So how do you avoid the pitfalls? A good starting point is to apply through an agency. The biggest is the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), a non-profit-making organisation serving more than 570 schools.

Agencies carefully vet the schools they accredit. For example, ECIS has strict criteria and visits its schools to ensure high standards. It also has ethical guidelines governing recruitment and employment.

According to Gabbitas, a long-established international recruitment firm, one common misunderstanding is that schools abroad are prepared to accept lower qualifications and poor experience to attract British teachers. In fact standards in overseas schools are as high if not higher.

And the jobs market is very competitive. Interviews can vary from a telephone chat to a long session in front of a panel.

Another UK-based organisation that recruits for schools abroad is World-wide Education Service. It stresses that you have to ask the right questions. Teachers abroad can often find themselves in difficulty because of misunderstanding - interviewers may not speak English as their first language. What is understood by you at interview may turn out to be the different by the time you have flown out to take the post.

Eight things to remember when applying

• Applications procedures are similar to UK posts, although you may be asked to provide photographs, copies of degrees or other documentation.
  
  
• Try to ensure that you give as much information as possible. Bear in mind that English may not be your interviewer's first language.
  
  
• Do your homework thoroughly on the country. Make sure the place and its culture is right for you.
  
  
• At interview, misunderstandings can arise - for example, many non-UK employers do not see a distinction between primary and secondary teaching.
  
  
• Ask as much as you can about the school: Is it privately owned? Is it a charity? Does it have board of directors? Is it a profit-making organisation?
  
  
• If they make you an offer, ensure you receive a letter of appointment setting out the main terms.
  
  
• Satisfy yourself on pay and conditions before accepting. Take into account the country's economic climate and its exchange rate.
  
  
• Don't accept a post too impulsively. Occasionally employers take legal action and you could find yourself liable for costs in replacing you.