personal statement for teaching abroad

How to Put Teaching Abroad on Your Resume

Here’s how to put teaching abroad on your resume, broken down by different industries..

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Teaching abroad is an exciting way to spend time in a foreign country and make money while you travel and fulfill a quest to see the world.

It’s also an experience that is all but guaranteed to keep on giving, long into your future. Teaching is far from the only job your time in a classroom overseas can help you land. Even after the adventure ends, you’ll have gained valuable skills and experiences that can help propel your career forward, no matter what career you’d like to pursue.

Many applicants choose to include a summary or objective section at the top of their resume. This can be a good place to call out your international experience with phrases such as “well-rounded candidate with international experience,” “global thinker” or “with work experience in [insert country here].”

If you developed any language skills while teaching abroad, you’ll also want to make sure you call this out on your resume either in the summary or a separate skills section. Be sure to include the level of your language skills, be it beginner, intermediate, advanced or fluent and make sure you are honest. Future employers will easily be able to call your bluff.

The work experience section is where you will want to really hone in on the skills you acquired teaching. Depending on the field you are interested in working in, you’ll want to highlight different skills in this section that you developed overseas. Here’s how to put teaching abroad on your resume, broken down by different industries.

If You Want to Work in Communications After Teaching Abroad...

Communications professionals need to demonstrate strong skills in the areas of writing, speaking or even visual storytelling. It may go without saying, but if you’re applying for a job in the field of communications, you’ll want to emphasize the communication skills you gained while teaching overseas.

A helpful hint: read the job description of the position you are applying for and highlight all verbs that relate to communications such as write, deliver, craft or present. Then write a line in your resume that showcases your experiences executing these verbs in the classroom overseas.

Sample phrases you might include on your resume:

Displayed cross-cultural communication skills while teaching English in the Dominican Republic.

Wrote lesson plans to teach Dominican students English vocabulary, grammar as well as the history of the United States and varied topics in science.

Displayed strong public skills while presenting lesson plans to a classroom of thirty students.

If You Want to Work in Business After Teaching Abroad...

The world continues to shrink as society becomes more and more global. Businesses increasingly look to not only be present in one country but go international. Translation: your experience abroad navigating another culture has never been more important.

In the field of business, communication skills that demonstrate your cultural competence can help you put a stronger foot forward. By living abroad you’ve already demonstrated your aptitude to adapt to other cultures. Roles in the field of business also tend to be quite analytical. As a teacher abroad you demonstrated analytical skills whether you realize it or not, by testing students’ and deciding how to close their gaps in knowledge.

Successfully navigated the Slavic culture while living and teaching abroad in India for one school year.

Enhanced cultural understanding between India and the United States while teaching in a classroom setting.

Analyzed students’ knowledge in the fields of history and English grammar and developed lesson plans to close knowledge gaps and help students achieve a higher performance.

If You Want to Work in Engineering After Teaching Abroad...

To pursue a career in the field of engineering you’ll likely need a degree in the field or at least some related work or internship experience. However, teaching abroad can give you real world experience that can strengthen several key skills you’ll need to thrive in the world of engineering.

Math, science, and technology aside, jobs in engineering involve project management skills -- something you’ve proven as you’ve managed a classroom full of students. As an engineer you won’t be working alone -- projects usually involve working in small or large teams --, and teamwork skills, as well as communication skills, will be needed for you to have success.

Served as team leader of a group of ESOL teachers in our efforts to plan and execute a Thanksgiving holiday event for a High School in Ghana.

Demonstrated project management skills while planning and executing lesson plans to teach English in Ghana.

Enhanced cross-cultural communication skills while teaching English at a High School in Ghana.

If You Want to Work in International Relations After Teaching Abroad...

In the field of International Relations, demonstrating your experience navigating, understanding, and thriving in other cultures apart from your own is of the utmost importance. That you have spent time living and working in another country is an experience that will certainly set you on the right path of pursuing a career in this field.

In addition to your cultural competence, you will also want to highlight teamwork, communication, adaptability and global thinking skills on your resume. These are all qualities necessary for working with other cultures in the broad field of international relations, be it in a business, non-profit, government, or education institutional setting.

Adapted to a new culture while living in Beijing and working as a team to teach English as a Second Language to a class of 30 Elementary school students.

Demonstrated cross-cultural understanding and communication skills by planning, developing and executing lesson plans to teach core English concepts to elementary school students in China.

Utilized advanced Mandarin language skills.

If You Want to Continue Teaching After Teaching Abroad...

It would be remiss if we did not mention how teaching abroad can get you a job actually teaching upon your return home. While most teaching jobs in the public school system require additional certification, your teach abroad experience can help you land a position teaching at a private or charter school, or even help you get accepted into a teaching certification program.

Some teach abroad programs may have a reputation for being light on the actual teaching experience, so if you are applying for a teaching position back home, you will want to position your time in the classroom as strongly as possible. Include examples of the methods you used to teach, your leadership experience in the classroom and any standards you helped your students meet (or exceed). Of course, if you earned any certifications as part of your experience teaching abroad, of course you will also mention these. Also, if you are interested in teaching a specific subject such as a language or history that directly relates to the country you taught abroad in, be sure to mention this.

Researched, wrote, and executed lesson plans to teach a classroom of 28 Czech students 25 classroom hours per week.

Effective teaching methods resulted in a 90% pass rate for grade three students on National English Examination.

Earned TESOL certification while doing coursework to supplement classroom experience at an elementary school in Prague.

If You Want to Attend Graduate School After Teaching Abroad...

Graduate school is a common next step for many people who use their time teaching abroad as a sort of gap year in between finishing university and starting an advanced degree. Teaching overseas can give you some great “real-world” experience that will not only make pursuing an advanced degree more meaningful, but also help you stand out amongst other applicants who may be applying directly from finishing an undergraduate degree.

Graduate schools are looking to see you have the skills needed to thrive in the program you are applying to as well as the commitment to finish a challenging degree. Your personal statement can be a strategic place to highlight your time overseas and the way it shaped you into a stronger candidate who is aptly prepared for the program of study. A mentor teacher from your classroom may also be a good choice to write a recommendation letter.

Enhanced public speaking and cross-cultural communication skills while teaching a classroom of 32 students 20 hours per week.

Demonstrated a strong commitment to students’ success by volunteering to lead an after school program that tutored students in the fields of science, math, and English language.

Advanced knowledge of South Korean history, language, and culture while living in Seoul and teaching in a middle school classroom setting.

As a Former Teacher, You Have Unique Skills

The fact that you have taught abroad is something that will set you apart from other candidates as you hunt for your next job. As you can see, no matter what field you desire to pursue, there’s a way to position your experience teaching abroad on your resume that will prove to future employers (or admissions counselors) that you are a well-rounded, cultured candidate with unique skills that will bring value to any team.

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Teaching personal statement examples

Giving you the chance to show why you'd be a great teacher, your personal statement is an important part of your application and worth taking the time over

What is a teaching personal statement?

Your personal statement is used to explain why you want to become a teacher and your suitability for the role. While your application form briefly outlines your qualifications, skills and work experience, your teaching personal statement is where your personality shines through.

Take your time with it. Many candidates often spend a few weeks on this part of the application as you don't have to write it all at once. You should get someone to read over it and be prepared to receive constructive feedback and write a few drafts before you send it off.

It's important to:

• use examples based on your recent teaching experience
• tailor your personal statement according to the school/age group
• use good, clear, written English, using first person terms such as 'my' and 'I'
• be original and honest
• avoid clichés and general statements, such as 'I've always wanted to teach'
• demonstrate a passion for teaching.

While it's crucial to get it right, your teaching personal statement is only a small part of the application process. Find out how else you'll need to prepare to  get a teaching job .

How to write a personal statement for teaching

Your personal statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words. It's crucial that you  don't copy  and that the statement you provide is  your own work .

This is your opportunity to:

• write about any relevant skills and experience you have
• explain your understanding of why teaching is important
• detail why you want to become a teacher
• list any extra skills or experience you have, such as volunteering or first aid.

See  personal statements for postgraduate applications  for more guidance.

The nature of your personal statement will vary, depending on the type of teaching you'd like to pursue. Take a look at some of our example personal statements to get an idea of how they differ.

Personal statement for PGCE primary

As well as focusing on roles in which you've gained experience with primary-age children, a PGCE primary personal statement should demonstrate your well-rounded personality and any skills that could be useful for the range of extra-curricular activities primary schools provide (such as the ability to read music for recorder lessons, or drama experience to help with school plays).

Personal statement for PGCE secondary

Many good PGCE secondary personal statements acknowledge the challenges involved in teaching older pupils and provide examples of where the candidate has worked to overcome these problems. As secondary teaching roles are geared towards teaching a specific subject, training providers are looking for more evidence of your subject and degree knowledge.

Personal statement for School Direct

If you're applying for the salaried School Direct route, you should discuss the experience you've gained in the classroom prior to your application. One of your references will need to be from an employer, or someone who can comment on your work ethic and suitability for teaching. Don't worry if your degree is unrelated to the subject you'd like to teach - you may still be able to apply by completing a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course .

Find out more

• Discover how to structure a teaching CV .
• Find out what it's really like to be a primary or secondary school teacher .
• Search postgraduate courses in teaching .

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How to write the perfect teaching personal statement

Application and interview, tes editorial.

When applying for a new job, you may be competing with tens or hundreds of other applicants in a race for the role.

The HR manager or headteacher recruiting for the job will be scrutinising every detail of your application to make sure they are bringing in the right people for interview.

The application form is the first hurdle you have to get over and sets the first impression of you as a person in the recruiter’s mind.

• Advice on honing your job search
• How to write a personal statement for teacher training
• How to write a must-read CV

The personal statement: why does it matter? 

The personal statement presents the perfect opportunity to show you are an exceptional candidate, understand teaching and know the school you are applying to.

It is not an easy task and is a tricky thing to get right. It requires being concise and clear – it shouldn’t be too long or read like a list.

You should talk about yourself and your professional achievements, while at the same time apply those experiences to the school itself.

We spoke to Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , about what goes into the perfect personal statement. Here's what he said:

What does a great teaching personal statement look like?

