Are Overseas Teaching Jobs a Safe Option for Americans?

With the United States job market in dire straits, many Americans are looking for work abroad. The popularity of overseas jobs for Americans is increasing as those with expensive degrees realize there are few jobs available in their chosen field. While the outlook for specialized careers in the US is bleak, many countries are turning to Americans to fill valuable and well-paying positions abroad.

Working Overseas

Those with teaching degrees often choose to take their knowledge overseas. There are many reasons they may make this decision. Often, a teaching position abroad pays far better than one at home and can be easier to find. For some, the main draw is travel. Living in a different country allows teachers to experience a new culture. Still others choose to teach abroad after years spent educating in under-funded and overpopulated American school districts. But is accepting teaching jobs overseas safe?

In the vast majority of cases, the answer is a resounding yes. Countries abroad statistically have a much lower crime rate than America. China, Korea and Taiwan are a few of the best places to live for overseas teachers and all have a statistically low violent crime rate compared to many major American cities. Teaching in these places is sometimes safer than teaching at home. It is important to fully evaluate the crime rates in a particular country before committing to a teaching job there.

Living Overseas

The opportunity to live overseas is something many people desire. Prepare in advance by learning some of the native language, traditions and customs in order to better acclimate to the country. Be sure to experience all the culture has to offer. Many teachers educating abroad are housed with local families which can offer invaluable understanding of and exposure to a new country.

Moving Overseas

The process of preparing to move abroad can seem daunting. It is important to research the proper documentation required for living and working in any new country. China, for example, requires a Z-visa before being eligible for employment. The necessary forms can be obtained from a Chinese consulate and are used to prove you have authorization to work in the country. A valid passport is also a must. Taiwan requires a Resident Visa to stay in the country for more than 60 days and a Taiwanese employer must submit a work permit for the employee to the government. Korea requires extensive documentation which includes a special Visa, work permit and in some cases a Certificate of Good Conduct. Knowing exactly what is required to live and work in a foreign country is a must for those hoping to live overseas.

Teaching overseas is a strategic career move for many educators who cannot find American work in their chosen field. It allows them to experience a new culture while remaining true to their profession. Information on overseas jobs is readily available for those who wish to do further research. Teaching abroad is generally a very safe alternative to teaching in America.

Overseas Jobs vs Jobs in America

It's been a while so I thought this whole discussion we've been having about the Obama Jobs Plan and the idea of Jobs Overseas for Americans is worth running a little poll.

Please take a moment to simply answers Yes or No to our Poll over there to your left - in the sidebar.

Would consider taking a job overseas?

Note: I realize this blog has readers and followers from all over the planet however this particular poll is obviously intended for our US based followers.


The Poll is closed!

When we asked the question, Would you consider a job overseas? 51 people responded with 46 saying Yes they would look at Overseas Jobs while 5 readers said no they wouldn't.

Final Results from our Work Overseas Poll

Editors Note: Thanks to all who voted. It would be great to here some of the reasons you said 'yeh or nay'. Please take a moment to leave your ideas and opinions about jobs in America and the idea of working overseas in our comments section.


Want to learn more and make the jump to living overseas? Checkout this fast track way to make it happen!

52 Days To Your New Life Overseas

Jobs Overseas for Americans

Early in the month I blogged about the Obama Jobs Plan and the idea that Overseas Jobs are a good option for Americans to consider. Meanwhile back in March I blogged for a few days about those opportunities overseas for Americans who are having trouble finding work at home. Today I thought it time to bring the topic up again and provide fresh perspective on the concept. 

Working Overseas

Finding overseas jobs is something which can be a reality for those who are brave enough to do the work necessary to achieve that goal. While it's tough, very tough, here in the US for those out of work the reality is there are many, many jobs to be had overseas. That may seem like a contradictory idea, especially when we watch CNN or listen to news about the 'Arab Spring' and how it was brought about by disenfranchised and unemployed young people. That is very true but one must pause a realize as an American we have a lot things going for us that employers all over the world want. Number one is that we all speak English and we understand the motivation and behavior behind the American consumer. This may seem like nothing to you but realize that America is the number one consumer in the world and everyone wants a piece of that demand. The next important thing we have is education. It's true our education system has slipped and is in much need of repair but those Americans who have a degree or diploma and experience in the work force are head a shoulders above the rest of the world.

