Majority of Kenyan teachers have shown great interest in working abroad in the recent years with foreign nations receiving an influx of teachers ready to render services in those countries under Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyan teachers.
Many foreign countries are experiencing teacher shortages which has necessitated importation of teachers from other countries especially in Africa.
Many foreign nations have shown a higher demand for Kenyan teachers since they perceive them to be hardworking with strong command in English. Similarly, these teachers have also undergone rigorous professional training which makes them stand out among the rest.
If you are a Kenyan teacher and wishes to work abroad for professional growth, international exposure and better pay than home country, then seeking these opportunities abroad will be the biggest stride you will make in your professional journey.
In this post, we will guide you on the countries offering these opportunities for Kenyan teachers, the requirements needed, how to apply for these opportunities and further tips on how to be successful in your application.
Why Many Kenyan Teachers Want to Work Abroad
Many Kenyan teachers seek teaching opportunities abroad for various reasons which include;
- Better Salaries– Teachers in Kenya are attracted by the huge salaries paid in foreign countries when compared with what is paid at home. Some countries pay teachers up to 10 times the salaries they receive in Kenya. Other countries provide salaries without subjecting them to taxation.
- Better Working Conditions– Schools in foreign countries have small sized classes with modern teaching facilities and resources which attract many Kenyan teachers.
- Professional Development – Some teachers yearn for foreign teaching jobs in order to gain international experience that improve their teaching career.
- Exposure to different Education Curricula– Kenyan teachers get to understand how different Education systems work like the British curriculum, American Curriculum and even Cambridge Curriculum.
Countries That Commonly Recruit Kenyan Teachers
There are many countries in the world that demand teaching services from Kenyan teachers. These countries include;
(1) United Kingdom
This Country recruit teachers from across the world but particularly from Kenya due to teacher shortage in the Country.
What are the Key features of Jobs In United Kingdom?
- Competitive Salaries huge than Kenya
- Opportunities to work in United Kingdom public schools
- Clear professional development guidelines
What are the Requirements for Teachers to teach in United Kingdom?
- One must be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
- Teaching experience of 2 years from a recognized institution. Other experiences required include ability to handle large classes, using modern methods of teaching, preparation of professional documents and being able to teach a competency based curriculum.
- English Proficiency where teachers must confirm that they are able to communicate with learners, parents and colleagues in English.
- One must be a registered teacher.
What are the Subjects that are high on Demand in United Kingdom for Kenyans?
If you are a teacher with experience in the following subjects, you have an upper hand in securing a chance in UK.
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Special Needs Education
In addition to the above requirements, one also need to be in possession of a passport, work visa and police clearance.
How can I apply for United Kingdom Teaching jobs?
A number of Kenyan teachers who secure jobs in the UK make their applications through;
- International Recruitment Agencies like quantum scholars, Bounce teachers, propero teaching among others.
- Direct Application to UK Schools via the link https://teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/utm
- Teacher recruitment program supported by UK government.
Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyan teachers
(2) United Arab Emirates
Many Kenyan teachers can also secure teaching jobs in the United Arab Emirates. Some of the benefits these teachers enjoy while in the United Arab Emirates include;
- Tax free salaries
- Annual flight tickets
- Free Accomodation
- Health insurance
Who are the common employers in United Arab Emirates schools?
Schools in united Arab Emirates that recruit Kenyans include;
- International Schools
- Government Sponsored schools
- Private Institutions
What are the Subjects that are on demand in United Arab Emirates schools?
Teachers teaching the following subjects have a higher chance of securing teaching jobs in United Arab Emirates;
- Mathematics
- English
- Sciences
- ICT
- Special Needs Education
What are the requirements for United Arab Emirates Teaching jobs?
- Bachelor’s degree in Education
- Teaching Experience of 2-3 years in international school or a national school
- Teacher must be registered
- English language proficiency
- Passport and work Visa
- Medical Examination report
- Police clearance
What are the salary Expectations for teachers in United Arab Emirates?
