By Jacquelyn Heidegger, Coordinator Senior, Julia Tebben, Assistant Director, Career and Professional Development Services, ASU
Getting started
So you’ve weighed the benefits and challenges of teaching abroad and decided it’s right for you? Next you’ll need to reflect and make some additional decisions:
Who do you want to teach?
What type of setting do you want to teach in?
Where do you want to teach?
What do you want to teach?
When do you want to start?
How much support would you like to have?
Know your options
Knowing your options to teach abroad can help you make the decision that is right for you for this season of your life. If you are looking to teach abroad, you can certainly apply directly to teaching jobs directly; however, you also have the option to apply to a teaching program for additional assistance and support in meeting qualifications, applying, searching and/or placement, and adjustment.
Things to consider
Perhaps the greatest challenge is finding the right program or positions. From private schools to public programs, Department of Defense Education Activity openings, government-run exchange opportunities and volunteering, there are many different options for teaching abroad, and it can be a bit overwhelming. Below are some questions you should ask yourself as you consider your options…
What are the requirements? Do you need a degree, teaching experience or teaching certificate or licensure? Do you need to know another language? What will you need for work authorization? Will you need additional immunizations or vaccinations?
What is the time commitment? How long is the contract? How many teaching hours are expected per week? Is there time for lesson planning and prep?
Has the program been vetted? Is the opportunity provided through a government agency or reputable organization?
Do the benefits fit what I’m looking for? Is it volunteer or paid? Does it provide health insurance and other benefits?
Compare your options
While not comprehensive, the chart below provides details on some of the most popular programs offering opportunities to teach and live abroad.
| Peace Corps | World Teach | EPIK | JET | Fulbright | Cultural Ambassadors |
Location | 60+ countries | 14+ countries | South Korea | Japan | 160+ countries | Spain |
Contract length | 27 months | Year/Semester/Summer | One year | One year | One year | 9-10 months |
Payment type | Volunteer position with monthly stipend | Volunteer position with monthly stipend | Salary | Salary | Scholarship | Monthly stipend |
Subjects | Various | Various | English | English | Various | English and French |
Benefits | 3 Months pre-service training, health insurance, housing, flight, readjustment allowance post-service | 3-4 weeks in-country orientation, health insurance, housing, flight (for year-long programs only) | Orientation, settlement allowance, housing, severance pay, entrance, exit and renewal allowances, health insurance | Flight, orientation and training, health insurance | Flight, room, board, incidental costs, health insurance | Orientation, health insurance |
Housing | Provided | Provided | Provided | Paid by participant | Covered by award | Paid by participant |
Requirements | Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old to apply. Competitive applicants will have at minimum a bachelor’s degree and sector related experience. | Must be at least 18 years old to apply. Long term programs require a bachelor’s degree. Competitive applicants will have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to teaching. | Must be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language, hold a bachelor’s degree | Vary by country but in general: Must be a national where recruitment takes place (i.e.: USA or Canada), hold a bachelor’s degree | Must be a U.S. Citizen and hold a bachelor’s degree. Competitive applicants | Hold a U.S. or Canadian passport, Hold a BA or BS, Speak English or French as a first language |
Learn more: |
Continue researching and preparing
As you continue considering if teaching abroad is right for you, see these additional resources:
Don’t forget, you can schedule an appointment with Career and Professional Development Services for additional support. Best of luck!