A Career Abroad isn't Easy

Before I paint too rosy a picture it's important to realize that working overseas is a challenge and a huge life changing experience. It's not for everyone but it can be for many. Here are a few tips to make your journey to the ex-pat lifestyle and an international career a bit easier:

• Make sure to visit the country in which you plan to work ahead of accepting a job. It is best to research and choose a country in which you’d like to live, then begin applying and interviewing for jobs in that country. I like to say, Design your life. Then find the career that fits into it.
• Moving overseas is a huge decision and not one to be made based on photos or statistics on a website. Even Hades can be made to sound appealing on the internet.
• Look to our own government first. Again, this is somewhat counter-intuitive but realize that while our government is slashing and cutting at home they are continuing to spend ast amounts of money abroad. Instead of being the scape goat for your employment woes the US government could become your saviour. 

Overseas Government Job Opportunities

• Diplomatic jobs such as Foreign Service Officer, Civil Service Officer, Diplomatic Security, Foreign Service Specialist and many others. These are jobs which support peace, prosperity and U.S. interests in overseas regions along with ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens visiting or living in the country to which these officers are assigned. Working in Embassies offers great opportunity of jobs overseas for Americans, but you must be legally eligible to work in the country where the embassy is located and typically you must have a work permit and residency visa for that country. Something that that takes a little work but is certainly doable.
• Since the United States is currently supporting democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan there are several positions which are available to U.S. citizens on a temporary basis. Housing and accommodations are of a basic nature and these are not jobs in which a family can join the employee but for single people this can be a great way to see the world while earning some money.
• The Peace Corps is a very worthwhile organization which has been around for 50 years this year. While working for the Peace Corps is primarily a volunteer position, it is a huge resume builder. Volunteers make a small salary for needs while abroad and the food and housing are provided by Peace Corps. When working for Peace Corps you have the ability to make a difference in the life of people less fortunate than yourself and will learn a lot  from the experience. These jobs are typically for young people ages 18-25.

• Peace Corps also has permanent jobs relating to placing volunteers, securing jobs for volunteers and the administration of the program. To be eligible for these jobs you must meet the eligibility requirements and complete an online application.
• Overseas Job hunting Tip - Many great jobs and resources can be found at the state department website.
• D.o.D. - The Department of Defense hires civilian employees for many jobs at overseas American Military bases. Teaching is one of the positions for which the DoD recruits. Candidates must have 3 years teaching experience. Working on a military base can be the best of both worlds. Jobs are secure and pay better than most teaching jobs state side. On the base you have the security of the United States way of life, while outside the base you can explore the country in which you live.

Non-Government Job Opportunities Overseas

• Middle/Upper management in manufacturing: While manufacturing appears to be a dying industry in America many places overseas are just getting into the game.  Management jobs are available in the manufacturing industry since all of our manufacturing jobs have moved overseas. These jobs usually pay well and it is expected that your family would accompany you. 
• Construction jobs are available overseas but there are scams so beware. Do not forward anyone a fee. Go through reputable sources, such as the USAJobs.gov - the Federal Governments official job site. Private employers post jobs on websites such as USA Jobs. You do not have to be a government employee in order to work overseas safely. The Ladders headhunting company states they have careers abroad paying $100K + a year.
• Greenforce.org is a non-government sponsored volunteering opportunity. It operates only at the invitation of the host country and its goal is to help protect and increase indigenous people’s food sources and help sustain wildlife and the ecosystem.

Jobs overseas can be temporary or permanent. Assess your goals, needs and desires before deciding what kind of job to choose.

Back in March I blogged for a few days about opportunities overseas for Americans who are having trouble finding work at home. I did a couple posts you may want to refer back to as there was some good, valuable info in those posts - check out Overseas Jobs for Americans  and International Jobs for US Citizens. Both will provide you with some useful information

Ready to learn more and make the jump to living overseas? Checkout this fast track way to make it happen - 52 Days To Your New Life Overseas

Obama Speech Over - Battle Begins Over Jobs Plan

This past week we've been conversing about the Obama Jobs Plan - what would be in it? How the Government can get America back to work. Well, last night all of the guessing and speculation came to an end as Obama delivered his speech to the joint session of congress.

So, what do we now know. For most all we know or care about is who won the football game - that's the sad truth, but more on that later!

We know that Obama didn't just ask for $350 - $400 billion as speculated - nope he went for the whole enchilada - $450 Billion! Whoa. That'll keep the guys who print greenbacks employed anyways. And as suspected the Republicans yawned and dismissed the plan before Obama had even finished presenting it.

The biggest part of the plan, in terms of cost, is the payroll tax cut which represents $175 billion of the total projected cost. The plan also calls for much needed expenditures on education by putting $25 Billion into school infrastructure including buying computers and making schools safer through emergency repairs. It also calls for an additional $35 billion to be used for salaries and wages thus preventing 280,000 teachers form losing heir jobs and hiring even more.