"In general, I would say no longer than two sides of A4 – typescript. It needs to be well structured and linked to the specific school. It will need to include a number of key areas, including behavioural management, educational philosophy, subject expertise, pedagogy, personal organisation and skills and enrichment activities that the candidate can bring."

What should it contain?

"I would recommend that candidates include three elements in each of the key areas:

• What their beliefs/philosophy/approach is – i.e., the theory
• Their experience in that area
• How they would use that experience in the school they are applying to and specific to the job they are applying for

The statement should also include something personal in terms of their outside interests to indicate that they live an interesting and well-balanced life."

What are school leaders looking to read in a good personal statement?

"They will want to see something of the person’s character come through. It must not be just a list of achievements or repeat of the CV. It needs to be well-written, error-free and mention the school they are applying for – but not too many times. It should read as if it has been specifically written for the school and job they are applying for. I would be looking for something similar to the approach I have indicated above, covering all of the key areas and indicating that they have a vocation for working with young people. Somehow I would like to see a ‘generosity of spirit’ come through in the statement."

How can a candidate stand out in a personal statement?

"A good personal statement needs to include something of the person themselves. It has to make the reader believe that the candidate has something special without bragging or appearing arrogant – but something a bit above what other candidates may offer. A really good introduction and ending are important, and it's worth spending a great deal of time crafting those sections of the statement. Hook the reader in at the beginning and finish on a high note so that they want to meet the person and explore what has been written."

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How to write a great CV for your international teaching job

Writing a CV is not only the first step in the application process when searching for international school jobs, but it is the most crucial.  If your CV doesn’t stand out from the crowd you won’t make it through to an interview, where you have an opportunity to sell your international teaching skills even further.

In this blog post, Alexis Toye, Co-Founder of Teacher Horizons, shares some essential hints and tips to help breathe new life into your CV and get you noticed by international schools. Download a copy of our CV template and start working on your CV now!

How do I write a good CV for teaching?

The Teacher Horizons team reviews thousands of CVs each every year. We have used our 50+ years combined recruitment experience to put together our best advice. Follow our top tips to get you from CV to Interview stage in your next international teaching job. 

Step one is to  join our Teacher Horizons community  and create a free teacher profile.

International teaching CV do’s and don’ts 

Chances are you are actually jeopardizing your chances of getting an international teaching job because of your CV or resume.  We’d estimate that at least half of the CVs Teacher Horizons receives actually harm a teacher’s chances of achieving an interview. Having an awareness of what can hinder your chances at the CV stage is crucial. 

Do keep your international teaching CV short and concise

Less is really more. This is where we advise no more than two sides for a teacher and three sides for a senior leadership role. How do I keep my CV short and concise when I have a lot of experience, you ask? Just stick to the facts. It is sometimes tempting to want to elaborate and exaggerate. Stick to facts about what you actually achieved. This includes evidence-based achievements and references rather than opinion-based statements. 

I worked with the team to produce an extra-curricular program based on x…

I am a wonderful teacher and team player.  

While you want your CV to be short and concise you also want it to be uniquely yours. Personalize your CV without going over the top. You can include a link to a video of your teaching demo, or a photo of your classroom to make yourself stand out, but don’t go overboard. No funky designs or fonts, please. 

Check your presentation and formatting

Presentation and format are crucial as part of international teaching recruitment the recruiter will be scanning loads of CVs.  The CV needs to be scannable—that means, clear and mistake-free. Even though the CV is being scanned, mistakes will jump out and unfortunately leave a lasting impression

 The order of your international teaching CV matters 

Start with your latest, most recent work experience first. This must be near the top of the pages as it is what recruiters will look for immediately when they are scanning CVs. Further down you have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. 

Your document type matters

There are so many different versions of Word out there, which can really mess up your CV’s formatting. Make sure you save it as a PDF; that way it will look the same on any computer even if they don’t have Word! Learn how to save documents as PDFs.

Check your spelling and grammar

This one is really important. Triple-check your spelling and grammar. We recommend getting someone to proofread it for you as it can be difficult to spot your own mistakes. 

Pro-tip: download Grammarly on Google Chrome and have it instantly check for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation mistakes for you.

Include confidential references as part of your international teaching application.

What to avoid on your international teaching CV

Do not have a long personal statement 

Start with a long personal statement. 3-4 sentences stating what you are looking for is fine, but don’t blow your trumpet about what you’ll offer the school here. Most schools skip this bit, anyway.

Do not flood your CV with acronyms 

The world of international education is filled with acronyms, and it is people in the same field who will be looking at the CV. it will still feel very confusing to have to translate every acronym. We suggest writing the acronym out the first time and then using the acronym if used repeatedly.

Example: Professional Development (PD)

Do not go overboard with formatting 

Some CVs look stunning but are very difficult to read. Excessive colour or design can result in critical information getting lost or schools losing interest in finding it.

The next step is the interview stage! Read our hints and tips on how to nail your Zoom interview .

FAQ’s for International Teacher CV & Resumes

Should I include a photo on my international teaching CV ? 

We’d recommend adding a small professional yet friendly photo to the top right of your CV. Definitely worth smiling, so not a passport photo! Take a look at our team page for examples of friendly yet professional photos. 

Should I include personal information like hobbies and extracurricular activities on my international teaching CV? 

Given you’ll be moving home as well as jobs, the head teacher will want to know a bit about you to give them an idea as to whether you’ll fit in and have interesting activities to offer at school. Extra-curricular activities are one of the joys of teaching in the international education sector.

Once your CV is looking great, upload it to your Teacher Horizons profile and ask your adviser for feedback. If it doesn’t upload, you may need to compress it .

We have an abundance of international schools using Teacher Horizons. Our profiles give them access to all the documents they need. Therefore, make sure all your information is available.  You can upload references (this is confidential, don’t worry!) . Make sure your references are from senior supervisors, Deputy Head and above, and request them to professional email addresses rather than a Gmail or Yahoo address. 

Update your profile page  or learn how to add the details of your references and complete your profile so that you can start the search for your dream job!

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Writing the perfect personal statement

Written by Emma Johnston

Thinking about applying for a new teaching position? With so many roles available on Eteach , there are sometimes hundreds of applications for each post. So how can you make sure that your personal statement (or cover letter) stands out from the crowd?

Showcase your strengths

Probably the most important part of any job application (particularly those relating to teaching roles) is the personal statement. Most schools require applicants to fill in forms rather than include a CV, so this is your chance to show off just how suitable you are for the position. Make sure that you match your skills and experiences to the job specification closely - include any year groups or subjects you have taught that are relevant to the role advertised, as well as general teaching areas that you feel are strengths, such as deployment of additional adults, creativity, or behaviour management.

Be creative

An effective way to ensure that your personal statement stands out from the outset is to include an interesting opening sentence. This could be expressing your excitement about finding the vacancy, a reference to a particular accomplishment of yours or even something humorous or surprising. Once you have caught the reader’s attention, you need to maintain it, so it is a good idea to vary your sentence structure and keep the content interesting and relevant.

Do your research

The school staff advertising the position will be looking for somebody who will fit in with the school’s ethos and environment. This means that you must tailor your personal statement closely to the school. Explain why you are attracted to the school and why you think you would be a good fit. Flattery gets you everywhere, so do your best to highlight the school’s strengths and positive aspects. If possible, I would always recommend trying to plan a visit to the school in advance, or even an informal telephone call with the headteacher, so that you can ask questions and get a feel for the place.

Do your research and have a look at their website and Ofsted report, then try to quote aspects from these in your letter, along with how your skills and experience fit in. Headteachers are looking for staff who can bring something extra to the school and meet their needs. For example, if the school is known for having quite challenging students, write about your behaviour management skills and how you have developed positive relationships with pupils in the past.

Express to impress

Headteachers also want to know that you are going to be enthusiastic and committed, so it is important to express through your cover letter just how much you love teaching. Provide real-life examples of when you have really made a difference to your pupils and added value to the lesson. You need to demonstrate that you are willing to go the extra mile for the students in your class. If this is going to be your first teaching role since completing your teacher training, then use examples from your placements or even non-teaching experiences that may be relevant.

Extra-curricular experience

Additional experiences all count towards making your application stand out. If you provide tuition (which you can do through our very own Education Boutique ) or take part in volunteering in your spare time, be sure to include this. Likewise, if you have any specific skills, such as knowledge of working with learners with special educational needs or experience preparing pupils for national assessments, do not forget to add this in. Include any extracurricular hobbies, interests or skills that you have – if you are fluent in Mandarin or an expert chess player, you could run an after-school club. Schools are keen to employ anybody who can expand their staff’s skillset.

End on a high note

When completing your personal statement, try to end on a positive note and thank your potential employer for taking the time to consider you. Don’t forget to proofread and ask somebody else to have a read if you can - a fresh pair of eyes is always useful.

Whichever role you are applying for, do not be disheartened if you aren’t successful. Eteach makes it easy to submit your details using our ‘Fast Apply’ tool, so you have the opportunity to apply for any vacancies that look like they might be a good match for you. With so many teaching jobs at your fingertips both in the UK and overseas, the world is your oyster. Search jobs

About the author

Emma johnston.

After graduating with a BA in Communications from Bournemouth University, Emma worked in public relations and marketing before deciding to undertake a PGCE at Kingston University and begin her journey as a primary school teacher. Emma taught for 15 years in schools around London and Surrey, in a variety of roles including lead practitioner and assistant headteacher. Emma now works for Eteach as Education Partnerships Coordinator, where she can share her knowledge of the education sector and support those beginning their teaching career.

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Writing a Personal Statement

Going for your first NQT post can be a daunting prospect... especially when in teaching, you need to write a personal statement to support your application form.

Schools use your personal statement to help short list candidates for a position by checking off the criteria of the person specification that they can see in your statement. It is always a good idea to write your personal statement alongside the person specification, ensuring that you have included all the "essential" criteria and as much of the "desirable" criteria you can that are assessed through the application.

Where possible, you should also use the language of the school you are applying to - their vision, values, mission and ethos statements will help you here and should be available on the school's website. You will also sometimes find these in the application pack. Read this carefully and then read it again, reading between the lines of what they might be looking for.

