Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) Abroad:

A How-To Guide for Finding Teaching Opportunities for ESL Programs

Positives and Negatives

It can be a wonderful experience BUT, not all programs are as legitimate or

as good as others

Disclaimer: this research is my own and does not reflect certification by H-SC nor H-SC’s Study Abroad office

Part 1: Types of Programs

Too many programs out there to provide a list

My project is to arm you with the type of concerns you should research in your search to find ESL programs

Internet is the chief tool for research

Type-1a: Government Sponsorship

Government sponsorship gives program legitimacy

Integral to governments’ attempts to build international relations

Ex: Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

H-SC alumni

Type-1b: US Government ESL Program Sponsorship

The Department of State provides a very helpful resource for teaching abroad

Ex. 1: The Fulbright Teaching Assistantship Ex. 2: Peace Corps

Type-2: University or College Sponsored ESL Programs

Just as some colleges offer study abroad programs (University of Richmond), some offer teaching ESL abroad programs

Ex. 1: Sweetbriar Teaching Assistantship in Spain

Ex. 2: Marshall University’s Appalachians Abroad Teach In China Program– H-SC alums Matt Hubbard and Ben Shega

Type-3: Study Abroad / Teach Abroad Program Providers

Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE)

There is a natural progression for companies like CIEE from offering study abroad options to teaching abroad

Type-4: Individual Institutes

Hundreds upon hundreds

Part II: Vetting Programs and the ESL Abroad Rubric

Even more than the first 5 types of programs I introduced, when researching individual institutes, you need to know what kind of questions to ask.

Rubric 1: Sponsored by a greater entity?

Ex. 1: Youth Services International and my experience in Spain

Turned out to be very legitimate because YSI is a service branch of Opus Dei, the International Catholic Organization

Rubric 2: Let’s Talk Money

Paid? Only compensated for living expenses or

stipend I have to pay you to work for you? *Cultural Concern: Different values of

currency

Rubric 3: Requirements

Language requirements Teaching English as a Second Language

(TESL) certification American Teaching certification

Rubric 4: Culture Differences

Different contractual expectations Ex. Chungdahm Institute in South Korea

and perhaps the Greater Asian Region Different currency values and contractual

negotiations

Rubric GraphicAdministration Pay Program

FeesApplication

Deadline Requirements Length

Fulbright Teaching

Assistantship

US Government

Living expenses compensation, no salary

No Mid-October Great Academic Track Record

1 Year

JET Program Japanese Government

Salary: $40,000 Late-November Desire to learn Japanese, some

teaching experience

recommended

At least 1 year,

renegotiable

Defense Schools US Government

Salary No Full American teacher’s licensure

Career profession

CIEE CIEE Compensation for living expenses; salary varies by

program

$2,800-$4,600, but varying by program

Fall, but varying by program

Some programs require foreign language skill

Most are one year, but some are

renegotiable

Sweetbriar Teaching

Assistantship in Spain

Sweetbriar College

Compensation for living expenses

$2000 March 1 Spanish proficiency

1 year