Can I teach in international schools with pre-primary teacher training?
Some international schools hire early-years teachers and assistants with pre-primary training, but lead teacher posts usually need a bachelor's degree, a teaching qualification or licence recognised in that country, and experience with curricula such as EYFS, IB PYP or Montessori. A PG Diploma in Pre-Primary Teacher Training or the International Teaching Diploma can strengthen a graduate's profile.
What this means in practice
International schools in the Gulf and South-East Asia often start new early-years staff as assistants and promote from within.
What international schools look for
- Degree and teaching credentials
- Early-years curriculum knowledge (EYFS, IB PYP, Montessori)
- Fluent English
- Safeguarding training
- Reflective, play-based practice
How to build your profile
Learn the EYFS framework, gain experience in a play-based setting, take safeguarding training and collect references.
Building international experience step by step
Many teachers reach international schools in stages: early-years training and local experience, then a role in a bilingual or international school at home, then a move abroad. Each step adds evidence of play-based practice in English. Keep a portfolio with lesson plans, photos of learning environments (without children's faces) and references. International recruiters value reflective practitioners who can explain why they teach the way they do.
Practical next steps
- Choose target schools and read their job requirements.
- Take the PG Diploma or International Teaching Diploma if you are a graduate.
- Gain play-based classroom experience.
Common follow-up questions
Which APTTI course suits international schools?
Graduates often choose the PG Diploma or International Teaching Diploma.
Is EYFS covered?
The course covers early-years methods; read the UK EYFS framework as well.
Sources
- UK Department for Education: Early Years Foundation Stage framework
- APTTI: International Teaching Diploma
Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.