Here is an example of the structure of a personal statement for a trainee teacher applying for their first NQT job:

Begin with an impact statement that summarises your philosophy on teaching or that refers to the mission/vision/values/ethos of the school you are applying to:

I believe that it is, as Einstein said, the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. As a passionate teacher, dedicated to ensuring the very best outcomes for all students I teach, this statement resonates with me as I endeavour to awaken joy in all of the learners within my classroom. It was your belief all young people have the right to a transformational educational experience, that will enable them, no matter what their starting point, to fulfil their potential and realise their ambitions that first attracted me to your school as it aligns with my own personal and professional philosophy on education.

Throughout my practice, I constantly encourage pupils to participate and contribute in an atmosphere highly conducive to learning. I have consistently set high expectations of pupils in different training contexts. There are high levels of mutual respect between me and pupils. I am very effective in promoting learners’ resilience, confidence and independence when tackling challenging activities. In my lesson, I generate high levels of enthusiasm, participation and commitment to learning.

Back this up with an example from your training.

I have also assumed a high level of responsibility for the attainment progress and outcomes of the pupils I have taught. I have demonstrated confident judgement in planning for pupil progression both within individual lessons and over time and I am able to articulate a clear and well-justified rationale as to how I am building on prior achievement. Within my lessons, I seek to actively promote engaging and effective methods that support pupils in reflecting on their learning. I have demonstrated that I am able to set appropriately challenging tasks, drawing on a sound knowledge of the pupils’ prior attainment, which has been obtained through systematic and accurate assessment. I regularly create opportunities for independent and autonomous learning. As a result the majority of pupils make very good progress.

In order to plan effective lessons, I draw on my in-depth subject and curriculum knowledge of [your subject or phase] to plan confidently for progression and to stimulate and capture pupils’ interest. Throughout my training, I have demonstrated very well-developed pedagogical subject knowledge, by anticipating common errors and misconceptions in my planning. I am astutely aware of my own development needs in relation to extending and updating my subject, curriculum and pedagogical knowledge in my early career and have been proactive in developing these effectively during my training. I always model very high standards of written and spoken communication in all professional activities. I also successfully identify and exploit opportunities to develop learners’ skills, in communication, reading and writing.

I plan lessons that often use well-chosen, imaginative and creative strategies, and that match individuals’ needs and interests. I am highly reflective in critically evaluating my practice. I am able to accurately judge the impact of my practice on individual and groups of learners and can use my evaluation to inform future planning, teaching and learning. During my training, I have shown initiative in contributing to curriculum planning and developing and producing effective learning resources in my placement settings.

I have been able to quickly and accurately discern my learners’ strengths and needs and I have been proactive in differentiating and employing a range of effective intervention strategies to secure progression for individuals and groups. I have an astute understanding of how effective different teaching approaches are in relation to impact on learning and engagement of learners

I can confidently and accurately assess pupils’ attainment against national benchmarks. I use a range of assessment strategies very effectively in my day-to-day practice to monitor progress and to inform future planning. In my practice, I systematically and effectively check learners’ understanding throughout lessons, anticipating where intervention may be needed and do so with notable impact on the quality of learning. I have shown that I am able to assess learners’ progress regularly and work with them to accurately target further improvement and secure rapid progress.

I have been able to rapidly adapt to the different circumstances in which I have trained, working confidently within the frameworks established in different settings and applying rules and routines consistently and fairly. I have also demonstrated an ability to adapt to remote working and remote delivery in response to the Global Pandemic. I consistently have high expectations and understand a range of strategies that experienced teachers use to promote positive behaviour and apply these very effectively, including use of school sanctions and rewards, and use of praise, in order to create an environment highly supportive of learning. I am able to manage pupil behaviour with ease so that learners display very high levels of engagement, courtesy, collaboration and co-operation. Where it is needed, I actively seek additional support in addressing the needs of pupils where significantly challenging behaviour is demonstrated.

During my training, I have been proactive in seeking out opportunities to contribute in a significant way to the wider life and ethos of the school. I have built strong professional relationships and have demonstrated that I am able to work collaboratively with colleagues on a regular basis. I have taken responsibility for deploying support staff in my lessons and for seeking advice from relevant professionals in relation to pupils with individual needs. I deliberately seek out opportunities to develop my own professional learning and respond positively to all the feedback I receive. I have also demonstrated that I can communicate very effectively, both verbally and in writing, with parents and carers in relation to pupils’ achievements and well-being when required to do so formally, but I am also proactive in communicating in relation to individual pupils’ emergent needs.

I always treat pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher's professional position. I realise the need to safeguard pupils' well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions. I show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others. I do not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. I always ensure that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils' vulnerability or might lead them to break the law. I am always punctual and have good attendance. I have attended numerous CPD sessions and will continue to do so. I have also completed a weekly duty (before school and at break} and attends daily briefings (whole school, subject or pastoral). I have taken on board the policies of the school and maintain a high standard in all my practices. I have a good understanding of the framework within which I work and my professional duties

End with a statement that implies/assumes you will be invited for interview:

I would relish the opportunity to work at your school and look forward to discussing this further with you at interview.

You can download the word version of this

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How to write a great personal statement for a teaching job.

Vinny Potter

7 Feb 2024, 16:23

Discover our top tips on what to include in your personal statement for a teaching job and how to present your skills, knowledge, experience and attributes.

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Academies Enterprise Trust

Your personal statement is the heart of your application for work as an early career teacher and should be tailored for each role. For teaching applications this is sometimes also called a letter of application, but it is essentially the same thing. This is your opportunity to provide evidence of how you match the needs of the specific teaching job you are applying for, and earn yourself an invitation to the next stage, which is likely to be a selection day held at the school.

Writing tips for personal statements

See our example personal statement for primary school teaching, below. Imagine it was written in response to the following job advert:

We are advertising for a Year 3 Classroom Teacher. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Committed to our school and our values
• Experience across a range of age groups
• Committed to reflection and improving practice
• Knowledge of the National Curriculum
• Excellent lesson planning
• Knowledge of assessment
• Good knowledge of SEND and positive interventions
• Positive approach to provide challenge and support student success
• Excellent behaviour management
• Good communication skills with parents
• Enthusiastic and creative approach to lessons
• Willing to contribute to the wider life of the school.

See our personal statement for secondary school teaching, below. Imagine it was written in response to the following job advert:

Country High School are advertising for an enthusiastic Secondary PE Teacher. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Ability to adapt and tailor your approach for the differing needs of pupils
• Knowledge of the National Curriculum for your subject
• Knowledge of a wide range of sports
• Willing to engage in extra curricular activities and the wider life of the school
• Experience of supporting high ability students, as well as those who may be less able or motivated
• Ability to use data effectively
• Teach across all ability levels including SEND
• Ability to use Technology to enhance learning.

When completing a personal statement for a teaching job, you should typically observe the following guidelines:

• Do not write a generic statement. Instead use the person specification and job advert for the vacancy as a structure for your statement or consider using the government's Teachers' Standards if no person specification is provided.
• Do not exceed two sides of A4, unless otherwise instructed.
• Tailor your statement for each new application according to the nature of the school or LA and the advertised role.
• Always read any guidance provided – many schools and LAs will tell you how they want this section set out.
• Emphasise your individual strengths in relation to the role.
• For a pool application, make sure you give a good overview of your skills and experience.
• It is essential that you give specific examples of what you have done to back up your claims.

Primary school personal statement

Examples of a personal statements for a primary school teaching job.

Primary school personal statement example

Secondary school personal statement

See our example of a personal statement for a secondary school teaching job.

Secondary school personal statement example

What you should cover in your personal statement

When schools advertise graduate teaching jobs , they write a job description which states the essential attributes they are looking for. This is their marking criteria for the job. When they read your statement, they will usually score this based on their essential and desirable criteria. Therefore, you need to read their documents carefully to find the criteria and provide an example or evidence of each point. If the job advert does not include any documents which include their criteria, then you can use the following structure for your statement and use the Teachers’ Standards as a guide for the criteria they may be looking for.

Why you are applying for the role:

• Refer to any knowledge you have of the LA or the school, including any visits to the school and what you learned from them.
• Show you would be a good fit for the school. The best way to do this is to look at the school’s values and give an example of how you match these.
• Mention any special circumstances (for example, your religious faith) which you think are relevant.

Details about your course:

• Give an overview of your training course - including the age range and subjects covered - and any special features.
• If you are a PGCE student, mention your first degree, your dissertation (if appropriate), any classroom-based research projects and relevant modules studied. Also mention if you have studied any masters modules.

Your teaching experience:

• What year groups you have taught.
• What subjects you have covered.
• Your use and understanding of formative and summative assessment practices.

Your classroom management strategies:

• Give examples of how you planned and delivered lessons and evaluated learning outcomes, including differentiation, scaffolding etc.
• Explain how you have managed classrooms and behaviour.
• Detail your experience of working with assistants or parents in your class.

Your visions and beliefs about primary/secondary education:

• What are your beliefs about learning and your visions for the future? You could touch on areas such as learning and teaching styles and strategies.
• Reflect on key policies relevant to the age range you want to teach.

Other related experience:

• This can include information about any previous work experience.
• Include training activities you have carried out and ways in which your subject knowledge has been developed.

Other related skills and interests:

• Give details of any particular competencies, experiences or leisure interests. This will help the school to know more about you as a person and could ‘add value’ in a school environment.
• Any involvement in working with children (running clubs, youth work and summer camps) is particularly useful to include.

Aim to end on a positive note. A conclusion which displays your enthusiasm in relation to the specific application and teaching in general will enhance your application - but avoid general statements and clichés.

Written by Vinny Potter, St Marys University, Twickenham, July 2023

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How to write a teacher personal statement

Your personal statement is your first opportunity to show the school you’re a great fit for the job, and gets you closer to being shortlisted for an interview. The more you show how your skills and interests match the school’s ethos and values, the better. We’ve spoken to a range of teachers to get their top tips for success.

What experience do you have?

Schools want to hear about your trainee experience with different subjects, key stages, types of school, and working with a range of pupils.

Think about your approach to teaching, how you keep pupils engaged, and how you communicate with different kinds of people (children, staff, parents and carers). Ensure you provide evidence for how you have improved student engagement and built positive relationships with pupils.

Schools will be interested in your approach to behaviour management, so think about your go-to strategies.

Are you engaged in teaching theory and research?

Think about any research that has affected your teaching practice. Explain what has worked well and if it didn’t, what you learnt.

