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 * The //How// of Teaching Abroad **

Many people would love the opportunity to travel to foreign lands and experience new and exciting cultures complete with beautiful landscapes, exotic foods, native music and dancing, and rich history--but how about getting paid to do it? These are just a few of the rewarding reasons to consider teaching abroad, whether it be for a few months, a few years, or a lifetime.



While the description above may sound like a dream come true, when it comes to actually picking up and going, there are many questions to consider first. These include:

//**Where?**// It would be helpful to narrow down your search by picking one or two countries that you are especially interested in. Asian countries are some of the most popular, but the opportunities are endless.

**//When?//** Another one relating to this is, //**How long?**// Many programs offer year-long contracts, but some are shorter. Be aware that the school year begins in April for some countries in Asia.

And finally... //**How?**// There are many ways to go- through an agency, finding a job online, or even going first and then finding a job once there. Of course, it's always best to do your research beforehand for safety and preparation.

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This page will primarily deal with the **//How//** of teaching abroad. Here are a few more questions one might consider before deciding to make the leap to another part of the world:

//1. What type of requirements or certifications must I have to teach abroad?//

The answer is complex in that it varies from school to school, program to program. Many only require that you have a Bachelor's degree, while others require a TEFOL certification; others additionally require a few years of experience teaching. Speaking the native language is usually //not// a requirement, although it might be helpful to take a class or two before or while there. A valid passport and/or visa must also be obtained, and often times up-to-date immunizations.

//Note//: Teaching abroad is //not// limited to teaching EFL or ESL. There are many options for teachers of elementary, secondary, and university-level students. Here is a great website that offers such positions: Teach Away Inc.



//2. With so much to choose from, how can I choose the best way to go?//

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">As mentioned above, it is best to know as much as you can before choosing your school or program through which to go. Below is a compiled list of the many different types of schools or agencies that you might consider:


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**International Schools**- schools for English-speaking children whose families live abroad. Some offer an American curriculum, some a British curriculum, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Positives:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">With over 4,000 international schools worldwide, there are many positions vacant every year
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Often better pay and more benefits than teaching in a private language school (and usually longer holidays!)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Positions also available for ESL teachers
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Challenges:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Getting the job may be more competitive
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Here are a few International School sites:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">International Schools Services, Department of Defense Education, NICS (Network of International Christian Schools)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">A Wikipedia page listing international schools from all over the world alphabetically: List of International Schools
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Private Language Schools**- teaching English in privately-owned schools, most common way to teach abroad
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Positives:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Teaching positions are many and usually easy to find
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Are immersed in local culture; many schools offer housing near the school
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Challenges:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Many schools require some sort of TESOL certificate (some can be obtained online in a matter of four weeks); others require a Bachelor's degree in order to be eligible for a work permit
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Here are a few Private Language School sites:
 * AEON (Japan), EF (English First), TEFL.com


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Recruiting/Placement Companies**- companies that provide assistance in helping you get to a school
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Positives:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Can help guide you through all the necessary steps, like getting a visa; many also offer TEFL Certificate courses abroad
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Challenges:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Some offer a fee for services
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Here are a few Companies to consider:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">LanguageCorps, CIEE, ELIC (English Language Institute/China), Mission:Teach


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Government Programs**- government-sponsored programs that recruit English-speaking teachers to public schools
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Positives:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Government-sponsored usually means more credibility and less risk
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Challenges:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Qualifications vary, but generally a Bachelor's degree is required
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">A few Programs to consider:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">JET Programme (Japan), EPIK (South Korea), Czech Ministry of Education, NET Scheme (Hong Kong)



<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;"> Here are some other great sites that offer additional helpful tips for teaching abroad: <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;">Overseasdigest

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;">The TEFL Blog

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">Thanks for viewing!

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;">** Sources: ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;"> Admin. (June 20, 2008). 100+ Tips and Resources for Teaching Abroad. In TeachingTips.com. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.teachingtips.com/blog/2008/06/20/100-tips-and-resources-for-teaching-abroad/.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;">Kelly Blackwell. (May 27, 2008). Teaching English Abroad In International Schools. In Ezine articles. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Teaching-English-Abroad-In-International-Schools&id=1206788.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;"> Undefined. (March 28, 2011). Teaching English. In Wikitravel. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://wikitravel.org/en/Teaching_English.