The type of teaching abroad that is in the highest demand is teaching English. Your knowledge of English is actually a highly marketable skill. Places all over the world want English teachers; some of the most common places are in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. But if your desire is to go somewhere else, the demand for English teachers goes beyond those places.

If money is your main objective, teaching abroad may not be for you. Salaries generally range from volunteer- $50,000 a year, although there is a great deal of variation in salaries depending on the program you go through. The cost of travel may mean you may actually spend more than you earn. Some programs will provide housing and a salary, while others are purely volunteer experiences that offer a unique cultural experience. Remember that there will often be hidden costs, such as travel expenses or work permits, even through a salaried program. If you receive health benefits will depend on the program you teach through.

If you are to teach abroad, expect to work about 20-25 hours a week teaching and additional hours lesson planning. Most programs ask for a one or two year commitment. By teaching abroad, you get to learn a new language and culture, and the chance to travel. It is important, however, not just to want to travel and experience different cultures, but that you also want to teach, as you will spend a good portion of your time doing this. Teaching abroad may mean teaching any age student, from elementary aged students to adults. The environment you teach in can vary greatly depending on the country you chose.

To teach abroad you should be flexibile, possibly familiar with the native language, able to teach, open to cultural differences, able to speak English well and have strong grammar skills, creative, able to build a rapport with others, enthusiastic, patient, imaginative and have a genuine interest in the learning and well being of students.

Most long term programs to teach abroad require a four year degree. Also, although it may not be required everywhere, it would be helpful to get a teaching certificate from a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) program. It is possible to be certified in as little as one month.

Outside of formal education, it is important to remember to research the language and culture of the country in order to know what to expect. Do not be surprised if you experience both some culture shock and some classroom shock, as you adjust to being a teacher.

TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) involves teaching immigrants in English-speaking countries.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) involves teaching people, usually in their own countries, who want to use English for business, leisure, travel, etc.

While there are many professionally managed programs with qualified, competent teachers, there is no licensing board that provides oversight. You should be aware that any training course taken purely through correspondence is highly suspect. It's like learning to swim without ever having to go into the water.

http://teflintl.com
http://www.celta.ca
http://www.itc-training.com
http://www.oxfordseminars.com/Pages/ESL/esl_about.htm

While there are thousands of job openings to teach abroad interest in teaching abroad has increased over recent years. The most important way to help secure a good teaching job is by becoming certified to be an English teacher through a TESOL or TEFL program. Once you are certified you can chose to apply to one of the many organizations that sponsor teachers abroad, or try to find a job independently. Without certification some organizations may sponsor you to teach abroad if you have your degree.

Pros: You live in another country, learn about the language and culture and travel. You can support yourself and travel while you teach English abroad. You will meet a variety of interesting people and see interesting lifestyles, and gain a better perspective on your own culture and habits.

Cons: Teaching and living abroad can present you with many challenging experiences and demands a great deal of flexibility as you may encounter many novel or unexpected events. You know it does not necessarily provide job security or a high salary and the conditions in which you teach can vary greatly.

Be prepared to include information on your resume that you would not include on a resume for a job in the United States. Depending on the country, you may be required to include a passport photo, personal details such as whether English is your first language, the country you were born in and date of birth, your marital status and any children who will come with you. More information to include is a description of your formal education, a description of any TEFL/TESOL training, a brief summary of any TEFL work experiences, a summary of other work experiences, and a brief mention of any skills or relevant experience (i.e. language skills, or travel experiences).

Your cover letter should be one page in clear and concise English with no spelling or grammatical errors. Do not sound too assertive in your cover letter, instead be more humble. Mention where you would like to work, but be open minded and flexible as to your placement.

Check out our Resume & Cover Letter page for more help.
For International Resume Tips visit this page.

Interviewing rules abroad are not much different than those in the United States. Research the country to demonstrate your knowledge of the culture. Make sure to check out the local guidelines for appropriate dress, as it will vary from country to country. Use correct English throughout your interview and be prepared to answer questions about English grammar usage. Finally, be prepared to give examples of your teaching experience and relevant training and how you would apply these in your new career.

Check out this page for Interviewing Tips.

Click here for website to search for Teaching Abroad Opportunities.

Teaching English Abroad: Teach Your Way Around the World by Susan Griffith
The Global Resume and CV Guide by Mary Ann Thompson
Delaying the Real World: A Twentysomethings Guide to Seeking Adventure by Colleen Kinder

There are currently more jobs teaching English abroad than there are teachers. The need to fill these positions is still great, but the demand is shrinking as more people becoming interested.

Check out our other Teaching Abroad web page, visit the Career Resource Library in 215 South Hall, make an appointment with Marcie Kirk-Holland or attend one of our international workshops.