Of course my favorite Senator, Mitch McConnell, who is so concerned about the American people had this positive and constructive thing to say,

"The president's so-called jobs plan is to try those very same policies again and then accuse anyone who doesn't support them this time around of being political or overtly partisan, of not doing what's needed in this moment of crisis. This isn't a jobs plan. It's a re-election plan."

That's helpful Mitch!

What is of most interest to me is how little interest the American people even took in this. I monitor stats throughout the week and the whole Jobs Plan didn't even show on the interest meters - it seems Americans are more interested in football than what their public officials are up to! Perhaps some of the Republicans were right and everyone should have just stayed home to watch the game. It's sad really. American society has become a mob of spectators - arm chair quarterbacks. Everyone has signed off on their participatory rights - we've handed them over to our 'representatives' and look where that's getting us. It's time for us to get out of our lazy-boys and start participating!

So, what do you think? And I'm not asking for the same crap that plagues the Hill - I'm asking for some constructive ideas here. What do we need to do to get America back to work? How can our government and elected officials support that goal? Or is it over? Shall we all just float our Lazy-Boys across the pond in search of Overseas Jobs for Americans?

Please leave your comments below or on Goole 1+ and let's get some healthy constructive discussion going!

Source: Obama Speech Over, Battle Begins Over Jobs Plan:

Teaching Jobs Overseas For Americans

Teaching jobs overseas for Americans might be the perfect job for you if you really like to teach and have an interest or curiosity about foreign cultures. Your successful job search is not based on cheap places to go on vacation but location is a major concern most likely and should be one of your major concerns. Because there are so many different types of teaching jobs all over the world, surely you can find one that will mesh with your desires and passions. Most teaching jobs are for people that speak English and would find it attractive to teach to students as a second language.

There are a wide variety of qualifications depending on where you might teach and who the employer is. Sometimes a bachelor’s of Education degree is required and other times it is not necessary that your degree be in education at all. Sometimes it is not even necessary that you have a University degree as long as you speak English as your native language. Extensive experience is not necessary in many cases either but can be helpful to secure an attractive job. If your degree has a concentration on instructing English as a second language, your chances are increased exponentially. The pay you can command can also be greatly increased when your degree fits that job.

Martial status or life partner issues sometimes will play a roll in determining the eligibility of a person. In some cases the school will look at a couple as a more stable situation and prefer that, while others will look for primarily single teachers. If both partners are teachers this can be an advantage for the school system as the housing requirements will be less for a couple and in essence they only have to provide one residence for two teachers. Not surprisingly, most school systems no not tolerate dating of the student population and a stable relationship may be looked on as a help in this regard.

Being able to speak the local language is not usually required and it is sometimes preferred that you do not. When my friend was living in Belize as an American it forced her to learn the local language faster since many only spoke Spanish. Likewise, I am sure it will force your students to acclimate to English faster if you don’t speak the local language for them to fall back on. It is looked upon as an advantage that you do not rely on the local language and your students do not usually expect it either. Sometimes you will find there are programs provided by the school to help the teachers in their own interaction but as far as the classes are concerned the local language is usually not required.

A year teaching is the standard assignment for teaching in most foreign schools but there are exceptions to that especially when it is a volunteer job. The volunteer jobs are far more flexible with commitments than are those that are paid.

As with any job the pay depends on several factors and when you ask the question ‘what city should I live in to teach’, pay will be different. The job / contract length, what is required of you in terms of qualifications and where the job is located all make a difference in pay. The latter is primarily due to the cost of living. It would behove you to do some serious research about the cost of living before you accept any teaching job so you have a good idea what you are getting yourself into.

Something that you may be surprised to find out is that certain locations prefer certain English accents. It is generally whatever has become acceptable in the school location. In turn, that is what they want from the teachers that they hire. For instance in Mexico they want American accents but in Europe they mostly want the British accent. It really makes sense as it is what the locals are more accustomed to hearing.

One primary concern that people have about teaching abroad is around getting set up in the new location and the cheapest places where they can stay. It is often the case where the school will either provide the teacher with housing or if not, at least provide them with help in securing the cheapest place to live. Just be very careful that there is a clear understanding (in writing) about what sort of arrangement there is and who is to provide what. There is nothing that can ruin your experience faster than uncomfortable or unsuitable accommodations.

Another thing to be clear about before you make any real commitment is to figure out who (what group) you will be teaching. It could be professionals; it could be housewives, children or other age groups. Each of these groups will take a different focus and skill set so you will want to know what you are getting into.

Because you will be signing a contract in order to get these jobs you will want to be sure and research every aspect of the position and that you understand exactly what you are getting yourself into. Spend an appropriate amount of time researching every aspect of the arrangement and know exactly what it means for you to find international jobs for US citizens and then you will be able to help others along the path to finding teaching jobs overseas for Americans if you want to.