There’s no denying that job opportunities in the United Sates are at a historic low point. In the old days (you know, ten years ago), you went to school, studied hard and then found yourself a pretty decent gig. The money started trickling in, you worked hard and you moved up the ladder to earn even more money. Things are quite different these days. If you’ve worked hard for the past few years (and thus make a decent amount of cash), you’ve probably found yourself on the chopping block. Your salary, it seems, would be better off going to the CEOs. Everything we were taught about how to get ahead in this world has gone terribly awry.
If you are young, with no spouse & children keeping you tethered to these United States of America, there is a fine option for you. Teaching English overseas is a booming industry. You get paid quite decently and you get to have some real life experience, calling another country home for a year or two. For this reason, travel clinics have seen their bottom line rise as well. What does it take to teach English overseas? Here are a few popular questions and answers that will help figure out whether this is the path for you.
Is it possible to pick the country you will be teaching in?
Absolutely. Many companies that specialize in this industry take your preference very seriously. It’s not good for you—or the company’s reputation—if you get shipped off to a place that you do not want to be in.
Do the interviews take place overseas?
No. There are many companies in America that have vast networks overseas. It is the only prudent way to run this industry. You will be interviewed here at home and the facility overseas is contracted to accept you. There is a chance that before you leave you will need to have a vaccination. Travel clinics work with these companies to make sure you remain healthy while at your new job.
Do I need a degree to get a job overseas?
Generally a degree is needed in order to obtain an overseas work visa. Criteria changes and different places accept different qualifications. Put the feelers out to a bunch of companies and see what turns up.
How long is the commitment?
Many companies require a year overseas. This seems to be the norm for the industry. Again, with so many companies hiring English teachers you may find one that allows a shorter work commitment. However, many times you will find that you will enjoy your work so much that you will want to extend the commitment. It’s a great job—with adventure built in.
Travel vaccination centers are a key piece to this process. Once hired, visit one of many travel clinics in order to guarantee that you are protected from any illness you may acquire while your country of destination. People planning trips overseas, for however long, should visit travel clinics for a host of good advice, inoculations and medication.
