Job Discussion Forums

[kschlach]

I have a B.S. in environmental science and I am finishing up a M.S. in Geography (physical geography - not cartography as most people think) and I am looking into teaching abroad opportunities. So far the JET program, teaching English, is on the top of my list. I would love to teach science, but I know of no programs similar to JET that focus on science education. I've looked into some international schools, but they almost all require teaching experience (of which I have none). I am also looking for a program that can employ me and a significant other. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

[dandan]

Without any qualifications or experience it is still possible to find jobs but generally not in an international school which typically will require both. Without quals or experience, the main thing that you have to offer is that you are a native speaker so work in language centres/tutor centres is your most likely option.

It would seem unlikely that you could get a job teaching science as most countries have local qualified teachers who are able to fill these positions.

Obviously if you were to get a teaching qualification it would increase your options considerably.

You should have no problems finding your way from the airport to the school though, eh?

[Glenski]

dandan's suggestion of an international school is about your only option, but as he/she pointed out, you will usually need teaching certification and/or experience. In Japan, you really cannot teach science in any other situation unless you are fluent in Japanese because it is not taught in English. Extreme cases of SELHi schools do it in English, but you would have to have a background in the science they want to teach. Never heard of teaching geography, only chemistry and biology.

[Stephen Jones]

Get a teaching qualification, and do two or three years teaching in your home country first. You will then be set for teaching in International schools for life.