Are you up to date on safeguarding statutory guidance?

You need to demonstrate your awareness of the importance of safeguarding and the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education . Include any examples of how you worked with a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

What are your skills and qualities?

Are you a well-organised, confident, and motivated teacher? Say it, and provide examples! Schools are looking for great communicators, team players and relationship builders. Make sure you say how you create a positive learning environment, and consider skills like time management, organisation, and flexibility. Schools will also want to know how you overcome challenges.

How can you contribute to wider school life?

Set yourself apart by showing how your hobbies and achievements could contribute to the wider school community. Could you run an after school club or organise school trips?

Search for roles

How to craft a strong resume and cover letter to teach abroad

As you already know, creating a positive first impression is key to landing any job, and nabbing a coveted position to teach abroad is no different . However, if you’ve never applied to an international school before, you may have no clue how to impress a potential employer and increase your chances of nabbing a job offer.

No worries, we’ve got the inside scoop. Follow the tips below to maximize your odds of landing a teaching job abroad—and start a thrilling new chapter in your life!

Let’s start with the resume

Let’s start off with learning how to draft an unbeatable resume. We recommend writing your resume first because it’s essentially the blueprint for your cover letter, as it features relevant work experience, skills, and education. If you try to write your cover letter first, you’re bound to forget some key details!

Now, it’s important to clarify that the ideal teaching resume isn’t a resume at all. Rather, it’s a curriculum vitae (or CV), named after the Latin phrase that means “the course of one’s life”.

A CV is longer than your standard resume and it contains a greater level of detail. This distinction is important because newbie teachers often lack traditional teaching experience . Writing a CV, instead of a resume, allows you to expand on the reasons why you would be an exceptional teacher, such as academic honors, volunteer experience, and language skills.

Basic Information

In the United States or Canada, you would never disclose your gender or marital status on a CV. However, other countries don’t necessarily have the same privacy laws or customs as North America, so be prepared to get personal on your teaching CV. Also, factors such as your age, are important in determining whether you would qualify for a work visa so it’s understandable that schools will need to know this information upfront.

Information you may need to disclose on your CV will vary from country to country, but it could include:

• Citizenship and nationality
• Marital status
• Any valid work or residency visas

Certain countries, especially in Asia, are keen to see what their future teachers look like. So, including a headshot-style photo on your CV is a great way to get your application noticed. It’s best to have your photo taken professionally. However, if funds are tight, a friend with a good quality camera will suffice.

Put your TEFL certification first in the “education” section on your CV . Write down the accredited institution that awarded your certificate and how many hours it took to complete.

Next, include your education information, starting with your most recent school. Most international schools require teachers to hold a Bachelor’s degree , so make sure that your education information is clearly noted.

Work Experience

Let’s get into the meat of your CV: your career experience . Start with your most recent position and list your current and past jobs, while clearly stating the employment dates, each company’s name, and its location. Don’t hesitate to include volunteer positions and less formal work—like working as a babysitter, au pair, or camp counselor—especially if you’re in your early 20s and new to the working world. Any experience you have working with children counts!

Go into detail about your responsibilities, along with any accolades you may have earned, with your prospective employer in mind. Shine a spotlight on any information related to teaching, childcare, mentoring, or even working in an international milieu. These details could give you an edge over the competition.

Skills, awards, and extracurriculars

To further enhance your CV, consider adding separate sections for “skills”, “awards”, and “extracurricular activities”. Prospective employers, for instance, want to know if you speak any foreign languages, if you mentor children or volunteer with non-profit organizations, or if your academic or personal accomplishments have been awarded.

Any additional information that demonstrates that you are an independent, well-rounded candidate is applicable here. After all, besides having teaching chops, you must be able to navigate the potential obstacles that arise when you uproot your life to move abroad. Show them how ready you are!

Your next step is writing your teacher cover letter

How to write a cover letter for a teaching job

Now that your resume is ready to impress, let’s tackle your cover letter for teaching . The following list includes certain topics and information that you should address:

• Lead with the position you’re applying for. In the first sentence of your cover letter, you should clearly state which teaching job you want to be considered for. Don’t make the hiring manager—or your future boss!—hunt around for it.
• Ditch the “Dear Sir/Madam” opening. Never assume gender when you’re writing a cover letter. If you can’t find who to address it to, simply start with “Dear Hiring Manager” and go from there.
• Keep it brief. If your cover letter doesn’t fit on one page, you need to do some editing. A single page is enough space to include everything you need to say.
• Make it personal. Don’t write a generic cover letter with the intention of submitting it to multiple international schools. Recycling a cover letter may speed up the application process, but it won’t give a potential employer the impression you’re enthusiastic about their school or that you have anything special to offer them.
• Don’t get flowery. Keep in mind that the person reading your cover letter may not be a fluent speaker of English. So, aim to express yourself in clear, concise language.
• Highlight your relevant experience. Ask yourself, “Why am I the ideal candidate to teach at this school?” Lead with your teaching experience , followed by your knowledge of other countries, such as whether you’ve traveled or lived abroad. Then, discuss your interest in teaching and how their particular school could benefit from hiring you. Make them a pitch they can’t turn down!
• State your English proficiency. Be sure to include in your cover letter that you’re a fluent English speaker, if you are. Some schools also like to know what accent you have (for example, British vs. North American).
• Disclose your availability. Let your prospective employer know when you would be available to begin working. For instance, if you’re finishing up your Bachelor’s degree and won’t be done exams until May, make those dates clear.

Putting on the final touches

At this point, your CV and resume should look polished and professional. Follow these three final steps before you click the submit button:

• Check for spelling errors. Carefully edit your cover letter and CV yourself with the help of a spellcheck program. Afterward, ask a trusted friend to read over your application for errors.
• Skip the unusual fonts. If you’ve typed up your application in a non-traditional font, do yourself a favor by pressing CTRL+A and switching to a professional typeface like Arial or even Times New Roman. Trust us, it makes a difference.
• See how your application looks IRL. To ensure your formatting is A-OK, print out your resume and cover letter before applying. Having a hard copy of your application gives you a clear idea of how it will appear to a potential employer. After all, even if you’re submitting online, the school abroad will likely print out the applications to review them.

On a closing note, happy job hunting! With the help of this guide, we hope you’ll soon be embarking on the life-changing adventure of teaching abroad.

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Why Teach Abroad?

Your Teaching Abroad Adventure Begins Here

The First Question Typically Asked Is: “Why Teach Abroad?”

The simple answer is that it’s a chance to do something wonderful and adventurous that will change your life forever. Teaching abroad captures what international exchange is all about. It’s people from very different cultures coming together, learning from one another, and making positive connections. It’s a way to travel, gain work experience, and do good all at the same time. It's an amazing chance to change lives for the better. Helping young students learn English opens doors to new opportunities for them. And helping adult learners enables them to communicate with English-speaking relatives and become more competitive in the global economy.

You Have Options

CIEE Teach Abroad offers paid and volunteer positions around the world, teaching English to a range of students in schools, universities, workplaces, and homes. Our programs are fully supported and include placement, training, orientation and assistance throughout your stay. We also offer a professional-level certification course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to give you a head start on your teaching career.

What Makes CIEE Teach Abroad So Meaningful?

Travel With a Purpose

Teaching abroad is an opportunity to experience another culture and see the world in a way no tourist can. It’s a chance to meet people, share ideas, and forge lasting friendships. And, it’s the jumping-off point for an international adventure of travel, cultural exchange, and personal enrichment unlike any other.

When you teach English overseas, you’re doing much more than visiting another country. You’re becoming an educator – a productive, contributing member of that society.

A Chance to Make a Difference

Providing access to education is one of the most important things a society can do for its people. Education brings opportunity and prosperity. CIEE teachers contribute to building stronger communities by improving education, helping students of all ages connect in English.

As a CIEE Teach Abroad participant, you also take part in the life of the community. Daily interaction with people both in and out of the classroom brings a deeper appreciation for other cultures. That’s where understanding and friendship begins.

A Great Way to Advance as a Young Professional – And as an Individual

Teaching abroad is a smart investment in your future. If your career path leads to education, it will give you a solid résumé. And if you become TEFL-certified, you'll earn an important teaching credential as well. For a midcareer professional, it can be a break from the routine that reinvigorates you.

Benefits extend beyond the teaching profession. Employers of all kinds put a high value on international work experience. CIEE alumni have learned how to navigate other cultures, adapt to new environments and cultures and meet the challenges of working independently. They have stronger language and personal skills, and a broader view of the world – a valuable addition to any workplace. Every participant becomes part of the extensive CIEE alumni network that offers professional development, job connections, mentoring, and much more.

See Yourself as a Teacher

You may be wondering, “Can I do this?” For many, the answer is a resounding “yes!” People from many walks of life have found success and fulfillment as CIEE Teach Abroad participants. Some are recent college graduates looking to jump-start a career. Others are professionals or retirees who want a change of pace and a chance to see the world in a way that’s rewarding. All have an interest in giving back, sharing knowledge, and learning from others – and a desire to discover other cultures.

Do you need teaching experience? No. We’ll give you the tools and training you need to succeed, and you can acquire TEFL certification to get an even stronger grounding in teaching if you wish.

What about language skills? Many CIEE Teach Abroad programs don’t have a language requirement. In fact, host schools in Asia prefer teachers who don’t speak the local language.

Should you? If you want to see the world, inspire students, immerse yourself in another culture, and do something meaningful and beneficial – then yes.

Who Teaches Abroad?

CIEE teachers are people just like you. They’re curious and adventurous, with a love for travel. They come from all walks of life; and they have one thing in common: A desire to see the world while doing something productive.

Our participants have great stories to tell! See what they’re doing, all around the world.

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Teacher Training Personal Statement Examples

What is a teacher training personal statement?

The teacher training personal statement is your opportunity to let training providers know about your qualities, skills and expertise, and why you want to teach.

While your application form briefly outlines your qualifications, skills and work experience, your teaching personal statement is where your personality shines through.

Take your time with it, be prepared to receive constructive feedback and write a few drafts before you send it off.

How do I write a good teacher training personal statement?

