“Earning Abroad” Information Sheet
Compiled by Phillip Romine ‘07
Teaching English
These days, it seems the most common way to earn a buck abroad is teaching English. There is a plethora of programs available. Soc/Anthro majors have found the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program particularly alluring the past few years.
“JET is an international organization of foreign teachers in Japan. This year over 5,500 participants came from 44 countries. The initial contract is for one year, but there is the possibility to stay for 5 years. Assistant Language Teachers, like me, have no language requirement, and it is possible to survive without much Japanese. In schools the job of an ALT is to be the resident English speaker. It depends on the school, but most JETs are in mid to low-level schools, meaning most students are very far from fluent. A few are placed in high level academic schools and those teachers often get complicated grammar questions. I'm in a high school, but clearly the job is different in a junior high or elementary school. The JET community is fantastic; there are always people around willing to help, and it's great to be around people who are having similar experiences. “JET is one of the best international teaching programs. We get paid more than most, get great benefits and vacation time, and some get amazing deals on housing. I've met many people in Japan doing the Nova program, and they're all jealous of us JETs. If you don't travel too much and live smartly you have the potential to save a lot of money. However, I highly recommend taking advantage of your position in Asia to travel, at least a little. “I was placed in Mie-ken, which isn't on top of tourist destinations of Japan. However, I'm quite pleased with the area, and have easy access to Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Additionally there's a diverse group of JETs here; I'm friends with people from Scotland, Australia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canadians. It's not infrequent that I find myself the only American, which certainly makes things interesting. “If anyone wants more details I'm quite happy to receive emails. I also have some advice on placement request on the application for those who do apply. Last year in Chicago, the closest consulate, over 700 people applied and only 250 got the job. So again, for those who do apply I have some hints for the interview and essays. “Overall JET is an amazing first post-college job with the possibility to learn much more than Japanese language. I found it helped ease the post-college transition because everything is a new experience. Soc/Anthro majors are prime people for the job as the official reason for JETs to be here is to "promote grass roots internationalism at the local level." Really, that's the official reason. “Please send questions along....I have much more to say about the program.” Rachel
This is an email I received from Rachel Ring, a 2006 Soc/Anthro grad. You can reach her via email at rachelring@gmail.com. For the JET program directly, go to
http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/index.html.
~Other Opportunities
Chiang Mai University in Thailand also offers English teaching directly through the University. For more information on these—as well as other—programs, contact either Tom Williamson or Mike Leming in the Soc/Anthro department. If you wish to meet with Professor Leming, please keep in mind that he will be gone 2 nd semester in Thailand. Professor Leming can be reached at extension 3134 or via email at leming@stolaf.edu. Professor Williamson’s extension is 3875, and his email is williata@stolaf.edu.
Another good place to look is larger universities’ websites. Places like the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin-Madison, or Indiana University have abroad contact people in all academic areas. Explore and see what you turn up. Countries across the globe are looking for English teachers; one must only figure out the proper channels and means of communication. Many of your best resources are right here in the Sociology/Anthropology department. Make an appointment with one of them; they are more than willing to help you any way they can.
Global Missions
The ELCA offers service opportunities to members, ages 19-30, to serve in international locations, including Argentina, Germany, India, Kenya, Mexico, the Middle East, the Philippines, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. It requires a 1 year commitment. You would start in mid-August 2007. Though you would need to raise a minimum of $3500 of support, once you’re placed abroad, travel, lodging, board, insurance, and allowance are provided.
L. DeAne Lagerquist in the Religion department mentioned a grad from 5 years back by the name of Andy Willis who spent 2 years in Israel. Contact her if you would like to get in contact with Andy or other grads who went a similar path. Her extension is 3175 and her email is lagerqui@stolaf.edu.
BUNAC
BUNAC ( Britain, United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada) offers work opportunities in Canada, Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as volunteer opportunities in Cambodia, Peru, and South Africa. Their website is full of step-by-step information on applying, accessing eligibility, and finding a job in each of the countries mentioned.
Additional Web Resources
The information and websites listed above should prove helpful in beginning to find paid pathways abroad. Keep in mind that, though feasible, it is much easier to get abroad and stay abroad legitimately through a program of some kind. Solveig Zempel from the Norwegian department, also the Fulbright Scholarship Advisor for St. Olaf, mentioned that it is extremely important to investigate visa/work permit regulations for the country where you wish to work. Most countries only allow you 90 days of leisure travel before your presence in the country needs to be registered. If you work any length of time, you will need some sort of work permit. Google the country of your choice, find its immigration or labor office, and do some investigation.
Here are some other websites to poke around:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/index.shtml
http://www.malagainformation.com/sic/
http://www.jobsabroad.com/search.cfm
https://www.i-to-i.com/Home.aspx?tabindex=4&tabid=136&subtabindex=0&subtabid=1535&ci=en-us
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/teaching_english_abroad_news.shtml
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/shortterm/au_pair_jobs.shtml
The best of luck as you search for global work opportunities. Remember, your professors, especially in the Soc/Anthro department, are more than happy to offer you their time and expertise. And don’t be afraid to make contacts at other institutions as well: send an email, make a phone call, visit a state university around your hometown.
