Now that you’ve got your brand new diploma in hand, the graduation celebrations have wrapped up, and you’ve moved back to your childhood home, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Maybe you decided not to jump into corporate life right away, you’re not quite sure if you want to start a Master’s degree, or the job search is getting a bit demoralizing. Don’t lose hope!
Congrats on graduating! Now let’s find you top-notch international programs for recent college graduates to teach abroad. #GetPaidToTravel
If you’re a recent college grad but you’re still not quite sure what to do with your life, maybe it’s time to think about teaching programs for college graduates. Teaching abroad is a great way to learn about a new country, share skills with individuals eager to learn something new, and boost your resume with some real life work experience. International programs for recent college graduates are plentiful, meaning you can most definitely find one that’s the right fit for you.
Why teach English abroad after college?
You’re probably thinking, “But I majored in marketing, what does that have to do with teaching?” Well, everything! With a little bit of training, nearly anyone can become a teacher, and having extra knowledge in a specific field can make you even more attractive for some teaching positions. Just because you didn’t get a degree in education doesn’t mean you’re not qualified to teach!
There are many reasons to teach abroad after graduation, and teaching programs for recent college graduates make it easy to take the leap and try something new. Not only will you pick up new language skills, learn about a different culture, and dive deep into the intricacies of English grammar, you’ll also gain professional skills and enhance your resume / CV. It can also be a good way to give yourself some space after four years of studying to decide what direction you want to go in life.
We can’t wait to see where your travels & teaching jobs will take you.
That said, make sure that you’re as psyched about the teaching as you are about the world travel. While many types of people can be great teachers, teaching is still a job and you’ll be expected to show up, put in the effort, and make sure your students are benefitting from your lessons.
Not everyone is a natural born teacher, so it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for the classroom. Find a an TEFL course, research as much as you can online, and talk to others who’ve already done it. Making sure that you’re prepared for the road ahead will make your time in the classroom so much better for both your students and yourself.
11 amazing teaching programs for college graduates
Figuring out why you want to teach abroad might be easy, but deciding where to go can be a huge challenge! There are so many teaching programs for recent college graduates that it can be hard to choose between them, but we’ve got some tips to help as you sort through the options. If you’re still stuck, check out these great teaching programs for college graduates:
1. International TEFL Academy Programs Worldwide
Wherever you want to teach, chances are there’s an International TEFL Academy office there. This organization has locations all over the world, making it one of the best international programs for recent college graduates. You can choose whether you’d like to complete your TEFL training in person or online, and once you’re trained up, you’ll receive assistance in finding a teaching job in your chosen country. International TEFL Academy works with thousands of prospective teachers every year, making them a great resource for recent grads who want to teach abroad.
- Where can you work? 25 locations worldwide in South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
- More info: Read International TEFL Academy reviews
2. Ameson Year in China
If you’ve ever been interested in what life is like in China, this year-long program is one of the best teaching fellowship programs out there. Not only will you be paid to teach in a public school, you’ll also receive a travel stipend, a TEFL training course, and Chinese language instruction. The program also provides assistance with obtaining your visa, health insurance, and lodging, making this a great program for anyone who isn’t already familiar with the Chinese culture and language. Many recent grads who participate in this program are able to find long-term teaching jobs after finishing the program, making it a great jumping off point for a future teaching career.
- Where can you work? China
- More info: Read Ameson Education and Cultural Exchange Foundation reviews
3. Teaching in Japan with Amity Corporation
During a normal day at Amity, you might start your day teaching simple words to toddlers and finish it by discussing phrasal verbs with high school students. You’ll never be bored working at this language school in Japan, and you’ll learn a lot about the local culture and work ethic during your stay. In addition to teacher training, the program also assists with lodging. However, keep in mind that living standards in Japan may be different than you’re used to, as teacher apartments are often quite small and minimally furnished.
- Where can you work? Japan
- More info: Read Amity Corporation reviews
4. i-to-i TEFL Across Asia
Not only does i-to-i offer a variety of TEFL training courses, they also provide supported teaching experiences in three countries. You’ll receive a 120-hour TEFL training course as well as five to ten months of paid classroom teaching experience, allowing you to practice what you’ve learned and really get to know your host country. Accommodations are also included, so you won’t have anything to worry about on arrival except fine-turning your lesson plans. Participants receive a bonus upon completing the program, and many teachers use the extra cash to do some traveling before moving on to the next adventure.
