Some go abroad to teach because in a few places, usually hardship posts, the salary and benefits are higher than in the U.S.
Teaching positions may be found in several ways. There are teacher exchanges, where U.S. and foreign teachers simply trade places for a year or two, while maintaining the salary and benefits of their home school. Foreign governments sometimes employ American teachers to train native teachers. U.S. government schools overseas, such as the Department of Defense Dependents Schools or American or international elementary and secondary schools that are financially assisted by the Department of State, also hire U.S. teachers. Finally, there are openings in schools established by American companies for the dependents of their employees abroad.
Teachers working in schools administered by Americans or the U.S. government usually follow a U.S.-type school curriculum, whereas those hired by the host country government or those on teaching exchanges usually follow the curriculum established by that country. Many schools have an academic year similar to that of the U.S.-September to June. But due to seasonal conditions and labor practices, some schools-especially in the Third World-follow a different schedule. Consequently, teachers can usually find openings year round.
Teaching positions are available in all regions of the world, in dozens of countries. Assignments vary, usually lasting from one to three years.
The majority of positions are for those with established teaching credentials and experience. For example, to qualify for a job in a Department of Defense Dependents School, a candidate must have six courses in professional teacher education, at least one years full-time teaching experience within the past five years, and a valid teaching certificate. If you are seeking a teaching position in a college, university or as administrator or counselor abroad, advanced degrees and more teaching experience may be required.
Although some schools abroad may hire teachers who are not proficient in the national language, teachers should study the language intensively before departing, even if they will be teaching English. It will not only help them adapt, but make their teaching experience more successful.
In American-run schools, teaching positions in all standard subjects are available, including languages, especially French, German, Spanish and Latin. There are also some opportunities for teachers of special education in the Peace Corps [see Chapter 9].
Because teaching positions abroad are usually of short duration, it is wise to maintain close ties with your school back in the States. You may be able to get an unpaid leave of absence for one to two years. For shorter assignments-six months to a year-you may be able to get a sabbatical. Some unions guarantee teachers going abroad their jobs upon return.
Usually, some of the travel expenses, if not all, are paid by the school to which you are going. Living accommodations or a housing allowance, health insurance, baggage shipping and free tuition for dependent children are sometimes provided. Often a teacher's salary permits a higher standard of living abroad than in the U.S., but this is not always the case. Find out about the local cost of living before you accept an offer.
There are numerous books available on teaching positions abroad. [See bibliography.] Listed below are some organizations that aid teachers looking for jobs abroad.
Department of Defense Dependents Schools
These schools, at the elementary, junior and senior high levels, operate in 20 countries. Each fall, the Department of Defense recruits 600-700 teachers and provides them civil service benefits, travel expenses and sometimes housing. Applicants must be willing to serve anywhere for 1-2 year assignments.
Department of State Assisted Schools
There are many overseas schools for American students that are financially assisted by the Department of State. Although the State Department does not assist directly in the recruitment of teachers for these schools, it does provide free fact sheets and a directory called Overseas American-Sponsored Elementary and Secondary Schools Assisted by the U.S. Department of State.
International Schools Services
This organization services American schools overseas by assisting in recruiting, procuring school supplies, consulting on day-to-day operations, curriculum and long-range planning. It publishes a book listing teaching opportunities in overseas schools (except for the Department of Defense Dependents schools). It also has a service to help teachers find positions. There is a registration fee and, if they assist you in finding a position, a placement fee.
Teacher Exchange Programs
The Department of Education sponsors a year-long teacher exchange program in Argentina, Belgium, Britain, Colombia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and South Africa. This year, about 450 teachers participated in the program. Upon acceptance into the program, teachers are matched by grade level (elementary and secondary) and subject of instruction. An attempt is made to send teachers to the country of their choice.
Teachers are paid the salary they receive in their home school. Usually, American teachers exchange housing with their foreign counterparts, but, if not, the foreign teacher arranges housing for the American teacher at the time the match is made. Travel expenses are sometimes included for the teacher, depending on the country, but never for the teacher's spouse. Limited health coverage is also included.
To qualify, a teacher must have a BA, at least three years of teaching experience, and be teaching currently. For positions in Argentina, Colombia, France, Germany, Norway and Switzerland, teachers must be fluent in the native language. For all other countries, there is no language requirement.
Applications are available in August, and should be submitted by October prior to the academic year in which a teacher desires the exchange. The year is from September to June.
