Working in language education abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in language education abroad like?

• Language opens doors: to education, work, social contacts, and self-confidence. Those who work in language education abroad help others open those doors.
• This can range from teaching English at a commercial language school to literacy education in a village community, or from online lessons for expats to language training for professionals.
• You can work as a paid teacher, freelance language instructor, intern, or volunteer.
• Responsibilities: these include:
  • Teaching language classes (e.g., English, Portugese, French, Spanish).
  • Developing or adapting teaching materials.
  • Preparing and evaluating lessons and tests.
  • Individual guidance or tutoring.
  • Language training for work, study, or integration.
  • Sometimes: contributing to curriculum development or teacher training.
• Working conditions vary greatly by country and type of organization: from fixed salaries and housing to compensation per lesson hour or only room and board.
• The work is often flexible, sometimes intensive, and almost always culturally oriented.
• Working hours can be irregular (evenings/weekends). Many contracts are temporary, but language teachers also often work freelance.

What are the reasons for working in language education abroad?

• To feel involved: you work directly with students who want to develop themselves and seek new opportunities.
• To be helpful: language is key to education, work, and social contacts.
• To be flexible: you learn to deal with different learning styles, cultures, and expectations.
• To become more independent: ultimately, you have to arrange and organize a lot yourself.
• To practice creativity: finding solutions in limited resources or unexpected situations.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in language education abroad?

• Involvement: genuine interest in your students and their learning process.
• Communication: explaining clearly, listening, and adapting to the level and culture.
• Empathy: understanding where students come from and what they need.
• Organizational skills: planning, structuring, and maintaining an overview in curriculums.
• Situational awareness: considering local norms, teaching styles, and rules.

What are the best countries and locations to work in language education abroad?

• Countries with many paid language education jobs: China, South Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East.
• Countries with many volunteer opportunities and educational projects: Nepal, Cambodia, Ghana, Guatemala.
• Countries where you can teach European languages: Suriname, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy.
• Online language education: online platforms worldwide.

What are the risks of working in language education abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in language education abroad?
  • Unsafe working environments are common abroad: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, and social norms.
  • It's not uncommon for someone to contract a contagious or local illness, be unable to work for a period of time, or even need to be flown home.
  • Work pressure is often high and the work stressful.
• Are you insured while working in language education abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you are doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.