How to Work on an International Teacher Exchange?

Posted by Amos Fred on March 25th, 2019

International teaching exchange opportunities are becoming more prevalent and more popular for people looking to teach and work around the world. Federal government offers exchanges to many destinations. There are also several independent exchanges to look into. Most terms last an entire school year, but some may be shorter. Here are a few tips if you are considering working on an international teacher exchange.

Fulbright Exchange through the U.S. Government

This program requires you to be a full-time teacher or administrator in the United States or US territories. It also requires you to have a bachelors degree or a minimum of three years teaching full-time. Wow open positions can change, elementary school grades through undergraduate college are available. It requires an interview with Fulbright representatives and a written application. It’s typically most difficult to get a position in English-speaking countries. These areas typically offer more subject areas, and of course fewer cultural differences.

Housing and Relocation

The way most teacher exchanges work is you switch classes in schools with your teaching partner. This usually includes switching housing as well. For salary, you typically continue to receive Payment from your regular school. You also may be able to exclude a large portion of your earned income when teaching in another country.

Requirement Expectations

It’s a good idea to be prepared with your top three country choices when applying for a teacher exchange. You may not get your first choice because it will depend much on availability. If you speak another language that will open up many other opportunities. Also consider if you want to work in a more developed area or an underdeveloped country. Most teachers who are considering an exchange actually want to experience being in a completely different culture and experience another language. You also have a chance to represent America and American teachers to other cultures. You can also take this experience back to your regular school and classroom.

Large or Small Town?

Consider if you think you will be happier and more effective in a large town or a small town. Also consider what other activities there are in the area in addition to your teacher exchange program. You certainly want to pick a place where you will be happy.

Being Prepared

Expect to communicate regularly with your exchange partner. Make sure you understand each other‘s assignments so they will be clear to the students. Finding ways to help each other be successful will make your experience much more enjoyable and effective. Prepare your teaching assignments and spend time understanding the common teaching practices of the area you will be teaching in. You can certainly introduce your own teaching practices, but it’s important to understand that the students will be used to a certain way. Also, expect challenges to arise with cultural differences, even if you do go to an English-speaking area. Some parts of the world, culture and language difference can vary from place to place in small areas.