There are no set international requirements to teach abroad, but most countries enforce laws that establish rules and expectations for visiting teachers. Local schools or other institutions may also have their own rules, like a specific degree or certification, depending on the subject matter and student academic level. While proficiency in the local language is necessary for some jobs, teachers can find many positions that don’t require fluency.
National Legal Requirements
Individuals interested in teaching abroad, or working in any capacity in a foreign country, should carefully examine current regulations regarding applicable legal obligations. Many nations require teachers to obtain a long-term work visa to qualify, while others allow individuals to teach with only a tourist visa. Some countries conduct a thorough background check on teachers before approving their application, while others require them to undergo a local medical examination to screen for contagious diseases.
The legal requirements for teaching abroad can vary greatly depending on the destination and country of origin, and they may be subject to change at any time. Prospective teachers should look for accurate and current resources to provide background information and guidance when researching opportunities abroad. The US Department of State website has a page dedicated to educating visitors about the opportunities, issues and requirements related to teaching in a foreign country.
Academic Credentials
Many of the requirements to teach abroad are created and enforced by individual institutions, so some positions may be subject to additional restrictions. Most teaching opportunities in other countries are only open to people who have an appropriate four-year degree, while individuals seeking positions at colleges or universities may also be required to have a more advanced degree. Many employers that host foreign teachers also expect applicants to have a background in education, possibly with certification from a recognized organization.
Teaching English to Non-Native Speakers
Children and adult students from countries all around the world learn to communicate in English with the help of native speakers who teach abroad in their community. This is not only helps educate and facilitate communications, it also allows native or experienced English speakers to expand their own horizons through international travel and exposure to other cultures. For many people, teaching English abroad is a great way to break out of their mold and seek fresh life experiences for a year or two.
Some English teaching opportunities require a bachelor’s degree in English, but there are also plenty of positions open to holders of other types of degrees or native speakers in general. In some cases, teachers can start at a lower academic level and move up to educating more advanced students as they gain experience. People who don’t have a degree may need to pursue teaching certification before being considered for some positions.
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Teaching abroad is a productive way to grow professionally and personally, as well as connect with residents of other countries and experience other cultures. Schools and universities around the world bring in native English speakers to teach students in a variety of subjects, so there are numerous positions for applicants who are willing to examine the requirements to teach abroad and develop themselves to meet those expectations.