How I Landed My First Teaching Job Abroad

Then the doubt crept in. What if I hated it? What if I got into the classroom after getting my master's and realized teaching wasn’t for me? I needed to test the waters first, but I also wanted to explore the possibility of living in another country, now that I knew it was an option. That’s when the research began.

I did a simple google search about teaching in different countries and I found a company called Edvectus. At the time, it was the only free recruitment company I could find, so I wasted no time creating a profile. Soon, I was paired with a recruiter who was kind and helpful—but to be honest, I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about!

He was using terminology and discussing contracts, benefits, and countries I had never considered. Then, he asked me a question that would change my life: “Would you be open to teaching in Kuwait?” Having literally no prior knowledge about Kuwait, I said, “Sure, why not?” A few days later, I had my interview, and shortly after that, I landed the job. Just like that, I was set to move halfway across the world.

The most surreal part of this journey happened during a senior seminar. Every week, students shared where they got their teaching jobs, and, of course, I eagerly shared my news. That’s when a staff member told me something that literally had me SHOOK. Apparently, an adjunct professor in the education department--THAT I HAD NEVER MET IN MY FOUR YEARS AT SMPSON—had also taught in Kuwait! I couldn’t believe it. How had I never crossed paths with her before? It felt like fate. I got her number, sat with her, and asked her every question I could think of. I even recorded our conversation because I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t waste. At that moment, everything felt aligned. I knew I had made the right decision.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of timing and alignment. There were so many small, seemingly insignificant moments that had to fall into place for this to happen. From choosing to become a teacher to getting accepted into Simpson, from deciding to teach abroad to randomly landing a job in Kuwait—it all led me to that conversation with someone who had walked this path before me. It was a reminder that when you follow your true calling, the universe conspires to put the right people and opportunities in your path.

So, if you’ve been looking for a sign to take the leap and teach abroad, THIS IS IT. You never know where one decision might lead you, the connections you might make, or the incredible journey that’s waiting for you. If I had let fear hold me back, I never would have had this life-changing experience. Trust that everything is aligning for you too—and take that first step!

If you need more guidance then snag my ebook where I go into depth about teaching abroad in Kuwait and Qatar! You can grab it here: Beyond Borders: Your RoadMap to Teaching in the Middle East.