Tips for Teaching Abroad

If you have a yen to work abroad as a teacher, you can travel as far as your heart desires. Trained American teachers with at least a bachelor's degree are in demand in exotic countries and some that are quite close. For an excellent source of jobs in reputable schools with few problems, first turn to the U.S. State Department. They recruit year round for American International Schools throughout the world. These schools serve the children of international executives and State Department employees. You can teach at foreign universities and public schools through one of several Fulbright Exchange Programs. Public school teachers must be certified, and university professors must have advanced degrees.

You will benefit from the cultural experience, and you can even learn a new language. In addition to having an unparalleled adventure, you will be able to exempt a substantial amount of your salary from U.S. income tax. Some positions provide free housing, transportation, moving expenses, and other allowances. This gives you more purchasing power than a similar salary in the United States.

Job seekers who have bachelor's degrees, but no teaching certification, can still take advantage of the many opportunities to teach English as a Second Language. Agencies and recruiters post jobs in countries from Dubai to Thailand, and every country in between. The Peace Corps provides teaching opportunities in many locations as well. However, people in these positions receive a stipend, not a salary.

Of course, traveling abroad comes with risks so it is always smart to consider purchasing travel insurance, travel medical insurance, or even annual trip travel insurance . These types of policies can be purchased online and will provide coverage for canceled trips, luggage, and medical emergencies.

Use these resources to start your job search:

• Transitions Abroad: teach abroad advice.
• Tesall: ESL teaching positions.
• CIEE: reputable placement organization for teaching abroad.
• State Department: American International Schools? applications.
• ESL Jobs: job listings, career advice, and curriculum resources.
• ESL Employment: teach abroad job listings and suggestions.
• Idealist: search overseas teaching opportunities with large nonprofits.
• Peace Corps: volunteer to teach in Peace Corps locations.
• Teach Away: applications for private and government run schools.
• World Teach: volunteer to get experience teaching abroad.
• Fulbright Exchanges: Fulbright teacher exchange programs.
• Department of Defense: Department of Defense opportunities abroad at U.S. military base schools.
• University of Colorado: tips about teach abroad contracts.
• Traveler?s Notebook: top ten teach abroad countries rated.
• Eteach: recruitment site for teaching abroad in the United Kingdom and other countries.
• Read reviews to find a good travel insurance policy
• Use a travel insurance comparison site to buy a plan and compare travel insurance
  

If you take a teaching job abroad, expect to make a minimum commitment of one year. Before you accept a position that requires moving overseas, investigate the job source and the school. Get everything in writing; including your work hours, living conditions, vacation, and personal leave. Information about medical services and insurance is also critical. Find out the requirements for visas and work permits. Ask about moving expenses and allowances for dependents. Try to speak with former teachers to get insight into the country's political climate and the level of support you can expect from your potential employer. In addition, you should inquire about the size of the host country's expatriate community. They can be extremely helpful to newcomers who are trying to adjust to a different culture.