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Teaching abroad is one of the most popular ways to start or build an international career, and it's even possible to become an English teacher online. This section provides advice for every step of the way, including words directly from expats who have spent time teaching abroad. For a broad, yet detailed overview of how to find a teaching position abroad – and how to make the most of it – consider visiting the Teaching Abroad section on the main MyWorldAbroad site (for registered users).

Teaching abroad is one of the most popular ways to start or build an international career. This section provides advice for every step of the way, including words directly from expats who have spent time teaching abroad. For a broad, yet detailed overview of how to find a teaching position abroad – and how to make the most of it – consider visiting the Teaching Abroad section on the main MyWorldAbroad site (for registered users).

Top Tips

• Pick your subject! English isn’t the only subject you can teach abroad. International and American schools, universities, technical institutions, multinational firms, professional organizations and religious schools could open the door for you to teach from a wide variety of subjects.
• Assess your level of experience: In order to conduct a successful job search, consider how much experience you bring with you. A recent graduate with no teaching experience will be hired for a different position than a mid-career professional with TEFL certification, for instance.
• A letter of inquiry can go a long way: When researching schools online, consider sending a letter outlining your interest and formally asking about work opportunities. This approach can be very successful. Read more.
• Leave your life at home in order: While teaching abroad is an excellent strategy for building international credentials, it’s not often that it becomes a full-time, permanent career. Make sure you don’t burn any bridges as you pack up and leave your home country. You’ll probably be back someday.
  
• Adjust to your new environment slowly: Once hired, you will likely be bursting with ideas about your new job. Remember that you are entering into a different culture and your enthusiasm may be misdirected. Take some time once you arrive to assess teacher-to-student and teacher-to-teacher relations.

Related Articles on MyWorldAbroad (for registered users):

• Who Hires Licensed Teachers?
• Skills & Qualifications for International Educators
• Landing a Job: The Road to Teaching Abroad
• Cover Letters, Resumes & Interviews
• What Expat Teachers Say: The International Experience