To help you write a successful teacher training personal statement, we recommend you include:

• use examples to back everything up, based on your teaching experience so far
• tailor your personal statement according to the age group you wish to teach
• write using concise English, using first person terms such as 'my' and 'I'
• be original and honest - don't embellish the truth or lie outright
• avoid clichés and general statements, such as 'since a young age' or 'I've always wanted to be a teacher'
• demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for teaching.

You have up to 4,000 characters to write a memorable opening, middle and conclusion.

Don't waste your valuable space on writing about things that are already on your UCAS form elsewhere, such as your qualifications.

What should I include in my teacher training personal statement?

When planning out your personal statement, ask yourself what it is your training providers are looking for. Make sure your statement answers the following questions:

• Why do I want to teach? - show that you know about the challenges and rewards of teaching, and remember that everything has its ups and downs. Maybe talk about any lessons you have observed/taught, what went well and how you would have improved on them. Discuss teaching styles used and the use of technology in the classroom.
• Why do I want to teach this age group/at this level? - what appeals to you, and what experience do you have teaching these students/children?
• What are my strengths? - include the relevance of your degree and subject knowledge.
• What experience do I have? - include any experience you have of volunteering with children, such as teaching a sports team, youth work or working at a summer camp? Give examples of how this helpd develop your teaching skills.
• What personal skills/abilities do I have? - these might include research, creativity, time management, IT skills, problem solving, managing people, organisational skills, listening skills, leading or working in a team. To strengthen your application, make sure you back everything up with examples.
• Are there are any location restrictions? - if you don't currently live in the UK, why do you want to study here? Are you willing to move away from your current home town/city for your degree?

You only have up to 47 lines (4,000 characters including spaces) in which to persuade your chosen initial teacher training (ITT) providers to offer you an interview. The statement must be concise, enthusiastic and sell your potential to be a successful teacher.

For more help and advice on what to write in your teacher training personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
• Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Timeline
• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

What is a teacher training degree?

Teacher training degrees combine the study of curriculum subjects with learning teaching techniques and putting these into practice during hands-on school placements. The course leads to QTS (qualified teacher status) to enable you to teach in a school or college.

How long is a teacher training course?

To teach in England and Wales you need to gain QTS. You will obtain this on an ITT programme, which could be school or university-based and takes approximately one year to complete.

How do I become a teacher with a degree?

To teach as a qualified teacher in England, you'll need qualified teacher status (QTS). If you already have a degree, you can complete a postgraduate teacher training course to achieve this. Additionally, you'll need to have a GCSE at grade C/4 in maths and English, as well as science if you want to teach primary.

Can I train to be a teacher without a degree?

Unfortunately no - you cannot become a teacher without a degree.

But if you are an undergraduate or have a degree in a different subject than what you want to teach, there are options to help you get into a teaching career.

Will I get paid for teacher training?

There are three types of funding available for teacher training - depending on your circumstances, you could receive all three:

• Tax-free bursary or scholarship.
• Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan.
• Extra financial support if you're a parent, have an adult dependant or a disability.

Further information

For more tips and advice on teacher training personal statements, please see:

• GetIntoTeaching
• The Complete University Guide

Related resources

Teacher training interview questions.

Find out more

Applying For Teacher Training Courses

6 Personal Statement Writing Tips

How To Apply To University

UCAS Adjustment: How Does It Work?

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How to Write a Killer Resume for Getting Hired to Teach English Abroad

Looking for some guidelines to write your TEFL resume? Follow our top tips, along with a TEFL CV example, to create a killer resume that will get you hired to teach English abroad.

Written By: John Bentley | Updated: June 29, 2023

Written By: John Bentley

Updated: June 29, 2023

The Inside Scoop on How to Write A Resume that Will Get You Hired As an English Teacher Abroad

There's an old cliché that "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" and when you apply for jobs teaching English abroad - or just about any job for that matter - your resume, or "CV", can make or break your chances of getting an interview and ultimately the job you want. Here are some key points to help you put together a killer resume that will greatly enhance your prospects of getting the job you want teaching English abroad, whether it be in China , Spain , Argentina or anywhere else.

*Note: This article is an excerpt from the 350-page International TEFL Academy (ITA) Job Search Guidance Manual that is provided exclusively to International TEFL Academy students and graduates as part of their lifetime Job Search Guidance . It was prepared by expert job placement advisors in the Student Affairs Department at ITA, who provide personal assistance to hundreds of students and graduates each year with their resumes and cover letters in addition to other aspects of the job search and interviewing process . 

The TEFL Resume Basics

While putting together your international resume, always remember that you are marketing yourself as an English teacher who is prepared to move to a new country, adapt, and serve the needs of your students and the school that hires you .

You should highlight any and all teaching experience, training experience, and international experience you have. You must also be prepared to provide personal information that is not typically required in the United States or other countries, including your racial background, your age, and your marital status.  You may also see the abbreviations listed for a CV.  This is Curriculum Vitae (it is Latin for "Course of Life").

When to Use a Curriculum Vitae (CV):

When should job seekers use a Curriculum Vitae, rather than a resume? In the United States, a Curriculum Vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific, or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.

The Differences between a Resume and a CV

There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (up to two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Top TEFL CV Guidelines

• Highlight your educational, academic pursuits, as well as public service and examples of your ability to adapt and work with others.  Note that your educational background may be given more attention than your actual work experience.
• If you are not a native English speaker, highlight and emphasize your fluency and work any work or academic studies that you have accomplished in English.
• List your education, skills, certification, and coursework in a clear and concise manner.
• Always include your country code with your telephone number.
• Use basic and simple formatting and avoid complex graphics or anything else that may not translate when viewed on an alternate (or more primitive) operating system. Italics and font changes should be avoided.
• Remember that not everybody who reads your resume is a native English speaker, or even a fluent English speaker, so avoid non-education-related jargon and avoid abbreviations like “Mgr.” or “V.P.” Use “Manager” or “Vice President.”
• Include a photo, preferably a professional-looking headshot. In Asia in particular many schools are keen to know that potential teachers look professional.

Basic TEFL Resume Format

The following list will help you understand how to make your TEFL resume stand out:

1. Add Your Personal Information

List your name, contact information, citizenship/nationality, any work/residency visas that you may hold (particularly in the country where you seek employment), gender, age, and marital status. This is listed at the top left of your resume. It may seem unusual or intrusive to an American but this is standard around the world for international jobs.

2. List Your Education And Certificates

Include any and all programs, degrees, certifications, and other formal training programs that you attended in-person or online. This section is where you want to put your TEFL certificate on your resume.

Where to put TEFL certification on your resume?

Highlight your TEFL Certification, including the number of hours, hours of practicum at or near the top of the education section of your resume or cv. Note that the course is internationally accredited and meets or exceeds all international standards.

• List your highest-level qualifications first.
• Be specific and detailed about the institution, major, campus location, date of completion of final degrees listed.
• If you are applying for an ESL Teaching assignment and do not have an Education Degree, mention courses taken in related fields including English literature, journalism, public speaking and foreign languages.

3. Highlight Your Skills

Summarize your skills in education, foreign languages, computers, animation, sales, and any other areas. Example: HTML, Adobe, Quark and Flash Programmer. Fluent in Spanish, working knowledge of German.

4. Share Your Career Experience

List your past employers, job titles, and dates of employment for each position you have held over the past 10 years.

• Bear in mind that many foreign companies and institutions are very keen on job titles.
• Be very clear and concise in your descriptions.
• List your work experience starting with the most recent or relevant assignment.
• For each position, list your Job Title (using universal career titles), list the start and end dates, list the Company’s name and its location, and be sure to highlight any relevant accomplishments and accolades as well responsibilities.
• You may be right out of college and have little job experience.  Highlight relevant activities to teaching, i.e. teaching or working at a summer camp, tutoring.  Don’t forget to list your volunteer work in an ESL classroom for your practicum.  Paid or free experience is still the same experience.

5. Add in Extracurricular Activities and Accomplishments

List the things you like to do in your spare time, particularly if they involve teaching, coaching, public service and mentoring others. Many potential employers want to make sure that when you come to a country you are outgoing, independent, and can find your own way. List any accolades or recognition you have received and other achievements, whether it be climbing a famous mountain, completing a marathon, or winning a writing contest.

6. Provide Professional References

While they are not mandatory, they are a good addition to the International Resume. There is no need to list your current employer unless you want them contacted. Try to list at least three references that you know well. Provide their name, title, company/school name, telephone number (include country code) and email address.

Sample Resume To Teach English Abroad:

Posted In: Job Search Guidance

John Bentley

Co-founder at international tefl academy.

John Bentley is Co-Founder & Senior Writer for International TEFL Academy (ITA), the world leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad. A graduate of Harvard University and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern, John is a recognized expert in the field of TEFL. His articles have appeared across the field's top websites, including GoAbroad.com, StudyAbroad.com, InterExchange, GoOverseas.com, Adventure Teaching, & many others. He has also spoken as an expert on Teaching English Abroad & TEFL certification at major conferences like MeetPlanGo and Lessons from Abroad (LFA) in Portland & San Diego.

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TEFL CV example

Whether you choose to do this in the UK or abroad, teaching English as a foreign language can be a very rewarding career move.

However, these positions can be competitive and you need to put your communication skills to good use if you hope to create an engaging application that gives you an edge.

Find out how to showcase your language skills effectively on your CV using our writing guide below. You can also check out our TEFL CV example to inspire you further.

CV templates 

TEFL CV example

This example CV demonstrates how to structure and format your own TEFL CV, so that it can be easily digested by busy hiring managers, and quickly prove why you are suitable for the jobs you are applying to.

It also gives you a good idea of the type of skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be highlighting in your CV.

Build your CV now 

TEFL CV layout and format

In today’s fast-paced job market, recruiters and employers are often short on time. If they can’t locate the information they’re searching for within a few seconds, it could result in them overlooking your application.

To avoid this happening, it’s critical to structure and format your CV in a way that allows them to quickly identify your key skills and offerings, even when they’re pressed for time.

