International teaching opportunities FAQs
Working abroad frequently asked questions (FAQs)
These FAQs give tips for finding and applying for teaching positions outside of the United States.
Common job positions include teacher and assistant teacher. Assistant teachers often are not required to have knowledge of the country’s language(s), and work alongside local teachers.
Past students of the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) minor or certificate program were hired as teaching assistants through programs like JET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program) and the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program. EPIK is a program for teachers in South Korea.
According to GoAbroad.com, the four main types of work settings for teaching abroad are:
- International schools – Offer curricula different from the schools in their host countries. Students are from other countries. Teaching positions are often full-time, multi-year assignments.
- Private schools – Run by language academies or private English teaching centers. Pay is higher and teachers are expected to work more hours than in public schools.
- Public schools – Also called government schools. Teachers are often hired through programs that offer support and a steady contract.
- Tutoring – Work one-on-one with a small number of students in part-time positions. Teachers may be responsible for creating some of the curriculum.
Learn which work settings might be a good fit for you by talking with people who have participated in teaching abroad programs. Talk with people you know or use the Maroon & Gold Network to connect with University of Minnesota alumni who have taught in other countries. On the Maroon & Gold’s Community page, find the “Topics” filter near the top, and click on “Studying or Working Abroad.”
The majority of public and private schools in other countries hire to teach English only. International schools hire teachers fluent in English to teach a variety of subjects (math, science, geography, etc.), mainly in elementary grade levels.
Anyone who wants to have a positive influence on education in another country outside of the classroom can explore volunteer programs. Organizations such as the Peace Corps and World Education have unpaid and stipend volunteer opportunities in teaching, student support, administration and other roles that support schools and education.
Fluency in a second language is not required for you to teach in another country. It is an asset, however, to know the language(s) of the country to build relationships with people and navigate outside of your work setting.
It's common for teaching programs to require either a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate or degree. Talk with people familiar with these certifications and do online research to learn the differences between these credentials.
Programs that require one of these certificates will also accept candidates with an undergraduate minor in TESL or master's degree in TESOL.
Applicants for the JET Program in Japan and The Fulbright English Teaching Program must be U.S. citizens with a bachelor's degree. These programs do not require a TESL certificate.
Qualifications to teach outside of the U.S. vary depending on the place of employment and the country. Enrollment in the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program will help you gain the skills and experience you need to teach abroad.
Build connections with people who have taught in the countries you are interested in working in. Talk with UMN alumni, and review information shared by teachers all over the world on various online forums.
Enroll in the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program to gain a broad overview of language teaching, and learning in different contexts (K-12, adult, foreign language, and second language). Expectations of teachers vary between and within countries.
GoinGlobal.com says you will encounter cultural differences when teaching in another country. Some differences will be more obvious than others. Think about your personal perspectives and avoid imposing your cultural expectations on your students. Talk with other teachers and program alumni to better understand students’ experiences, and the cultures in which you are living and working.
Here is an example from a teacher working in South Korea, where students avoid eye contact with teachers as a sign of respect. This cultural norm is the opposite of the custom in the United States of making direct eye contact to show respect. Understanding differences like this can prevent confusion and conflicts when you are working abroad.
Applying for teaching positions in a foreign country is not the same process as applying in the United States. Most likely, you will find positions and potentially be matched with employers through a teaching program or by working with a recruiter.
Teaching Programs
A teaching abroad program recruits individuals from the United States to teach in other countries. Participants are often hired to serve as English teachers, although they may teach other subjects as well. Some programs hire teachers to work in a specific country or region of the world, other programs have opportunities in countries all over the globe. Examples of teaching abroad programs include JET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program), and the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program.
Teaching abroad programs facilitate the hiring process for candidates and employers. The program may set up an employment agreement or contract between the applicant and the host country (for public schools) or educational institution. Most teaching program agreements are for 9-12 months; teachers are asked to commit to a full academic year. Instead of a teacher having to negotiate a job offer on their own, the program will outline the terms of employment, duration of the program, and the salary and benefits package. They will let you know how to get a work visa, if you need one, and other travel documents.
Types of teaching abroad programs:
- Government sponsored programs – teach in a public school through a partnership between the U.S. and another country
- Short-term teaching programs – range from one week to a few months
- Volunteer teaching programs – unpaid or stipend opportunities in teaching, student support, or education administration in Asia, South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe
- Peace Corps
- UNICEF
- United Nations’ UN Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Education
ESL Recruiters
A recruiter is a person or organization that specializes in connecting with individuals from the United States to work as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in other countries. These recruiters collaborate with educational institutions, language centers, or agencies abroad to identify suitable candidates who can teach English to non-native speakers.
Recruiters typically facilitate the hiring process by advertising teaching positions, screening applicants, conducting interviews, and providing guidance and support for teachers throughout the hiring and relocation process. According to Go Overseas, the most popular regions for recruiters and recruitment agencies to operate are Asia and the Middle East. Recruiters are not welcome in all countries. Some recruiters have been banned for inappropriate business practices.
How to Choose
Before signing up with a recruiter or teaching abroad program, ask a lot of questions to find organizations that might be best for your situation. Ask other teachers and UMN alumni about their experiences finding teaching positions, getting hired, and the agreements they had with their host county or school. Find people to talk to on the Maroon & Gold Network and on online forums for international teachers. On the Maroon & Gold’s Community page, find the “Topics” filter near the top, and click on “Studying or Working Abroad.”
Resume format very greatly around the world. Some countries expect job candidates to send a curriculum vita (CV). The teaching abroad program or recruiter that you work with will know which resume format or CV is expected in the country you are applying to. They will support you throughout the application process.
The length of your employment contract will affect your pay and benefits. Teaching contracts can range from a few months to 1-2 years. Salaries vary widely, depending on the country you are in, if you are living/working in a rural or urban area, and the type of program or school you are teaching in.
Beyond pay, Teaching Nomad says to look at the total compensation package. If the salary you are offered is low, your employer may be covering your insurance, lodging, and/or airfare. These are big expenses for you to consider when thinking about the job offer.
According to Go Overseas, the benefit packages for teachers typically include:
- Health, travel, life, dental, vision, and disability insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid holidays and sick days
- Paid maternity and paternity leave
- Teacher training and professional development
- Airfare
- Housing benefits
- Tax benefits
Housing
Some teaching abroad programs provide housing as part of your compensation. Teaching Nomad recommends that you ask questions about where you will be living. Will you have roommates? What amenities and appliances are included? What is the neighborhood like and how far is it from the school where you will be working? Can you see pictures beforehand of where you will be living?
Income Taxes
Don’t forget about income taxes. Teaching Nomad recommends that you do your research on the average pay for the host country, and clarify who pays taxes on your salary. Some countries deduct a percentage of your net income from every paycheck, while others don’t have any income taxes. Also, some counties, like Korea, refund you a portion of the tax deducted after your contract is completed.
The employment agreement and job offer might be a standardized contract and can’t be edited. Ask if the offer can be negotiated if it does not include details important to you (salary, housing, airfare, paid time off, etc.).
Expectations for living standards differ between applicants. Talk with people who have lived in the country you are interested in teaching, and research the living expenses and standards of different countries.
Remember to think about your income and living expenses in the context of the host country’s economy, not the U.S. For example, volunteer teaching positions offer stipends (low wages), however, it might afford you a high standard of living in the local economy.
Review your teaching contract to see if it includes any restrictions to you working additional jobs. Also, research the employment laws and regulations of the country, and the stipulations of your work visa.
Teaching english as a second language (TESL) minor and certificate
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Current UMN students can contact Student Services Specialist Stephanie Fore, sfore@umn.edu