How to Teach Overseas & Abroad
- 1). Consider how long you want to teach--such as an academic year, semester or summer program. Decide if you want to teach in an English-speaking country, like England, Singapore, India or Australia, or non-English speaking country, like Thailand or China, where you might be illiterate. Overseas countries are different (e.g., culturally, politically or economically) from the United States. You should be prepared to adapt. Depending on the location, you might be the first or a rare foreigner in a community and might have to deal with stares of curiosity.
- 2). Find an appropriate program. There is a lot of information available online, including at teachoverseas.org and educatorsoverseas.com. You likely can readily locate a program through which you will teach English to children or adults, at a public or private school, or even facilitated through a foreign government or an employer. Also, "international" schools often desire teachers who can implement Western-style teaching.
- 3). Understand eligibility requirements. For instance, you might be qualified to teach English because you are a native speaker or you might have to complete a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (tesol.org) test. A program can specify if teachers must have at least three years of experience.
- 4). Obtain a valid passport. If you are a U.S. citizen, you must apply for your first passport book in person, such as at a local post office (usps.com) or a Department of State passport agency. If you currently have a passport, then add extra pages if you have two or fewer blank pages.
- 5). Submit a complete application and resume. You likely will have an interview either online or by telephone--not in person. You might have to provide references and transcripts. Find out whether the school will obtain a visa, housing and travel on your behalf or if it is your responsibility.