Tips for formatting your TEFL CV

• Length: Your CV should always be limited to two sides of A4, regardless of whether you have a year or three decades of experience. With recruiters juggling multiple responsibilities, they don’t have time to sift through lengthy applications.
• Readability : To help recruiters quickly skim through your CV, it’s important to format your section headings with bold or a different colour font and break up lengthy paragraphs into short sharp bullet points. This enables them to easily identify important information and assess your suitability.
• Design: It’s generally best to stick to a simple CV design, as funky or elaborate designs rarely add any value to your application. A clear, modern font and a subtle colour scheme work perfectly and allow your skills, experience and achievements to speak for themselves.
• Photos: Profile photos or aren’t a requirement for most industries, so you don’t need to add one in the UK – but if you do, just make sure it looks professional

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

When writing your CV , break up the content into the following key sections, to ensure it can be easily digested by busy recruiters and hiring managers:

• Contact details – Always list these at the very top of your CV – you don’t want them to be missed!
• Profile – An introductory paragraph, intended to grab recruiters attention and summarise your offering.
• Work experience / career history – Working from your current role and working backwards, list your relevant work experience.
• Education – Create a snappy summary of your education and qualifications.
• Interest and hobbies – An optional section to document any hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills.

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Tuck your contact details into the corner of your CV, so that they don’t take up too much space. Stick to the basic details, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address – It should sound professional, such as your full name.
• Location -Just write your rough location, rather than your full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – If you include these, ensure they’re sleek, professional and up-to-date.

TEFL CV Profile

Recruiters read through countless applications every day.

If they don’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll simply move onto the next one.

That’s what makes your CV profile (or personal statement , if you’re an entry-level/graduate candidate) so important.

This short and snappy summary sits at the top of your CV, and should give a high-level overview of why you’re a good match for the job.

This way, you can ensure that busy recruiters see your suitability from the outset, and so, feel your CV is worth their time.

CV profile writing tips:

• Make it short and sharp: Aim for a short, snappy paragraph of 3-5 lines. This is just enough room to showcase why you’d make the perfect hire, without going into excessive detail and overwhelming busy recruiters.
• Tailor it: If recruiters don’t see your suitability within a few seconds, they may close your CV straight away. Your CV profile should closely match the essential requirements listed in the job ad, so make sure to review them before you write it.
• Don’t add an objective: Career goals and objectives are best suited to your cover letter , so don’t waste space with them in your CV profile.
• Avoid generic phrases: Focus on fact, not fluff. Phrases like “Committed and enthusiastic thought-leader” and “Dynamic problem solver” might sound fancy, but they’ll do nothing for your application. Not only do they sound cheesy, but they have no substance – stick to real skills and facts

Example CV profile for a TEFL Teacher

What to include in your tefl cv profile.

• Experience overview: Start with a brief summary of your relevant experience so far. How many years experience do you have? What type of companies have you worked for? What industries/sectors have you worked in? What are your specialisms?
• Targeted skills: Ensure that your profile highlights your key skills that are most relevant to teaching English as a foreign language , and tailor them to match the specific job you are applying for. To do this, refer to the job description to closely align your skills with their requirements.
• Key qualifications: If you have any qualifications which are highly relevant to TEFL jobs, then highlight them in your profile so that employers do not miss them.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

In addition to your CV profile, your core skills section provides an easily digestible snapshot of your skills – perfect for grabbing the attention of busy hiring managers.

As TEFL jobs might receive a huge pile of applications, this is a great way to stand out and show off your suitability for the role.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and be made up of skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you are targeting.

Important skills for your TEFL CV

English language proficiency – Maintaining a strong command of the English language, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

Lesson planning – Creating lesson plans that are engaging, effective, and appropriate for the level and needs of the students.

Classroom management – Maintaining a positive and productive learning environment, managing student behaviour, and handling any issues that may arise in the classroom.

Cultural sensitivity – Understanding and respecting different cultures while working with students from various backgrounds and nationalities.

Assessment and evaluation – Assessing and evaluating student progress including designing and implementing effective assessments and providing meaningful feedback to students.

Technology – Utilising technology to enhance learning and engage students.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience section

Recruiters will be itching to know more about your relevant experience by now.

Kick-start this section with your most recent (or current) position, and work your way backwards through your history.

You can include voluntary and freelance work, too – as long as you’re honest about the nature of the work.

Structuring each job

If you don’t pay attention to the structure of your career history section, it could quickly become bulky and overwhelming.

Get in recruiters’ good books by creating a pleasant reading experience, using the 3-step structure below:

Provide a brief overview of the job as a whole, such as what the overriding purpose of your job was and what type of company you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Using easy-to-read bullet points, note down your day-to-day responsibilities in the role.

Make sure to showcase how you used your hard sector skills and knowledge.

Key achievements

To finish off each role and prove the impact you made, list 1-3 stand out achievements , results or accomplishments.

This could be anything which had a positive outcome for the company you worked for, or perhaps a client/customer. Where applicable, quantify your examples with facts and figures.

Sample job description for a TEFL CV

Provide online instruction on reading, writing, and speaking to non-native English adults, for a global educational company that offers individuals, universities, and businesses with test preparation, student recruitment, and language services.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish structured lesson plans and teaching materials for each session, including textbooks, reading materials, hand-outs, and visual aids.
• Use video conferencing to teach English to students from different parts of the globe, such as Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, and North/central Africa.
• Administer, grade, and convey feedback on assignments, tests, and projects to determine students’ level of English proficiency.
• Monitor student progress, identify areas of improvement, and adjust lessons as needed to optimise vocabulary, composition, and comprehension capabilities.

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education and qualifications

After your work experience, your education section should provide a detailed view of your academic background.

Begin with those most relevant to TEFL jobs, such as vocational training or degrees. If you have space, you can also mention your academic qualifications, such as A-Levels and GCSEs.

Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Hobbies and interests

The hobbies and interests CV section isn’t mandatory, so don’t worry if you’re out of room by this point.

However, if you have an interesting hobby , or an interest that could make you seem more suitable for the role, then certainly think about adding.

Be careful what you include though… Only consider hobbies that exhibit skills that are required for roles in TEFL, or transferable workplace skills.

There is never any need to tell employers that you like to watch TV and eat out.

Once you’ve written your teaching English as a foreign language CV, you should proofread it several times to ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

With a tailored punchy profile that showcases your relevant experience and skills, paired with well-structured role descriptions, you’ll be able to impress employers and land interviews.

Good luck with your next job application!

• Work Abroad
• Teach English Abroad

Teach Abroad - General FAQs

Topics on this page.

Application Process | Job Placement | Living and Working | Travel and Arrival

Learn the answers to questions like "how can I get started?" to "where can I be placed?". If you don't find the answers you need here, check out our blog  Teaching Abroad 101: Beginner's Guide .  

Application Process

The answer depends on where you’re going.

Our Teach Abroad programs in China and South Korea both include CIEE’s 150 hour online TEFL course as a  built-in feature , to meet employer and visa requirements. There’s no extra fee, and no need to start a separate TEFL application – you will complete the training in the months leading up to your departure date.

For our other locations, including Spain and Thailand, the course is an optional add-on for an additional fee. Many of our teachers still elect to include the course, to get some training before they go, to better serve their students, and to add a valuable credential to their resume. Learn more about  CIEE TEFL .

While global demand for English teachers is strong, we have many applicants, and some programs do fill up quickly. The best way to secure a position in those locations is to apply early. Applications are considered on a rolling basis in the order they were received.

Our programs have a very high acceptance rate, as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements, which you can see on each of our program pages . We want to help as many people teach abroad as possible.

For most programs, teaching experience is not a big factor in selection and hiring. That makes a CIEE Teach Abroad program a great way to gain some initial experience in the field. You will need enthusiasm, a desire to make a difference in students’ lives, and openness to new experiences and cultural exchange.

If you’re feeling anxious about taking on the responsibilities of teaching without prior experience, you should consider adding CIEE’s online certification course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). It’s a high quality training program with videoconferencing and small class sizes, designed to make you a stronger applicant and a confident teacher. The certificate is recognized around the world and valid for life. Learn more about CIEE TEFL .

Our approach is to offer a high level of preparation and support at every step of your journey toward teaching abroad. It’s different than what some of our competitors do, but based on participant feedback, we think it’s really valuable!

Before you go, we’ll guide you through the visa process and share lots of useful logistical tips and advice from former teachers. Our US-based staff is here to respond to questions by phone and email. You will receive an in-depth orientation to prepare you for living and teaching in a new country, and have opportunities to network with other teachers. Our in-country staff and representatives are there to support you during your experience, including 24/7 availability for emergency situations, and all participants receive international travel and emergency medical insurance.

Your program fee covers the costs of those services and the staff and facilities that make them possible. It’s not enough for us to just match someone up with a job and call it a day – our goal is to give them the support and preparation they need to have a successful and rewarding experience!

A $50 application fee is due at the time of application submission, to let us devote our effort and attention to serious applicants. Once CIEE accepts your application, a $500 commitment deposit ($1,000 if TEFL is included) is due within 10 calendar days. The remaining balance of the program fee is due after you receive a job placement, which in most cases happens 1-3 months after you make the deposit.

Each of our programs has a different total program fee, based on the features included. To see these, please visit one of our programs .

Yes! You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to go on our Teach Abroad programs, but we welcome applications from graduating seniors. You should ask your academic advisor for a letter confirming your expected date of graduation, and you can upload that to your online application in place of your actual degree. Check with your school to confirm when your diploma will be delivered to you, and email a scan to your coordinator at that time.

Yes! Our Teach Abroad programs do not have language requirements. It might seem intimidating to go to a country where you don’t speak the language, but it’s probably easier than you think. You’ll pick up basic phrases quickly by living there, and if you get stuck, you can always try to use a translation app to help out.

As for your students, many schools prefer that you teach English without relying on the local language. You’ll use repetition, pictures, circumlocution and lots of acting to get your point across. It works, trust us!

You shouldn’t apply to more than one CIEE Teach Abroad program at a time. It means extra work for you and doesn’t give you an advantage, since most of our programs have a very high acceptance rate, and even if you’re not accepted, we will offer to transfer your application to a second-choice program. We advise people to focus on completing one application for their top choice. If you’re not sure which one to choose, give us a call and we can advise you.

Job Placement

The answer for this question depends on where you’re going, since each of our countries is set up differently. In some countries, there is a video interview, while in others, schools will hire you based on your PDF application alone. In every case, we ask for your input and preferences and do our best to match people up with a placement that’s a good fit.

