Oneika Answers: “I want to teach abroad. Which subjects should I get certified in?”

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

“Oneika Answers” is a new feature on the blog where I respond to readers’ burning questions about travel, expat life, teaching… and anything else you’d like to know! If you’d like to take part, email me with the subject line “Oneika Answers” at oneika [at] oneika-the-traveller [dot] com!

This week, I answer the oft-asked question about teaching abroad:
 

Hello Oneika, I would like to teach and a friend suggested doing a MA TESOL. I have been doing my research (ok, Dave’s ESL Cafe) and I find that TESOL is not an in demand teaching subject. Any suggestions on teaching subjects that are good to be certified in?Also, did you have to have two years teaching experience before being hired? Oneika, point me in the direction that will lead to all travel roads.

Happy new year!

Ok, so it’s important to make the distinction between teaching ESL abroad and teaching in international schools.  Teaching ESL internationally means that you are going to be teaching English as a Foreign Language to children who do not speak English as a mother tongue or fluently.  It involves teaching vocabulary, grammar, language acquisition, etc. Basically, teaching ESL primarily means exclusively teaching English language to non-native English speakers. To teach ESL in most countries you will need to have some sort of certification, whether it be an MA in TESOL or a diploma in CELTA or TESL or TEFL.Teaching in an international school is different: international schools are NOT English Language schools, but schools very much like elementary and secondary schools in the US or Canada where are FULL curriculum of subjects (like Math, Science, History) are taught.  Perhaps the best definition I’ve seen for international schools is the following: 

“These schools, known as international schools, use various curricula such as the US, UK, Canadian, Australian and International Baccalaureate and teach all subjects in English. Whilst some of the pupils may not be native English speakers, they are still expected to learn all or most subjects such as Maths, Science, Geography, Art and Physical Education, in English… They require approximately the same qualifications you would need to teach at home [in the US or Canada] in a state-funded school.” via Expat Focus

I teach high school French and English literature in an international school in London and obtained certification to teach grades 4-12 in Canada.  I have three degrees: a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in French Literature with a minor in English Lit (B.A.) a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Secondary Education (B.Ed), as well as a Master’s in French Education (M.Ed). (Read more about my road to teaching and and long-term travel here!)

I made a video a couple of years ago about teaching ESL vs. teaching in an international school, check it out:

So! Explanation out of the way, your question was what teaching subjects are good to get certified in.  If you’re looking to go the international school route, high school Math and Science teachers always seem to be in high demand! Elementary generalists and English lit teachers sometimes struggle to find jobs even though there are tons of positions- competition for plum posts in international schools is FIERCE, simply because there are soooo many elementary and English teachers out there. That said, if you hate/are bad at Math and Science, you’d be better served by getting certified in a subject that you would enjoy teaching.  

As for the two years of experience- a lot of international schools require it but many are willing to hire new graduates. I got an international school position in Mexico right after graduating.

Anyone out there considering teaching abroad?  Or alternatively, have you already taught abroad?

 

 

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132 Comments

  • To be honest, I’d love to be an international math teacher! It’s always been one of my top backup plans — I love math, I love living abroad, boom. Perfect.

    • Yowza! I’m not good at math at all, so I respect you for that… 🙂

      • (PS Oneika – the link to this is broken! “(Read more about my road to teaching and and long-term travel here!)”)

    • I became an international teacher in August, a great decision! I work in an IB school in Kazakhstan as a Grade 1 teachers (6/7 year olds). Different, but with some similarities to teaching at home (Ireland)

  • I love this new feature of yours – very informative! I’ve taught in a few places, most notably Japan, and I loved the experience. My company there only required a bachelor’s degree; no other certifications were needed. I would love to teach in an international school one day, though!

    • Glad you like it!!! I know that Korea also often require anything other than a Bachelor’s degree.

  • I gave up this idea and I’m glad. Teaching kids is one hell of a job. I started my own practice and I only take adults and exam classes. Much less stress. One can start freelancing abroad as well, no need to slave under a boss.

    • Teaching kids is difficult but to be honest, I thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle: dynamic, constantly changing workplace, good salary, fun with the kids/colleagues, and then, there’s all that time off in the summer to pursue my own interests like travel!

    • Ele I like your way of thinking…I feel the same way, probably because I’m in my 50s 🙂 I love this feature Obeika…keep it coming!

  • Hi Oneika! A very informative post. It was interesting to hear your degrees. I decided not to accept any jobs at the AASSA fair in Atlanta in December. The competition was fierce and I didn’t get any of my top choices. I am realizing that although there are French teacher jobs available in Asia and Africa, I need to broaden my qualifications and experience. Having taught French for 5 years at Canadian International School in Singapore I was labelled as a French teacher and had a very difficult time competing for elementary classroom jobs in South America. So Plan B! I am most likely going to live in New York and work on my masters in Language Acquisition. I also took my ESL AQs and am looking for teaching experience in this subject.
    You have provided good advice to those wanting to teach internationally.
    It’s an amazingly enriching experience!

    • Wow, NYC sounds like an awesome plan! Not surprised that you would be pigeon-holed/pegged as a French teacher though- I think language positions are typically the hardest to fill. I’m trying to teach more English literature nowadays myself…

  • Hi there,

    I’ve found reading over your blog really interesting. Yours is just the life I’m interesting in achieving. In your opinion what are the best ways and places to find international school jobs? I studied history and politics at university are these subjects easier to find jobs in than say English literature. How does one assess which subject areas are easier to get jobs in. Is it just the areas where there are more jobs available in would you say?

  • CELTA is the best option for those who want to start Teaching and have no experience. In only four weeks you get Teaching skills, how? By getting lots of guided lesson planning and feedback after Teaching practice. There’s alot of observation and reflection on this course. CELTA is recognised worldwide and in many countries that’s all you need to start Teaching.

  • Hello! Could you link me to your video about teaching ESL abroad vs at an international school?

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