Teachers teaching the above mentioned subjects can earn a salary of between Ksh. 280,000 and Ksh. 560,000 per month.
3. United States of America
Due to shortage of teachers in subjects like mathematics, science and Special Needs Education, the United States offers Kenyan teachers teaching these subjects opportunities in their schools.
In the united States , teaching opportunities are offered to Kenyan teachers through the Cultural Exchange Program and not on permanent immigration.
Most teachers from Kenya enter the united states of America using the J-1 visitor Visa Program which allows these teachers to work for three years. The Visa is extendable up to a maximum f 5 years.
This program promotes cultural exchange between the Kenyan teachers and American students.
What are the Basic Requirements for United States Cultural Exchange Program?
- Bachelor’s degree in Education with specialization in listed subjects
- Certification from registration body in Kenya, TSC.
- Teaching experience of 2 years full time engagement.
- English Language Proficiency where some programs may require IELTS and TOEFL tests.
What are the Subjects on Demand for United States Cultural Exchange Program?
Subjects that are high on demand include;
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Special Needs Education
- Computer Science
- Foreign Languages
Teachers with specialization in STEM subjects stand a high chance for this program.
What are the salary Expectations for teachers Under the United States Cultural Exchange Program?
The salaries teachers receive in the united States depends on the state and district of teaching.
Typically, teachers in United States earn a salary ranging from Ksh. 4.5 Million to Ksh. 7.7 Million annually.
Teachers on top of their salary receive health insurance package, relocation support and professional development.
How can I Apply for United States Cultural Exchange Program?
The most common application platform is participate learning which is responsible for recruiting Kenyan teachers
You can apply by clicking on the link https://www.participatelearning.com/international-teachers/apply/.
While applying ensure that you check eligibility first then complete online application.
Once your application goes through, you will be required to attend the virtual interviews where you will be required to answer some questions pertaining to teaching career.
Once you have successfully gone through the virtual interview, you will be required to submit your documents where you will be matched with a US school.
Once a school selects you, you will be issued with visa sponsorship and travel documents to the U.S.
You can also submit your application via the following links;
4. China
Every year, china hires teachers from Kenya and other international countries. Teachers who would wish to work in China receive the following Benefits:
- Free Accomodation
- Paid Holidays
- Cultural experience
- Better salary package
Many Kenyans who work in China schools, teach in Language schools, universities and international schools.
Teachers of English are high on demand in china. Therefore, they have high stakes of working in china.
5. Thailand
Kenyans also find teaching opportunities in Thailand due to the shortage of teachers witnessed in this country.
Those who wish to work in Thailand need to be in possession of Bachelor’s degree in education with a TEFL certification.
These teaches are given affordable housing, friendly working conditions and cultural experience.
Where can Kenyan Teachers find Teaching Jobs Abroad?
There are fraudulent sites that lure teachers who end up losing their resources. Therefore, teachers need to know the legitimate platforms that are responsible for this recruitment. These platforms include;
- International Schools websites
- Global teaching jobs Websites like TES Global, Teach away and Schrole. These platforms list many teaching opportunities.
What are the Challenges that teachers face while teaching abroad?
- Scammers posing as recruiters where they charge enormous fees for nonexistent jobs.
- Cultural Differences where you need to adapt to rules and cultures.
- Work Permits where some countries have stricter visa requirements.
CONCLUSION
Teaching jobs abroad for Kenyan teachers
If you are a Kenya teacher, strive to teach abroad since the benefits are more than in the home country. Once you secure an opportunity abroad, you enjoy better salaries, professional development and international exposure where you learn new cultures and rules.
Teachers interested in the opportunities ought to research properly on these opportunities and ensure they place their applications via legitimate platforms.
Therefore, teachers with required experience with the right qualifications from Kenya stand a chance of securing these opportunities around the globe that will handsomely and wholesomely reward you.