For most programs, we are able to collect preferences on the application and use them to help match participants with schools. However, it's important to remember that these are requests, not guarantees . Keep in mind that it’s usually much harder to be placed in a “touristy” area like the beach regions of Thailand or the center of Madrid. Be sure to consult the “Destination” sections of our program pages for more information on where most people are placed. Even if you don't get your top choice location, keep an open mind and a flexible attitude, and you'll be on track for an amazing experience!

We get this question a lot: Can couples teach abroad together? Can friends teach abroad together? The answer is, yes. Depending on the country, we can either place you together at the same schools, or at schools located close to each other. Make sure to mention each other’s names somewhere on your CIEE application, either in the placement preferences or in your personal statement.

For most of our programs, the answer is no. The one exception is in Thailand , where there is some demand for instructors to teach chemistry, physics, biology, and computer science. Those jobs are still a lot less common than English teaching positions, so we generally tell people that they should only apply to our program if they feel comfortable being assigned to teach English, even if their top preference is another subject.

For most of our countries, it’s not possible to bring an animal with you while teaching abroad, and you’ll need to find someone back home for your pet to live with.

It can be done in Chile or Spain, where participants arrange their own housing and can negotiate with landlords about keeping pets. CIEE does not offer advising or support for the process of importing an animal into a foreign country. You will need to research the requirements, paperwork, and quarantine on your own and be fully responsible for the costs. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to repeat the process to come back into the USA. All told, it’s usually quite expensive. 

Living and Working

Teaching abroad is… thrilling. Challenging. Rewarding. Difficult. Surprising. Unforgettable. It builds character, and changes lives.

Your role as an instructor will depend on which program you apply to. In Europe, you’ll be an assistant teacher. Elsewhere, you’ll be a lead teacher, with responsibility for lesson planning and grading. You can find details about this in the “Job Description” sections of our program pages .

If you’d like to get a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to teach abroad, be sure to visit our Teacher Blogs .

Temporary housing is provided on all of our programs, so you don’t have to worry about your first few days.

In South Korea , Thailand , China , and our Volunteer in Spain program, rent-free housing will be arranged for you, so you don’t have to budget for that expense.

On our Madrid programs , you will need to locate and rent an apartment for the duration of your contract. Be prepared to pay a security deposit and 1-2 months of rent before you get your first paycheck. CIEE will give you plenty of advice and resources to accomplish this, both before you go and at the in-country orientation.

On most of our programs, your income from teaching will be just enough for you to live comfortably, but not luxuriously. In Asia, there are opportunities to save money or finance regional travel since pay tends to be higher and rent-free housing is normally included. Participants on our Volunteer programs receive room and board but no monetary compensation.

There are a few other expenses you can expect beyond the CIEE program fee. For most programs, you will need to pay for a visa fee and visa-related documents like background checks and medical forms. Jobs in South Korea offer airfare reimbursement as part of the compensation package, but in all other places, you’ll need to buy your plane tickets yourself. If housing is not included in your program, you’ll need to budget for the cost of rent as well. Teachers in all locations pay for their own food, phone service, internet, and local transportation.

It’s also important to remember that your first paycheck won’t arrive until 4-6 weeks after you arrive and start working, so you will need to have some savings to cover expenses until you start receiving your wages.

These factors vary widely from country. For more specific information you’ll need to visit the FAQs for a particular location.

On CIEE Teach Abroad programs you’ll receive 24/7 emergency support from local partners or CIEE staff.  All participants are enrolled in iNext international insurance, which includes emergency assistance.  During the on-site orientation you’ll also receive advice for how to stay healthy and safe. If you’re looking for peace-of-mind and emergency support while teaching abroad, then our program is the one for you!

In some cases, it might. You’ll need to check with the company that holds or services your loan and ask about conditions for deferment or forbearance. If they say yes, CIEE can provide a letter confirming your acceptance and your plans.

Travel and Arrival

This is an area where our program really shines. We put a lot of effort into helping people get ready and making sure they are well-informed and know what to expect.

CIEE will provide pre-departure guides with cultural tips, advice from former teachers, and information on logistical topics like phones, internet, and banking.

CIEE will give you detailed instructions for the documents and/or visas necessary for the program you select.

CIEE’s Participant Blogs are a great way to get a first-hand perspective on what it’s actually like to work and live abroad on our program!

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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 18 August 2023 | 22 min read

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

Stand out from the crowd: here's how to write a good personal statement that will get you noticed

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Your personal statement forms a core part of your university application, and the sooner you get going, the better you can make it. You may think that your personal statement won’t matter as much to unis as your grades and experience but a great personal statement could make all the difference between you and a candidate with the same grades. Sure, your application might not reach that deal breaker stage. But is it something you want to leave to chance?  Here we’ll take you through the process of planning, writing and checking a good personal statement, so you end up with something you can submit with confidence. And to make sure the advice we're giving you is sound, we’ve spoken to admissions staff at loads of UK universities to get their view. Look out for video interviews and advice on applying for specific subjects throughout this piece or watch our personal statement playlist on YouTube .

• Are you looking for personal statement examples? Check our library of hundreds of real personal statements, on The Student Room

Personal statement deadlines

You'll need to make sure you've got your personal statement written well in advance of your application deadline. Below are the main university application deadline dates for 2024 entry.

2024 entry deadlines

16 October 2023: Deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge universities, along with most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary courses.   31 January 2024: Deadline for applications to the majority of undergraduate courses. After this date, universities will start allocating places on these courses –   but you can still apply after the 31 January deadline , as this article explains . 30 June 2024:  Students who apply after this date will be entered into Clearing .

• Read more: Ucas deadlines and key application dates

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a central part of your Ucas application, where you explain why you’ve chosen a particular course and why you’ll be good at it. It's your chance to stand out against other candidates and hopefully get that all-important offer. You only write one personal statement which is then read by each university you apply to, so if you are applying for more than one subject (or it's a combined course) it's crucial that you include common themes or reference the overall skills needed for all subjects. Personal statements are especially important if you’re trying to get on a very competitive course, where you need to do anything you can to stand out to admissions tutors. Courteney Sheppard, senior customer experience manager at Ucas, advises that your personal statement is "the only part of the application that you have direct control over. Do lots of research to demonstrate your passion, curiosity and drive to pursue your chosen subject." There’s a limit on how much you can write: your personal statement can be up to 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines of 95 characters (including spaces); whichever is shorter. This may appear generous (read: long) but once you've got going you may find yourself having to edit heavily.

• Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

1. Plan what you want to cover

The first thing you need to do is make a plan. Writing a personal statement off the top of your head is difficult. Start by making some notes, answering the following questions:

• What do you want to study?
• Why do you want to study it?
• What is there about you that shows you’re suited to studying this subject at university? Think about your personality, as well as your experiences.
• What are your other interests and skills?

These few points are going to form the spine of your personal statement, so write them in a way that makes sense to you. You might want to make a simple bulleted list or you might want to get all arty and use a mindmap. Whatever you choose, your aim is the same. You want to get it clear in your own head why a university should offer you a place on its course. Getting those details down isn't always easy, and some people find it helpful to make notes over time. You might try carrying a notebook with you or set up a memo on your phone. Whenever you think of something useful for your personal statement, jot it down. Inspiration sometimes comes more easily when you’re thinking about something else entirely. It might help to take a look at The Student Room for some sample personal statements by university and sample personal statements by subjects , to give you an idea of the kind of thing you want to include. 

• Read more: personal statement FAQs

2. Show off your experience

Some things are worth adding to your personal statement, some things are not. Firmly in the second camp are your qualifications. You don’t need to mention these as there’s a whole other section of your personal statement where you get to detail them very precisely. Don’t waste a single character going on about how great your GCSE grades are – it’s not what the admissions tutor wants to read. What they do want to see is: what have you done? OK, so you’ve got some good grades, but so do a lot of other applicants. What have you done that’s different, that shows you off as someone who really loves the subject you’re applying for? Spend some time thinking about all the experience you have in that subject. If you’re lucky, this might be direct work experience. That’s going to be particularly appropriate if you’re applying for one of the more vocational subjects such as medicine or journalism . But uni staff realise getting plum work experience placements is easier for some people than others, so cast your net wider when you’re thinking about what you’ve done. How about after-school clubs? Debating societies? Are you running a blog or vlog? What key skills and experience have you picked up elsewhere (eg from hobbies) that could be tied in with your course choice? Remember, you’re looking for experience that shows why you want to study your chosen subject. You’re not just writing an essay about what you're doing in your A-level syllabus. Use this checklist as a guide for what to include:

• Your interest in the course. Why do you want to spend three years studying this subject at university?
• What have you done outside school or college that demonstrates this interest? Think about things like fairs/exhibitions, public lectures or voluntary work that is relevant to your subject.
• Relevant work experience (essential for the likes of medicine, not required for non-vocational courses such as English )
• Skills and qualities required for that career if appropriate (medicine, nursing and law as obvious examples)
• Interest in your current studies – what particular topics have made an impression on you?
• Any other interests/hobbies/experiences you wish to mention that are relevant either to the subject or 'going to uni'. Don't just list your hobbies, you need to be very selective and state clearly what difference doing these things has made to you.
• Plans for a gap year if you’re deferring entry.

Read more: 6 steps you need to take to apply to university

3. Be bold about your achievements

Don't be bashful about your achievements; that’s not going to help you get into uni. It's time to unleash your inner Muhammed Ali and get all “I am the greatest” with your writing. Do keep it focused and accurate. Do keep your language professional. But don’t hide your qualities beneath a layer of false modesty. Your personal statement is a sell – you are selling yourself as a brilliant student and you need to show the reader why that is true. This doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and if you’re finding it difficult to write about how great you are it’s time to enlist some help. Round up a friend or two, a family member, a teacher, whoever and get them to write down your qualities. Getting someone else’s view here can help you get some perspective. Don’t be shy. You are selling your skills, your experience and your enthusiasm – make sure they all leap off the screen with the way you have described them.

