kenyans abroad. By bridging the gap between Kenyan talent and international schools, FACES empowers educators to thrive in their careers beyond national borders.
Search Associates is a premier resource for Kenya teachers seeking teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans. With a vast network of international schools and educational institutions worldwide, Search Associates facilitates Kenyans teaching overseas by connecting them with rewarding opportunities in diverse settings. By specializing in matching qualified Kenya educators abroad with international schools teaching vacancies for Kenyans, Search Associates plays a crucial role in advancing careers and fostering global educational exchange.
How to get a teaching job at an international school in Kenya
- LinkedIn (make connections with staff at LinkedIn and also follow the schools’ profile to get updated on job opportunities)
- Referral
- Networking
- Check the websites of international schools for teaching vacancies
Benefits of teaching in international schools (in Kenya and abroad)
1. Free Tuition for the international teacher’s kids
Most teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans come with an enticing package of free education for 2 of your kids (aged between 2 to 18 years old) in the same international school that you’re teaching. In case free tuition isn’t offered, then the international teacher is offered a 50 to 70% discount on the entire school fees. This generous offer allows teacher’s children to enjoy an international education at almost no extra cost.
2. Competitive and better salaries
International teaching jobs are obviously better paying than local jobs in Kenya. Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans is more lucrative because of the enticing benefits (some of the countries are tax-free, making it easy for international teachers to save money).
3. Housing allowance
Most Kenyan educators abroad a generous housing allowance from international schools abroad. International schools that do not offer a house allowance, will offer you free housing (some even pay for your utilities).
4. Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Majority of teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans Comprehensive Medical Insurance for international teachers. The cover may cater to issues such as travel, accidents, dental, and eyesight.
5. Relocation allowance
For Kenyan teachers relocating abroad for the first time (in a particular country), international schools mostly offer relocation allowance for their teachers who are flying in from overseas. In addition to the relocation allowance, some schools may offer;
- Plane ticket(s) to the teacher and his/her family
- Shipping allowance (for the teacher’s belongings)
6. Family Visa
The school facilitates the visa process for the teacher and her/his entire family (this includes the visa fees).
In addition, if your spouse is a teacher, the school may offer him/her a teaching position in the same school.
If your spouse is not a teacher, no worries because the school can provide him/her with a family visa. The family visa is also provided to the teacher’s kids.
7. Travel allowance or an annual return ticket
Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans gives international teachers a travel allowance or a return ticket that can be used within the academic year. Most Kenyan international teachers prefer to use their return ticket during the summer break.
8. Vacation
Almost all teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans give their teacher vacation. This could be either the mid-term breaks or just the 60 days at the end of the academic year.
Conclusion
Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyans represents a valuable career path for those looking to make a difference beyond their national borders. The wealth of teaching opportunities in international schools in Kenya serves as a springboard for Kenyan educators abroad, who are increasingly sought after for their expertise and dedication. As more Kenyans teaching overseas continue to share their knowledge and skills, they not only enrich the lives of their students but also enhance the reputation of Kenyan professionals on the international stage. The future holds even greater prospects for teaching opportunities for Kenyans abroad, as the world becomes more interconnected and the value of diverse educational experiences is ever more appreciated.