Jobs for teachers abroad

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Teaching is a very portable career. Regardless of your content area, if you hold a teaching certification and are a native speaker of English, chances are, you will meet the requirements of many schools in the country that you wish to live and work in. Opportunities for English as a Foreign Language teachers abound, although there are many other opportunities as well.

If you wish to continue to teaching math, science or some other content area, and do not want to veer off into teaching English, look into becoming a teacher on a military base overseas. The pay is better than most other overseas teaching jobs, and you will be working as a civilian. The US Department of State has put together information for individuals who are interested in this opportunity or teaching at other institutions overseas, such as American schools. Check out their website at http://www.state.gov for more information about these opportunities. Generally speaking, if you wish to teach on a military base, you must have good credentials in the area you wish to teach, have good references and be able to pass a background check. There are also organizations listed on the State Departments site such as The Association of American Schools in South America. This organization can provide a list of participating schools that are potential employers, as well as providing professional support and teacher training.

Another option to consider is the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program. This program provides an opportunity for teachers from the United States and other countries to trade places for a period of time ranging from six weeks to a full academic year. Eligibility requirements are that the teacher holds a minimum of a bachelors degree, currently holds a teaching position, and has at least three years full-time teaching experience. Teachers must also be United States citizens and speak fluent English. The Fulbright Program makes every effort to match teachers up with the countries that they request, but individuals may not get an assignment in the country that is their first choice. The application process can be lengthy and is competitive. There is an element of chance involved, as your acceptance to the program is dependent upon a good match being found for youa teacher with similar qualifications who teaches the same grade level and content area as you.

The Peace Corps is generally considered more of a volunteer assignment than a job, but nevertheless, it provides teaching opportunities all over the world. There is a stipend paid to make ends meet, and many volunteers enjoy their experience a great deal. You may also want to join an organization such as The International Educator for an opportunity to post your resume and search for overseas teaching positions. This organization is another one that is not limited to English teaching positions.

If you want a guaranteed teaching job, however, apply for one of the many English teaching positions that are available in almost every country, except those where English is the spoken language, of course! One of the best resources for finding an English as a Foreign Language job overseas is Daves ESL Caf, an online resource that has been in existence for over ten years. Over the years, this resource has expanded to include not only a job board, but also discussion boards about jobs in different countries, including which schools to avoid and other practical advice about teaching in another country. There are many jobs available that are listed on the site, and you can post your resume as well.

Teaching English overseas is different from teaching it in the United States. Unless you have a certification in English as a Second Language, it is best to get a quick TEFL certificate. You can obtain one in as little as four weeks, and it will make you a more competitive job candidate, as well as giving you the skills that you need in order to teach English as a Foreign Language.

You will have many choices regarding the level and sort of English that you wish to teach. Jobs abound at every level, ranging from preschool English programs to business English programs for busy adults. University positions occasionally open up as well. Before you accept a job overseas, do your absolute best to research the school and make sure it is a reputable one. You are generally required to sign a contract, and you will want to make sure that the school is one that you will feel comfortable in for a year or more. Many schools will reimburse airfare and give you paid vacation upon the completion of your contract. Needless to say, this is something that should be negotiated and agreed upon before you sign on the dotted line. Also negotiate the number of classes you will teach. Some teachers have very light course loads while others working in the same country, at the same rate of pay, may be teaching ten hours a day, six days a week.

Be aware of the cultural expectations of your students before you decide on a particular country. Some cultures put very high expectations on students, and the students themselves will have different expectations for teachers, depending on their cultural values. Make sure that you are a good fit for the culture as well as the school itself.

Teaching overseas can be a very enriching, exciting experience. If you have the opportunity, then you should certainly give it a try. For many, teaching assignments have felt like an extended vacation, albeit one without much beach time in most cases. Having the opportunity to get to know a new culture inside and out is a valuable one, and is life-changing. Best of luck with your international job search!