While working as a college counselor has been great for me, the job is pretty specific. Most companies only hire native-speaking Americans who attended a prestigious college in the US. You need to have great writing skills, and preferably some experience teaching English, working with your college admissions department, or a higher degree.
While the criteria for an admissions job may seem a bit intense, there are plenty of other really incredible jobs abroad. I’ll go through some of the major ones, but you can always find positions on Go Overseas or CRS Education. That’s where I found my position!
1. Teach a Different Subject
Are you a certified teacher back home? Plenty of international schools and curriculum programs are looking for subject teachers in math, science, humanities, business and more. You might even be able to find a job at a company as well. The company where I work actually offers an AP US History class taught by a certified teacher.
2. Teach the Arts
Do you want to teach art, music, band, or drama in English? While some international schools will require certified teachers, others are open to anyone with talent. I have a friend who teaches AP Music at an international school and another friend who teaches art to little kids in an international curriculum program.
3. SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS Teacher or Tutor
These tests are very popular among students looking to study abroad, and you’ll be sure to find positions all over the world. While you are kind of teaching English, you’ll be more focused on test-taking strategy and helping kids get great scores. If you don’t like teaching classes, becoming a testing tutor could be a great option for you.
4. Teach an After-School Activity
There are many after-school activities that run in English. For example, my company offers debate and drama classes. Debate students compete all across China in English-language NSDA Debate tournaments, and drama students perform plays and musicals in English. These types of jobs are perfect for people who have skills and talents back home that they want to utilize abroad!
5. Become a College Interviewer or Counselor
Due to a large amount of Chinese international students heading to US universities, companies like Initial view are capitalizing on the need for international admissions interviews. If you’re confident in an interview and love making kids squirm under pressure (just kidding), this might be a great fit for you!
You may also want to work as a college counselor. This job requires you to help students with their college applications. You’ll aid them in picking good after-school activities, preparing for interviews, drafting common application essays and more.
6. Teach a different Language
Not a native English speaker? No problem! There are plenty of jobs around the globe for people who want to teach languages other than English. Find a job teaching French, German, Spanish, or Chinese. There are always people who need language teachers or tutors!