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Teaching English Abroad

Finding a paid, full-time job abroad after graduation can be quite challenging. Because of this, teaching English abroad is one of the most accessible options for postgraduates to work abroad. Some students teach abroad to gain experience for a future career in teaching, while others use it as an opportunity to live abroad and gain transferable skills for all future careers.

Considerations

  • Duration: Programs typically run for one academic year, oftentimes with the option to renew your contract for more years.
  • Pay: All teaching English abroad programs are paid, typically via salary or stipend.  Salaries/stipends can vary greatly by program. Other benefits (e.g. accommodation or the flight over to your destination country) might also be included, but that also depends on the program. Some programs charge a fee to participate in them, while others are free.
  • Locations: There are programs in locations all over the world, including countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. For more information about specific locations, schedule an advising appointment with the International Center or email [email protected].
  • Language Requirement: Note that some programs will require a certain language proficiency level, while others will not require any background in that country’s language(s).
  • Assistant vs. Primary Teacher: In some programs, you would be an “assistant” teacher, meaning you would be co-teaching students in the classroom with a native teacher. In other programs, you would be a primary teacher who is in the classroom alone with your students. Primary teachers are more common in Asian countries, while assistant teachers are more common in European countries. Primary teachers also earn a higher salary/stipend and require certification.
  • Transferable Skills: Ability to work across cultures, communication, foreign language skills, adaptability, public speaking, project development/management, problem solving, resilience, and more!
  • Career Benefits: Besides gaining transferable skills, you can build networks abroad, gain exposure to new careers and areas of interest, reaffirm or narrow your career focus, and become a more competitive candidate/applicant for future jobs or graduate school programs.

Is Certification Required to Teach English Abroad?

Whether or not you need certification to teach English abroad will depend on the program. There are certifications for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA). Depending on your program, you might be required to obtain one of these specific certifications.

Note: There is typically a fee to obtain these certifications, but programs that require certification typically offer higher salaries/stipends.

The English Language Institute (ELI) is the best resource on campus to learn more about teaching. We recommend contacting them to see which TEFL/TESL/TESOL/CELTA programs are best and most reputable. ELI also offers a course at U-M, titled ELI 393 (Undergraduates) / ELI 591 (Graduates): Teaching English Internationally, where they supply you with a PDF “certificate” upon completion of the program!

How to find Teaching English Abroad Programs

The best way to find and learn more about teaching English abroad programs is to schedule an advising appointment with the International Center. We are happy to share program recommendations and, whenever applicable, connect you with alumni of teach abroad programs.

Note: Some teaching English abroad programs are run by the host country’s government, while others are run by education abroad providers that manage options in multiple locations.

In addition, GoAbroad is a great resource to search for programs. If you find a program that interests you on Go Abroad (or through another resource), you are welcome to make an appointment with us to see if it’s legitimate and reputable.

Opportunities for Certified Teachers (K-12)

Teachers with K-12 certification have a wide range of options. Below are categories of international teaching opportunities for K-12 certified teachers.

Department of Defense Schools

Department of Defense Schools

Located at U.S. military bases around the world, the teaching environment is roughly similar to that of American public schools. Contact with host-country nationals would be relatively limited, since students and staff are American.

Private International Schools- Job Fairs

Located worldwide, private, English-language K-12 schools educate the children of expatriate diplomats and business people, and occasionally children of wealthy host-country nationals. The teaching environment is similar to that of elite U.S. private schools. Although one can apply directly to a given school, the most efficient way to apply is through job fairs. The following organizations organize fairs and recruitment services for teaching seeking placements in international schools.

Volunteer Organizations

Most long-term volunteer opportunities (1 year or more) will provide basic amenities and a small stipend for teachers. One option is the Peace Corps. Education placements include teacher training or teaching host country children in local schools. For more information, contact the U-M Peace Corps office.

Fulbright Programs for Teachers

Fulbright Teacher Exchanges offers short-term travel opportunities for current K-12 educators.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program English Teaching Assistantships offer recent graduates academic-year long teaching assistantships around the world. Interested applicants should take advantage of advising available with U-M Fulbright advisors at the International Institute. Currently enrolled U-M students and recent alumni should apply through the University of Michigan. The U-M campus application deadline is in late August for placements that begin the following year.