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 Graphic AdministrationPayProgram Fees Application Deadline RequirementsLength Fulbright Teaching Assistantship US Government Living expenses compensation, no salary NoMid-OctoberGreat Academic Track Record 1 Year JET ProgramJapanese Government Salary: $40,000Late-NovemberDesire to learn Japanese, some teaching experience recommended At least 1 year, renegotiable Defense SchoolsUS Government SalaryNoFull American teacher’s licensure Career profession 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 $2000March 1Spanish proficiency 1 year