Work Abroad

If you're interested in working abroad, there are a large number of opportunities you can take advantage of. The first step is finding a country you would have the right to work in, as visa requirements vary from country to country. The second step is finding and applying for jobs. Here's some resources and job opportunities you can browse to help you get started.

Finding Jobs Abroad

US Department of State Foreign Service - Careers

US Department of State - Resources for Working Overseas

Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad is an easy way to keep living overseas while working. However, you're required to complete preliminary certifications and trainings before applying for jobs.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Get TEFL-Certified

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TEFL certificates can be earned in-person or online and most employers will require a certificate that includes a minimum of 120 classroom hours (although 160 hours are recommended). Some certificates include observed teaching practice, which may be preferred or even required by an employer.

TEFL/TESOL, CELTA and CertTESOL are all certifications geared toward TEFL teachers. They differ in the organizations that deliver them as well as their format, curriculum, and requirements.

Step 2: Decide Where You Want To Teach

There are pros and cons to living and working in every region, so make sure you're doing your research thoroughly before applying to jobs.

Step 3: Explore Types of Teaching Jobs Available

You can teach English at a variety of insititutions, including public and private schools, English teaching assistant programs, preschools and kindergartens, language academies, and universities. Do your research before applying, and you may want to experience a few before settling on one!

Step 4: Create Your TEFL Teacher Resume

Even if you have zero teaching experience, you can highlight transferrable skills from previous positions that will help you land the job. Be aware that CV/resume requirements will differ greatly depending on the country and region you are applying in, so be sure to tailor your resume carefully.

Step 5: Start Your Job Search

Typically when searching for jobs, you may look on Indeed and apply directly to positions. Teaching English overseas is a little different. You may be placed in a school or language academy through your program provider (Teaching Nomad, CIEE, Greenheart, etc.), a government-sponsored program such as in Spain or South Korea may hire you to work in public schools, or recruiters may connect you to a job. Searching for a job independently is usually easiest for teachers hoping to work in a language academy, business English organization, or university rather than in a public or private school. Jobs can be found through teaching job boards or websites.

Information pulled from Go Overseas

Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is a Japanese government-sponsored international exchange initiative that invites recent college graduates from around the world to live and work in Japan. Its main purpose is to promote grassroots internationalization by placing participants in local schools and government offices to support foreign language education and community-level cultural exchange. Participants typically work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs), or occasionally Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs), helping to foster mutual understanding between Japan and other nations while gaining professional experience and cultural insight.

If interested, please contact makiko.diehl@montana.edu for more information.

North American Language & Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP)

The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) is a public diplomacy initiative run by the Spanish Ministry of Education through the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain in the United States. It offers American college students and recent graduates who are native-like English speakers the opportunity to work as language and culture assistants in elementary and secondary schools throughout Spain. Participants support English language learning under the supervision of Spanish teachers, serve as cultural ambassadors, and deepen their own understanding of Spanish language and culture. Placements typically run from October to May, include a monthly stipend and health insurance, and involve around 14–16 hours of teaching assistance per week.