Job Discussion Forums

danielle86 · Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

Hello everyone,

I am curious how easy or difficult it is for Americans to work as a teacher abroad. What experiences have you had?

We are a couple currently in South Korea and are aware that Asian countries are quite willing to accept US citizens. However, we are wondering about other countries. How about Europe? I am from England, he is from Texas.
We know it wont be easy in certain places but I was interested to hear about peoples real life experiences rather than legal documents on the internet.

I hope you can hlp us. Thankyou
Danielle.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 1:11 am Post subject:

THere are quite a few countries in the world, and it's VERY hard to generalize. I'd say get a little more specific and you'll get more answers.

I'm from the US, living abroad and mostly teaching, for closing in on 15 years. Seen a LOT of countries-

General thoughts: Most of Europe isn't an option unless you have a passport from an EU country.

Asia is an option for most folks as long as they have degrees.

Latin America is awfully flexible.

All the best,

Justin

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I'm a US citizen who's been working in Europe for near 14 years now. It's ONLY feasible in the vast majority of cases (outside of marraige to a local or university study) in the 'new' EU member countries.

Basically, his chances in Western Europe for legal work are extremely limited. I know you said you're not interested in legal docs on the internet, but google Schengen zone for some basic and important info.

You can check the Poland, Czech, and other boards below for current info on getting work visas as a US citizen, and the kinds of certification needed to compete successfully on this job market (CELTA or equivalent at a minimum).

tttompatz · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 1:35 am Post subject: Re: Americans working abroad

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 1:48 am Post subject:

Ah yes- if you get hitched, the options in Western Europe increase...

Be sure to investigate, though- as an American with a British spouse, he'd have some more options, but it isn't a "solve-all, automatic" solution. Procedures to get to the point of residency are in flux, and take time.

Best,
Justin

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I can vouch that being married to a European citizen does NOT automatically open the rest of Europe. Only count on the country one's spouse is from - in this case the UK. There may be other options, but that's a case by case basis, per country.

danielle86 · Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

Hello
Thank you very much for getting back to me.
No, we are not married and don't have any plans to do so in the near future.

Spiral78- how have you been able to work for 14 years now? Which countries have you managed to get work visas for? Was getting a teaching job more difficult in the application process because you are American? Did you find many schools knocked you back?
Thank you for the link to Schengen zone. I will check it out.

Justin - same to you, have you managed to work in Europe at all or is basically not even worth us thinking about at this point would you say?

Has anybody had the chance to get paid work in Africa? I have looked at quite a few sites and it primarily seems to be voluntary. Meaning we would have to save a lot of money prior to make it possible. I am really keen to go teach there.

Thank you all again, I really appreciate it. I'm not so hot on searching the internet for some things so I really value first hand knowledge like this. Thank you.
Danielle. x

wiganer · Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 189

If he is licensed in the states, he will be able to get a job in a British state school. As for language schools around Europe, he might get took on but always remember that anyone who refuses to follow the law won't be the best employer around and say for example - employer refuses to pay your boyfriend for whatever reason - you have no legal recourse.

As for you not being all that good at researching various options - you are not 6 years old anymore - get a grip, you are a grown up now! Because when the solids hit the aircon - the authorities won't accept your ignorance of the situation if you get caught. Shocked

danielle86 · Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

wiganer- I am really grateful for your advice but please dont call me immature. I am just saying that I find making my way through lots of legal jargon a little daunting and I really appreciate people telling me how they have actually found it. Rather than me just reading the ins and outs without really being told the reality of a situation.

Before we chose a country of course we would research the laws and limitations so as not to be left 'empty handed' so to speak. I was just entering this discussion board to discuss what experiences Americans have had working and travelling throughout the world.

I do appreciate your comment about being sure of everything and being aware of employers though, thank you.
Are you American? Do you teach abroad? How have you found it?
Thank you

wiganer · Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 189

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

If you narrow it down to a couple countries or a continent we could help you out more. As some people mentioned, it's difficult for Americans to find work. But in other places, such as Asia, they're on level grounds with other nationalities.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash