“I’m sure I blew one interview by expressing my desire to get experience in a program they didn’t offer, and expressing my distaste for the one they did. Oops. I’d mistakenly thought they did offer that program!”

When interviewing at an international school recruitment fair, it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be 100% knowledgeable about every school you speak with. You might do some final research the night before—or scroll through notes on your phone while waiting in line—but even then, details can blur. Add nerves, jet lag, and back-to-back interviews, and it’s easy to momentarily forget facts you did know.

We live in an era where instant access to information is the norm. Searching for answers is no longer limited to Google alone. Today, candidates rely on a mix of school websites, social media, LinkedIn, YouTube, campus tours, Reddit threads, WhatsApp groups, and educator forums. With smartphones always in our pockets, information is rarely more than a few taps away. As international educators, there’s now an expectation—not just an option—to arrive informed.

At the same time, the sheer volume of available information has changed how we research. We don’t just look things up anymore; we filter, compare, and cross-check. Before presenting at a conference, leading a workshop, or writing a blog post, most of us verify sources, scan multiple perspectives, and check whether information is current. Research has become ongoing, layered, and continuous.

Nowhere is this more important than when searching for a new international school position. Securing a job abroad isn’t just a career move—it’s a life decision. We research the school, the leadership team, the host country, the city, and increasingly, the lived experience of teachers who work there. We want to know not only what a school promises, but how it actually functions day to day.

School websites are often beautifully designed and carefully curated, but they rarely tell the full story. That’s why educators today turn to professional networks, alumni contacts, closed Facebook groups, Telegram chats, and informal word-of-mouth. Speaking to current or former staff—or someone who knows someone—is often where the most honest and practical insights emerge.

Researching international school positions is, in many ways, half the application process. Reviewing multiple schools, contracts, locations, and benefits packages takes time and energy. Doing this thoroughly for several schools at once can quickly become overwhelming, especially while still teaching full-time.

For international teachers, the research burden is heavier than in most professions. You’re not just evaluating a job—you’re assessing an entire lifestyle. Visa conditions, healthcare access, cost of living, housing quality, travel opportunities, safety, and cultural fit all matter. At the same time, you need clarity about your own priorities: career progression, savings potential, relationships, family needs, and personal wellbeing. Starting over in a new country, language, and culture can be deeply rewarding—but also challenging.

It’s also worth remembering that much of what we find online represents interpretation rather than objective truth. Reviews and comments reflect individual experiences, expectations, and timing. A school can feel very different depending on leadership changes, cohort dynamics, or even global events. Research remains essential, but it works best when paired with curiosity, perspective, and an open mind. No platform—no matter how comprehensive—captures the full reality.

One of the most effective ways to gather structured, community-driven insight about thousands of international schools worldwide is through International School Community. Each school has its own profile page, organized into four key sections: School, Benefits, City, and Travel. These sections allow educators to share experiences, compare realities, and support one another in making informed decisions—something that has become increasingly valuable in today’s complex international education landscape.