The barriers to upward mobility faced by female administrators working in American and International Overseas Schools and how these women perceived selected barriers were studied. The sample consisted of 67 women, mainly principals, directors, or superintendents, in administrative positions in International Schools in Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. These women were attending the 1997 Annual Meeting of the Association for the Advancement of International Education in Atlanta (Georgia). The 67 respondents represent 30% of the population of female administrators in the International Schools. These respondents identified professional development and training needs to help them overcome barriers such as the lack of a network of contacts or the fear of seeming unfeminine in confronting conflict assertively. Respondents were agreed on the importance of mentors for women. The responses also stressed the importance of a strong self-concept in resisting oppression. Respondents perceived that women did not bring psychological turmoil to the job. Geographic location did not appear to have a significant influence on the participants' perceptions of barriers to upward mobility. However, respondents employed in Asia agreed more strongly with the statement that the greatest barrier for women is role prejudice than did respondents from other parts of the world. Recommendations for improving the upward mobility of women center on a structured mentoring component, programs aimed at developing on-the-job training, and providing opportunities for female administrators to meet to discuss issues. (Contains 51 references.) (SLD)