• Read more: the ten biggest mistakes when writing your personal statement  

4. How to start your personal statement

Type your personal statement in a cloud-based word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word and don’t copy and paste it into Ucas Hub until it’s finished.  One of the benefits of doing it this way is that you can run spell check easily. (Please note, though, that Word adds "curly" quotation marks and other characters (like é or ü) that won't show up on your Ucas form, so do proofread it on Ucas Hub before submitting it to ensure it is how you typed it.)  Another big benefit is that you'll always have a backup of what you've written. If you're being super careful, you could always save your statement in another place as well. Bear in mind that extra spaces (eg adding spaces to the beginnings of paragraphs as indentation) are removed on Ucas. In your first sentence, cut to the chase. Why do you want to do the course? Don’t waste any time rambling on about the daydreams you had when you were five. Just be clear and concise – describe in one line why this course is so important to you. Then, in the rest of your intro, go into more detail in demonstrating your enthusiasm for the course and explaining how you decided this is what you want to do for the next three or more years. However you choose to start your statement, just avoid the following hoary old chestnuts. These have been some of the most used lines in personal statements over the years – they are beyond cliche, so don’t even think about it.

• From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]…
• For as long as I can remember, I have…
• I am applying for this course because… 
• I have always been interested in… 
• Throughout my life I have always enjoyed… 
• Reflecting on my educational experiences… 
• [Subject] is a very challenging and demanding [career/profession/course]… 
• Academically, I have always been… 
• I have always wanted to pursue a career in… 
• I have always been passionate about…   

5. Focus your writing on why you've chosen that subject

So you’ve got your intro done – time to nail the rest of it. Bear in mind that you’ve got to be a little bit careful when following a personal statement template. It’s easy to fall into the trap of copying someone else’s style, and in the process lose all of your own voice and personality from your writing. But there is a rough order that you can follow, which should help keep you in your flow. After your opening paragraph or two, get into any work experience (if you’ve got it). Talk about extracurriculars: anything you've done which is relevant to the subject can go here – hobbies, interests, volunteering. Touch on your career aspirations – where do you want this course to take you? Next, show your enthusiasm for your current studies. Cite some specific examples of current work that you enjoyed. Show off your relevant skills and qualities by explaining how you’ve used these in the past. Make sure you’re giving real-world examples here, not just vague assertions like “I’m really organised and motivated”. Try to use examples that are relevant.   Follow this up with something about you as a person. Talk about non-academic stuff that you like to do, but link it in some way with the course, or with how it shows your maturity for dealing with uni life. Round it all off by bringing your main points together, including a final emphasis of your commitment to studying this particular course.

• Read more: how to write your personal statement in an evening  

6. How long should a personal statement be?

You've got to work to a very specific limit when writing your personal statement. In theory you could use up to 4,000 characters – but you’re probably more likely to be limited by the line count. That's because it's a good idea to put line breaks in between your paragraphs (to make it more readable) and you only get a maximum of 47 lines. With this in mind, 3,500 characters is a more realistic limit. But when you’re getting started you should ignore these limits completely. At first, you just want to get down everything that you feel is important. You'll probably end up with something that is far too long, but that's fine. This is where you get to do some polishing and pruning. Keep the focus of your piece on the course you’re applying for, why you want to do it and why you’re perfectly suited to it. Look through what you’ve written so far – have you got the balance right? Chop out anything that goes on a bit, as you want each point to be snappy and succinct.

• Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements  

7. Keep it simple

8. Smart ways to end your personal statement

Writing a closing line that you’re happy with can feel as tricky as coming up with your opener. What you’re looking for here is a sign-off that is bold and memorable. The final couple of sentences in your statement give you the opportunity to emphasise all the good stuff you’ve already covered. Use this space to leave the reader in no doubt as to what an excellent addition you would be to their university. Pull together all your key points and – most importantly – address the central question that your personal statement should answer: why should you get a place on the course?

• Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang  

9. Make sure your personal statement has no mistakes

Now you’ve got a personal statement you’re happy with, you need to make sure there are no mistakes. Check it, check it a second time, then check it again. Once you’ve done that, get someone else to check it, too. You will be doing yourself a massive disservice if you send through a personal statement with spelling and/or grammatical errors. You’ve got months to put this together so there really is no excuse for sending through something that looks like a rush job. Ask your teachers to look at it, and be prepared to accept their feedback without getting defensive. They will have seen many personal statements before; use what they tell you to make yours even better. You’ve also got another chance here to look through the content of your personal statement, so you can make sure the balance is right. Make sure your focus is very clearly on the subject you are applying for and why you want to study it. Don’t post your personal statement on the internet or social media where anyone can see it. You will get picked up by the Ucas plagiarism checker. Similarly, don't copy any that you find online. Instead, now is a good time to make your parents feel useful. Read your personal statement out to them and get them to give you feedback. Or try printing it out and mixing it up with a few others (you can find sample personal statements on The Student Room). Get them to read them all and then try to pick yours out. If they can't, perhaps there's not enough of your personality in there.  

10. Don't think about your personal statement for a whole week

If you followed the advice at the very start of this guide, you’ve started your personal statement early. Good job! There are months before you need to submit it. Use one of these weeks to forget about your personal statement completely. Get on with other things – anything you like. Just don’t go near your statement. Give it a whole week and then open up the document again and read through it with fresh eyes. You’ll gain a whole new perspective on what you’ve written and will be well placed to make more changes, if needed.

• Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say  

10 steps to your ideal personal statement

In summary, here are the ten steps you should follow to create the perfect personal statement.  

Personal statement dos and don'ts

• Remember that your personal statement is your personal statement, not an article written about your intended field of study. It should tell the reader about you, not about the subject.
• Only put in things that you’re prepared to talk about at the interviews.
• Give convincing reasons for why you want to study the course – more than just "enjoying the subject" (this should be a given).
• For very competitive courses, find out as much as you can about the nature of the course and try to make your personal statement relevant to this.
• Be reflective. If you make a point like 'I like reading', 'I travelled abroad', say what you got from it.
• Go through the whole thing checking your grammar and your spelling. Do this at least twice. It doesn’t matter if you’re not applying to an essay-based course – a personal statement riddled with spelling mistakes is just going to irritate the reader, which is the last thing you want to do. If this is something you find difficult then have someone look over it for you.
• Leave blank lines between your paragraphs. It’s easier for the reader to get through your personal statement when it’s broken into easily digestible chunks. Remember that they’re going to be reading a lot of these! Make yours easy to get through.
• Get someone else's opinion on your statement. Read it out to family or friends. Share it with your teacher. Look for feedback wherever you can find it, then act upon it.
• Don’t write it like a letter. Kicking off with a greeting such as "Dear Sir/Madam" not only looks weird, it also wastes precious space.
• Don’t make jokes. This is simply not the time – save them for your first night in the union.
• Don’t criticise your current school or college or try to blame teachers for any disappointing grades you might have got.
• Be afraid of details – if you want your PS to be personal to you that means explaining exactly which bits of work or topics or activities you've taken part in/enjoyed. It's much more compelling to read about one or two detailed examples than a paragraph that brushes over five or six.
• Just list what you're doing now. You should pull out the experiences that are relevant to the courses which you're applying to.
• Mention skills and activities without giving examples of when they have been demonstrated by you or what you learnt from them. Anyone can write "I have great leadership skills" in a PS, actually using a sentence to explain when you demonstrated good leadership skills is much rarer and more valuable.
• Refer to experiences that took place before your GCSEs (or equivalent).
• Give explanations about medical or mental health problems. These should be explained in your reference, not your PS.
• Apply for too many different courses, making it difficult to write a convincing personal statement which supports the application.
• Write a statement specific to just one institution, unless you're only applying to that one choice.
• Copy and paste the statement from somewhere else! This means do not plagiarise. All statements are automatically checked for plagiarism by Ucas. Those that are highlighted by the computer system are checked manually by Ucas staff. If you’re found to have plagiarised parts of your statement, the universities you apply to will be informed and it could jeopardise your applications.
• Use ChatGPT or another AI program to write your personal statement for you. Or, if you do, make sure you thoroughly edit and personalise the text so it's truly yours. Otherwise you're very much at risk of the plagiarism point above.

You may want to look at these...

How to write your university application.

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How to Write a Stellar Personal Statement for Your Study Abroad Application

Crafting an Outstanding Personal Statement for Your Study Abroad Application

Mon Oct 2, 2023

Mastering the Art of Writing an Impressive Study Abroad Personal Statement

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey of studying abroad is an exciting prospect. It opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and academic experiences. However, before you can hop on that plane, there's one crucial step you need to master: crafting a compelling personal statement. This piece of writing can be the key that unlocks the door to your dream program. Here are some essential tips to help you write a personal statement that stands out.

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead:

• Begin the process well in advance. Allow time for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and proofreading. Rushed personal statements often lack the depth and clarity needed to make a strong impression.

2. Highlight Your Motivation and Goals:

• Start by explaining why you're passionate about studying abroad. Share your academic and personal objectives. Admissions committees want to know what drives you.

3. Showcase Your Unique Qualities:

4. Connect Your Goals to the Program:

• Demonstrate why the specific program and university are the right fit for your aspirations. Explain how their offerings align with your academic and career goals.

5. Tell a Compelling Story:

• Engage the reader with a narrative that illustrates your journey, challenges you've overcome, and lessons you've learned. A well-told story can be incredibly impactful.

6. Be Specific and Concrete:

• Avoid vague or generic statements. Provide specific examples to support your claims. This could be in the form of academic achievements, projects, or relevant experiences.

7. Address Weaknesses Positively:

• If there are gaps in your academic record or other potential concerns, address them in a positive light. Focus on what you've learned and how you've grown.

8. Demonstrate Cultural Openness:

9. Edit, Revise, and Proofread:

• Writing a stellar personal statement requires multiple rounds of editing. Check for grammar, punctuation, and coherence. It's also a good idea to have someone else review it for feedback.

10. Reflect Your Voice and Style:

• While it's important to be professional, don't lose your own voice in an attempt to sound overly formal. Let your personality shine through.

In conclusion , writing a stellar personal statement is a crucial step towards realizing your dream of studying abroad. Take the time to reflect on your motivations, goals, and unique qualities, and be sure to craft a narrative that captivates the reader. With careful planning and thoughtful writing, you can create a personal statement that sets you apart from the rest. Best of luck in your study abroad journey!

{{Sameer Kumar}} I graduated from IIT Kharagpur and have been teaching Physics and Maths to Engineering (IIT-JEE) and Medical (NEET) entrance examination aspirants for the last six years.

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