The duties, working environment, and characteristics of the chief school administrators of the privately owned American-sponsored overseas schools are described in this paper. The document looks first at the schools themselves, touching on the make-up of their student bodies, their educational philosophies, and their governance. The history of American schools overseas is reviewed with particular attention to the provision of official support from the United States government. The characteristics of the superintendents are considered next: they differ significantly from those of administrators in the United States, though the overseas superintendents typically have had experience as school administrators in the United States. The superintendent's role is described, including his or her relationship with the school's governing board. Typical processes used by administrators for hiring personnel are noted. The paper concludes with a brief review of responses to a recent survey of current superintendents that provides further insight into their characteristics and motivations. Twenty-nine references are cited. (PGD)