- Where can you work? China, Thailand, and Vietnam
- More info: Read i-to-i TEFL reviews
5. Teach in Thailand with Entrust TEFL
Spend three weeks in Chiang Mai or Krabi learning all you need to be a great English teacher with Entrust TEFL’s 140-hour TEFL course. If this already sounds too good to be true, it gets even better when you choose the Premium program, which provides you with visa assistance, accommodation at a hotel or resort with your fellow teachers, and a guaranteed job placement upon completion of the program. Throw in some Thai language classes and cultural excursions, and you’ll be living like a local before you know it!
- Where can you work? Thailand
- More info: Read Entrust TEFL reviews
6. Maximo Nivel’s Teaching Programs in Central America
If you want to practice your Spanish skills while also training to become a teacher, Maximo Nivel is a great option. Their teaching programs for college graduates include four weeks of intense TEFL instruction in some of the most beautiful places in Central and South America. You’ll also receive assistance with job placement, so you can continue teaching and strengthening your teaching skills after finishing the TEFL course. Accommodations are not included in the cost, but Maximo Nivel does offer help with arranging everything from homestays to apartment rentals to hotel lodging.
- Where can you work? Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru
- More info: Read Maximo Nivel reviews
7. Teaching in Cape Town with Connect 123
This volunteer program allows teachers to be placed in a variety of locations depending on need and personal interest, from after-school tutoring programs to non-profit organizations. Most teachers live with other volunteers in shared apartments, though host family stays can be arranged on request. Not only will you get to practice your teaching skills in a variety of settings, you’ll also make connections with locals and learn about South Africa through their eyes, giving you a unique insider’s perspective on the country’s ever-evolving culture.
- Where can you work? South Africa
- More info: Read Connect-123 reviews
8. Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries with GoEco in Nepal
This unique volunteer teaching position allows you to live in a Buddhist monastery while providing English lessons to the monks who reside there. Depending on your prior teaching experience, you’ll either assist another teacher or lead classes on your own. You’ll also have the opportunity to help with other tasks around the monastery as well as participate in intensive meditation courses. This program is more about the experience than perfecting your teaching skills, but after a month or more of living in this remote monastery, you’ll have learned a lot more about life than simply how to teach conjugations.
- Where can you work? Nepal
- More info: Read GoEco reviews
9. Teaching Assistant Government Program in France
Spend an academic year teaching in a French primary or high school with this teaching fellowship program. You’ll be paid a small stipend to teach 12 hours per week, and you could be placed anywhere in the country, from a small, rural primary school to a busy high school in a large city. This program requires a bit of advance planning, as applications are due well in advance of the program start date. If you’re interested in government fellowships for recent college graduates, more information is available to help you consider your options.
- Where can you work? France
- More info: Read More about TAPIF
10. TEFL Worldwide Prague
If you think you can’t learn to be a teacher in just four weeks, think again. TEFL Worldwide Prague packs so much into its certification course that you just might wonder how you got it all done in only a month. When it comes to international programs for recent college graduates, this intense course includes so much hands-on teaching practice that you’ll be a pro by the time it’s over. TEFL Worldwide Prague is there to help you get hired for your dream teaching job when you’re done, and most students get job offers within a week or two of finishing their course.
- Where can you work? Czech Republic
- More info: Read TEFL Worldwide Prague reviews
11. Teach English in Argentina with Greenheart Travel
For those who want a more casual teaching experience, Greenheart Travel offers homestays where you can teach English in exchange for room and board, allowing you to volunteer your time while also exploring this vast South American country. Aside from the 15 hours per week you spend teaching, you’ll be immersed in Spanish and have ample time to discover your host city. Living with a host family allows you to connect more deeply with the local culture, and as a bonus, you’re pretty much guaranteed a tasty asado (barbeque) weekly.
- Where can you work? Argentina
- More info: Read Greenheart Travel reviews
Haven’t quite found what you’re looking for? There are plenty more teaching abroad opportunities, no matter where you want to work!
[Browse ALL Teaching Programs for Recent College Graduates Abroad]
You’re ready to write your next chapter—as a teacher abroad!
You’re ready to teach abroad, grad!
With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Check out MyGoAbroad for an easy way to bookmark, compare, and sort programs and teaching fellowships for recent college graduates that interest you. Whether you want a long-term paid teaching position or you’re just interested in volunteering while pondering your next steps in life, teaching abroad can be a great choice.
Not only does teaching abroad allow you to discover a new place, learn about a new culture, and potentially learn a new language, it also builds your professional skills and enhances your resume for future jobs. And who knows? You might just discover a new passion and career path!
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