Going through the interview process for a teaching position abroad can bring a mix of emotions. You polish your CV, research the school, and rehearse your answers - but it's important to remember that the interview isn't just about the school assessing you.
It's also your chance to get a real sense of the school and whether it's the right fit. Here are ten thoughtful questions you can ask during the interview to help you understand the international school better before you say yes.
Questions to ask the interviewer before accepting teaching job offers
1. What's the idea of education behind the school and its vision?
Delve into the principles that guide a school. Be curious about its mission or teaching philosophy, and how these values define going forward. Knowing whether the school stresses academic excellence, or creativity, or even the overall growth of the child, helps you to know if your teaching style is a match.
2. What professional development opportunities do teachers have?
Without continuous learning, teachers can lose their motivation and may not teach as effectively. Find out from the school how they promote staff development – whether it be through training sessions that run internally, workshops, mentoring or if they pay for external courses that their staff attend.
3. What measures are taken by your school to maintain respect and equality among people of different groups?
Inclusiveness has become one of the most important topics of conversation in regards to education. Enquire how the school characterises the concept of inclusion and what facilities are there for children who have learning difficulties or language-related problems. Check if local regulations or cultural aspects influence the way that inclusion is implemented.
4. Are there any resources and technology available for the classroom?
Resources in any school can be very different, not only from one school to another but also from one country to another, so the question about the availability of resources for teaching should be asked in every situation. Hear about material that may be employed for instructions, digital instruments, and also learning e.g. libraries, labs, or maybe art workshops.
5. How does your school use local community resources to benefit education?
Being sent abroad to teach gives you a unique opportunity to form meaningful connections with your host country. One way to get involved is by asking your school about its local outreach - whether through volunteer programs, cultural partnerships, or events that bring students and residents together.
6. What opportunities exist for collaboration among teachers?
Collaboration is one of the fundamental ways of creating a school culture that is not only supportive but also creative and open to new ideas. You may want to investigate whether teachers collaborate in professional learning teams, how frequently planning meetings take place, and whether there is time allocated in the schedules for joint preparation.
7. How are student behaviour and discipline managed?
Every school has its own different set of rules and procedures when it comes to managing behaviour in the classroom. You can inquire about the school's approach to discipline and how welfare staff are supported when problems occur. Some institutions resort to restorative practices, while others continue to use traditional methods.
8. How does the school assess student progress?
There can be big differences between the various curriculums in regard to assessment practices. Understand whether the school conducts standardised tests, teacher-designed tests, or portfolio-based evaluation. Ask how often students get assessed and in what ways progress is reported to parents.
9. What support is available for new teachers?
Joining a new school, arguably, especially when it is in a foreign country, can be quite overwhelming. Find out what kind of induction or orientation is being provided. Are there mentor schemes, buddy systems, or activities for new staff? A thoroughly planned onboarding process is a demonstration of the school caring for the staff's welfare and that it wants you to successfully settle in.
10. What do you personally enjoy about working here?
Asking this question gives your interviewer a chance to highlight the positive aspects of the school, which can be very helpful for you. Their response can reveal the school's strengths, the staff atmosphere, and what makes it an enjoyable place to work. If possible, try to arrange a conversation with someone from the department you'll be joining as it's a great way to gain an even deeper insight into daily life at the school.
Making your interview count
An interview should never feel like an interrogation—it's a dialogue. When you ask meaningful questions, you show initiative, curiosity, and professional maturity. More importantly, you gather the information needed to make an informed choice about your next teaching role.
Each of these ten questions helps you look beyond salary and benefits to understand the environment where you'll teach, grow, and live.
