Many schools even aid foreign teachers in obtaining their visas. Similar to the way that most travelers only get to spend a short amount of time exploring their far-off destinations, they also only get a brief opportunity to experience foreign cultures. And just as teaching abroad lets teachers better investigate new locales, it also allows these instructors to become more fully immersed in native cultures.
Working and living in a new place allows teachers to become integrated into the society, enabling them to better understand different peoples and make new friends. Some schools even arrange for classes on language and local arts for their foreign teachers. What better way to learn to relate to an increasingly diverse group of pupils back in the United States?
Besides the experiential and educational rewards, teaching overseas also comes with monetary benefits. Because pay fluctuates depending on program and nation, it is difficult to generalize about how much teachers instructing abroad earn. Most live comfortably in their host nation, with enough money to enjoy their free time and vacations. Large demand for English classes also means that extra-income is usually abundant through taking on private students.
Teaching abroad is also almost always accompanied with a number of unique non-monetary benefits. Airfare is often partially or fully reimbursed by the school.
Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships - Opportunities for English language and conversational classes are available in several countries in Asia, Europe, and South America. Language and Culture Assistants in Spain - Help Spanish students learn English as a teaching assistant in a primary or secondary school. Peace Corps - Teach middle school, high school, or university students in one of over seventy countries around the world.
An alternative to working for a company or a government sponsored program is to work at privately owned language school or institute. Requirements for private schools vary depending on the school and country. Check to see if you are qualified to teach in a specific school or country by looking at actual job postings.
Most organizations prefer a commitment of one academic year, though some offer summer or semester possibilities. In most cases you must sign a contract and stick to its terms. It would be a good idea to research a school in advance by speaking to former teachers.
In some instances, some schools will provide you with a return ticket only after you have completed your year commitment. There have been cases where schools have rejected visas if one attempts to change schools before the year-long commitment has been completed. Alternatively, if you are not interested in signing a contract, there are many short-term teaching jobs, in addition to volunteer teaching positions, with flexible commitments from a few weeks to a few months.
Use caution when signing any legal document. Read the document carefully and ask the school to clarify anything you do not understand. A good contract should clearly state:. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take nothing for granted…take your time, do lots of research, and follow your gut feeling. Why teach abroad? Where to find jobs? There are a few strategies for locating an overseas teaching position.
You can learn about a new educational system and will need to adapt to the way things are done at your school and in that country. This makes you more flexible and tolerant. It forces you to be a team player and ask questions, creating positive relationships with your co-workers. After my first year in Costa Rica, I remember reflecting on the experience, and I felt that I had grown in so many ways, both personally and professionally.
For me, the hardest times were the holidays and special days that I was not able to spend with my loved ones or in the way that I normally celebrate them.
When I first arrived in Costa Rica, everything was so different and exciting. Sometimes, though, things were so different that I had a hard time not comparing my culture to the new culture. This same culture shock can make you miss home and appreciate your own culture even more.
You might look different from most people, and some people may not be accepting or welcoming. They might make assumptions about you based on what they have heard about your country.
So, is it worth it? In my humble opinion, absolutely! The most important thing to remember is that you need to have an open mind and heart and keep a positive attitude in the face of hardships. Interested in teaching in the US? Learn more and start your application with Participate Learning. Participate Learning, formerly VIF, empowers educators to ignite change and inspire students. With more than 30 years of experience developing school programs and facilitating cultural exchange, Participate Learning is a leader in globally focused education.
Programs Programs Cultural Exchange. Dual Language. Global Programs. Exposure to diverse individuals, ideas, and resources is critical to education and development.
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