People who work in International Education often have...
Does this sound like you? Read on to learn more about the education required, types of career paths and tips for reaching your goal of working in international education.
Careers for Foreign Language Majors and Minors
Education Requirements
In general a BA or BS is required for most international education positions while a Master's degree is often preferred. Education degrees are popular however, it is not unusual to find people who majored in liberal arts, political science, public affairs, psychology or a foreign language. Several graduate schools offer programs in International Education, Intercultural Relations, Higher Education Administration or Student Affairs.
Examples of where international educators work
Colleges, Universities, and 2 year institutions: |
Work in an international student office, education abroad office, or foreign language and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) department. There are many specializations within each office /department such as advisers, teachers, specialists, and counselors. |
ESL Programs: |
Teach English as a second language within or outside the United States. |
Education Abroad Program Providers: |
Coordinate and oversee various programs around the world. Different program providers offer different types of opportunities including studying, volunteering, working, or teaching abroad. |
Law Firms: |
Practice law specializing in immigration or other related issues. |
International Education Associations: |
Work to aid international educators by providing networking opportunities, publications, and advocacy support to help promote international education. |
Accreditation Agencies: |
Perform credential evaluations for students planning to study in the United States. |
Local Community International Centers: |
Provide international student/community outreach programs including: implementing international programs, finding homestay opportunities for international students, and/or developing and coordinating community service projects. For a listing of activities in your area, please visit WorldOregon |
U. S. Government: |
Work in any of a variety of international careers with the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Congress, or Foreign Service. |
Adapted from the NAFSA website. www.nafsa.org
NAFSA (Association of International Educators) is a professional organization for international educators. They hold regional and national conferences, publish respected resources and have a very informative website. Click here to link directly to their page about international education careers.
Listed below are some detailed tips tailored to help you prepare for a job in study abroad but they are also useful tips for any international education career.
"I Want YOUR Job!" - or - How to Find a Job in Study Abroad
Compiled by: Kathleen Barnebey, former NW Field Director, Institute for Study Abroad at Butler University
First things first:
A BIG plus and strong recommendation:
Get your master's degree (optimally in international studies/relations or student/personnel administration, but those two little letters after your name are really all that counts). If possible, integrate an internship with the international programs office into your master's program.
Recommended software skills:
Reality check: if you want to work in study abroad (besides having done all of the above), you need to:
If you want to become a "Road Warrior" (e.g., traveling recruiter), optimally, you need to:
What other types of jobs are available in study abroad? Here are just a few examples:
(In many smaller study abroad offices, one person is often responsible for ALL of the above!)
Networking/job searching tips:
Choose "Shortcut for NAFSAns" in the drop-down box on the right.
Then choose "Secussa"
Then choose "Secussa's Listserv" and follow the directions (it's important to read all the information - there are Secuss-l "police" who make sure you're using the listserv correctly!)
And finally, remember:
There are a gazillion universities/colleges/community colleges in this country, all offering study abroad, as well as innumerable "third-party providers" to consider in your job search. If you have the right background and skills set, and are flexible about where you work, with some research and networking, chances are good that you'll find a position in one of them.