As a worldwide average, the U.S. student population in these schools is about 30 percent of the total enrollment. The schools vary tremendously in size. ISS has recruited staff for schools with enrollments ranging from one to 4,500 students. Salaries for staff of overseas schools vary considerably. The cost of living in the host country, the size of the school, and the isolation of the location are among factors affecting salaries.
Some schools offer foreign service premiums.
Contracts can be renewed when both the school and employee are in agreement. Many ISS candidates have successfully negotiated two year leaves of absence from their U.S. school districts in order to secure positions at overseas schools. In most cases, their U.S. retirement plans remain in effect although contributions are not incurred during this period. Even though some contracts in overseas schools are for one year, the expectation on the part of the recruiting school is that the contract will be renewed for a second year if conditions are acceptable to both the teacher and the school. ISS discourages registration from applicants who are only interested in a one-year experience overseas.