I’m a certified elementary school teacher (grades 1-6) in the US with five years of experience. I’m starting to feel really burnt out with the American education system and am seriously considering teaching abroad for a year or two. I’m curious about the different types of teaching positions actually available to someone like me. I’ve heard about international schools, but what are the different kinds of international schools? Do they all teach in English? Are there opportunities in public schools in other countries, even if I don’t speak the local language fluently (yet)? I’m particularly interested in Europe (especially Western Europe) and maybe East Asia (Japan or South Korea), but I’m open to exploring other regions too. What are the general salary expectations and benefits packages like for elementary teachers in these different types of positions? Also, what certifications are typically required beyond my US certification? Are there specific organizations I should be looking at for job postings? Basically, I’m trying to get a broad overview of the landscape of overseas teaching opportunities.
Answer
Teaching jobs overseas encompass a wide spectrum of subjects, grade levels, and educational settings, catering to a diverse range of qualifications and experience. These opportunities can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. International Schools:
- Curriculum: International schools typically follow an international curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), or a national curriculum adapted for an international context (e.g., American, British, Australian).
- Subjects: Demand exists for teachers across all subjects, including but not limited to: mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, physics), English language arts, social studies/humanities (history, geography, economics, government), foreign languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin, German), art, music, drama, physical education, and computer science/technology.
- Levels: Opportunities are available at all grade levels, from early childhood/preschool through elementary, middle, and high school. Some schools also offer post-secondary programs (e.g., IB Diploma Programme, A-Levels).
- Student Body: International schools generally cater to a diverse student body comprising expatriate children, children of local nationals seeking an international education, and students from other countries.
- Qualifications: These schools typically require a bachelor’s degree in education or a bachelor’s degree in the subject area with a teaching certification/license from the teacher’s home country. Some schools also require or prefer a master’s degree in education or a related field. Prior teaching experience is often highly valued, particularly experience with the specific curriculum offered by the school.
- Benefits: Compensation packages in international schools often include a competitive salary, housing allowance, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and other benefits such as tuition assistance for dependents.
2. English Language Teaching (ELT):
- Settings: ELT positions can be found in language schools, private academies, universities, public schools, and corporate training programs.
- Levels: Classes can range from beginner to advanced levels for children, teenagers, and adults.
- Focus: Instruction focuses on developing students’ English language skills in areas such as grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree is often required, and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) certification is highly recommended or required. Some positions, particularly in universities or more prestigious language schools, may require a master’s degree in TESOL or applied linguistics. Prior experience is helpful but not always essential.
- Locations: ELT opportunities are widely available across the globe, with particularly high demand in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
- Benefits: Salaries and benefits vary significantly depending on the location, type of institution, and level of experience. Some positions may include housing assistance or airfare reimbursement.
3. Public Schools (Government-Sponsored Programs):
- Programs: Many countries have government-sponsored programs that recruit native English speakers to teach English in public schools. These programs often aim to improve the English proficiency of students and teachers in the country.
- Locations: Common destinations include South Korea, Japan, Spain, France, and Thailand.
- Levels: Placements can be in elementary, middle, or high schools.
- Qualifications: Requirements vary by program and country but often include a bachelor’s degree, native English speaker status, and sometimes a TEFL/TESOL certification. Prior teaching experience may be preferred.
- Benefits: These programs typically offer a monthly salary, housing allowance, health insurance, and sometimes airfare reimbursement.
- Curriculum: Teachers usually follow a pre-determined curriculum or lesson plans provided by the school or program.
4. University Lecturing/Professorships:
- Subjects: Universities overseas offer a wide range of teaching positions in various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and education.
- Qualifications: A master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant field is typically required, along with prior teaching experience at the university level and a strong research record. For some positions, particularly in research-intensive universities, a PhD is essential.
- Responsibilities: Responsibilities typically include teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, conducting research, and contributing to the department’s academic activities.
- Benefits: Salaries and benefits vary significantly depending on the country, university, and field of study. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, and research funding.
5. Specialized Teaching Positions:
- Special Education: Opportunities exist for special education teachers in international schools and other settings to support students with diverse learning needs.
- Bilingual Education: Bilingual teachers are needed in schools that offer dual-language programs or immersion programs.
- Vocational/Technical Education: Teachers with expertise in vocational or technical fields, such as engineering, technology, or culinary arts, may find opportunities in vocational schools or training centers.
- Early Childhood Education: Demand for qualified early childhood educators exists in international schools, preschools, and daycare centers.
- Music/Arts: Many international schools and private institutions seek qualified music and arts teachers to provide instruction in instrumental music, vocal music, visual arts, and performing arts.
6. Volunteer Teaching Opportunities:
- Organizations: Numerous volunteer organizations offer opportunities to teach in developing countries or underserved communities.
- Duration: Volunteer teaching assignments can range from a few weeks to several months or years.
- Subjects: Teaching opportunities may include English, math, science, or other subjects, depending on the needs of the community.
- Benefits: While volunteer positions typically do not offer a salary, some organizations may provide room and board, transportation, or a small stipend.
- Qualifications: Requirements vary by organization, but a strong desire to help and a willingness to adapt to new cultures are essential.
Factors to Consider:
- Location: Consider the culture, climate, cost of living, and political stability of different countries.
- School Type: Research the school’s reputation, curriculum, and student demographics.
- Salary and Benefits: Carefully review the compensation package, including salary, housing, health insurance, and other benefits.
- Contract Length: Understand the terms of the teaching contract and the possibility of renewal.
- Visa Requirements: Research the visa requirements for teaching in the specific country.
- Cultural Adjustment: Be prepared for cultural differences and the challenges of living and working in a new environment.
