International Resources

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.

Flexibility, possible familiarity with the native language of the country you want to teach in, teaching skills, good with diversity, good English speaking and grammar skills (if teaching English), creativity, the ability to build rapport, enthusiasm, patience, imagination, and a genuine interest in the learning and wellbeing of students.

Most long term programs to teach abroad require a four year degree. Also, although it may not be required everywhere, it will help to get a teaching certificate from a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) course, and you can do this in a program that takes as little as one month. Outside of formal education, remember to research, research, and research! Before you go study the language and culture of the country you are going to, know what to expect in that country and expect to experience both some culture shock and some classroom shock- as you adjust to being a teacher.

For all intents and purposes the terms mean the same thing. TESOL is more common in America and with large state sector colleges in Britain (e.g. the Institute of Education in London). TEFL is more common in U.K. Language Schools and in the U.K. press. There is a slight technical difference since TESOL refers to all learners whose first language is not English, including ethnic minorities living in this country, whereas TEFL refers only to "foreign" students. Potentially, therefore, a TESOL course encompasses more than a more narrowly defined TEFL course.

There are many good schools out there. Many are professionally managed and have qualified, competent teachers. Unfortunately, there is no licensing board that governs these programs. 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.englishlanguagecentre.com
http://iteslj.org/links/Various/Schools_Offering_TESL_Training/
http://www.celta.ca
http://www.itc-training.com
http://www.oxfordseminars.com/Pages/ESL/esl_about.htm

There are thousands of job opening to teach abroad, but there are also thousands of applicants and 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 TOEFL or TEFL course (see above). 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 in a country you wish to teach in. Without a teaching certificate some organizations will sponsor you to teach abroad if you have your degree, or you could always try applying directly to the area you would like to teach in, but it may be more difficult to secure a good teaching position.

Pros: You get to live in another country, learn about the language and culture, and travel on your time off. You can earn enough money to live on and possibly travel while you get to perform a needed service by helping people in other countries learn English. You will likely meet a variety of interesting people and see interesting lifestyles, and gain a better perspective on your own culture and habits. Cons: Teaching abroad does not mean you will make a lot of money and generally as a career leaves little room for advancement or longevity. Living abroad can come fraught with many difficult experiences from adapting to living in a different culture, to travel difficulties. Teaching abroad demands a great deal of flexibility as you may encounter many novel or unexpected events. The job security for teaching abroad is scarce and the conditions in which you teach in can vary greatly. Furthermore, teaching abroad can be very demanding as well as boring and repetitive and can demand a great deal of patience.

Be prepared to include information on your resume that you would not include on a resume for a job in the United States. Your resume, depending on what is typical in the country you wish to work in, may require a passport photo of yourself, a personal details section where you mention if 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. Further sections that you need in your resume is a description of your formal education, a description of any TEFL/TOESL 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). With respect to a cover letter, write a one page cover letter in clear and concise English with no spelling or grammar errors. Be careful not to sound too assertive, be more humble than you would usually be in a United States cover letter. Mention in your cover letter where you would like to work, but try to sound open minded and flexible. A good website to find out more country specific tips and see some samples is at: www.eurograduate.com/plan2.php

The rules for interviewing abroad are not much different from interviewing in the United States. Make sure to research where you want to go and show some knowledge of the culture of the place you want to teach in. For your interview, check out the local guidelines for appropriate dress, as it will vary from country to country. Use correct English throughout your interview (if you want to teach English) and be prepared to answer question about English grammar usage. Finally, be prepared to give examples of any times you have taught, training you have in teaching, and some strategies of how you plan to teach to the population you want to work with.

CII-International Exchange Programme International Cooperative Education Teach Corps Volunteers in Asia (VIA) Worldteach

Canlink Central Asia Institute CII-International Exchange Programme Colorado China Council Consulate General of Japan at San Francisco Council on International Education Exchange Cultural Homestay International (CHI) English Program In Korea (EPIK) Hess Educational Organization International Cooperative Education International House Barcelona International Language Institute Internet Works-Teach English in Mexico Lee's Manpower Corporation Peace Corps Teach Corps TEFL Professional Network Thailand Ministry of Education UCI/CIE International Opportunities Program

Teaching English Overseas: A Guide for Americans and Canadians by Jeff Mohamed 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.

Visit the ICC's website at: http://international.ucdavis.edu/in.htm, or visit the Career Resource Library in 114 South Hall section 13 (the International section)