How To Get a Career in International Education

By Niko Hammond

In today’s world, the need for international educators continues to grow. Our world has become smaller due to globalization and the increasing capabilities of technology and is in need of people who are able to transcend cultural barriers and guide future generations. If you are considering a career in International Education, you are in for an adventure of a lifetime, but you must be prepared for the journey.

The field of International Education is expansive. Career opportunities include teaching, policy making, capacity building, curriculum development, advising/counseling, recruiting, training, research, and much more. Placements for work include, but are not limited to colleges/universities, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, governmental agencies, intelligence agencies, schools, and private companies. It is important that you consider your interests, skills, and personality as you choose a specific sector to work within, as the roles of each of these positions can vary greatly, and if the match isn’t right, your job will be even more challenging.

There is no “one path” to a career in international education. One can go the formal route and get a degree within the field to help gain knowledge before getting into the field. Most positions in International Education require a bachelor’s degree, and many are looking for candidates with Master’s degrees. Many people in this field have a degree in education, but degree fields such as in sociology, anthropology, social work, psychology, community development, political science, a foreign language, and public policy are also accepted in this field. With a Master’s Degree, you are most likely to enter the field in an administrative position such as a program coordinator, student advisor, admissions officer, or supervisor of a small program.

A formal education, though, is not always required to get into this field. Some people enter the field of International Education through non-traditional routes as well. They may start off in a program such as the Peace Corps, doing mission work, volunteering through a program, or teaching English as a second language. Entry positions are often front line staff work—teaching, direct service provision, and program assistants are just some of the positions that may be available depending on your skill level. Depending on your abilities and program need, you can move up into higher level positions over time.

Over the past decade, the interest in International Education has increased dramatically, thus making positions in the field more difficult to find. If you are serious about getting into International Education, it is important to build networks with people and organizations in the field. Volunteering, interning, and shadowing people in these fields can help to get you in the door. Even if you are not ready to start working, it’s important to begin making contacts as early as possible. The more interest you show and the more persistent you are, the more likely you are to find an opening.

Finally, when looking to get into the field of International Education, it is important that you learn at least one additional language and travel outside your home country. These are two key elements to success in this field, and will afford you more opportunities in the job market.

If you are looking at getting into the world of international education, there is a wealth of resources available to you on-line; the following websites can help you start your search on the right path for you.

International organizations that provide resources and networking opportunities

Student Exchange Programs