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An international educator who works in educational administration may serve as a school administrator in international and postsecondary schools abroad or in domestic higher education institutions. Their roles can vary, but in primary and secondary schools, many become principals, superintendents, or directors of specific departments (e.g., athletic directors). Those who decide to work in post-secondary schools are typically employed in a variety of student affairs and academic departments/areas such as residence life, international admissions, experiential or service learning, career development, and more.

On college campuses, many individuals may choose to work in an Educational Abroad Program (EAP) or an Office of International Students, in order to work with domestic students who are preparing to study abroad or inbound international students. There are a variety of roles that individuals can hold within each of these departments, such as counseling students, interviewing applicants, and coordinating programs. It is also possible to work with academic departments and international universities to create exchange programs. 

One primary role of EAPs is to coordinate and advise study abroad programs. EAP advisors also work with students to re-acquaint them when they return to university, which can include academic counseling. Many, if not most, who work for EAPs have studied abroad. 

Responsibilities while working for the Office of International Students can include: providing student visa advice, supporting the integration of students into their new learning environment through workshops and advising, assisting international students in applying for work authorizations, and creating a community in which they feel welcome. International Student Advisors often have advanced degrees in Higher Education or International Education Administration. Additionally, they are certified as "Designated School Officials" by the Department of Homeland Security, in order to be able to provide immigration advice in the non-immigrant student visa category.

Teaching English as a foreign language is one of the most common opportunities pursued by those interested in working abroad with students from kindergarten through high school, and at private or public institutions. Teaching is very rewarding and difficult work; some responsibilities include preparing lesson plans and teaching materials, effectively communicating with students, ensuring student retention and success, and assessing or grading students’ work. Teaching English abroad is a great way to deepen your understanding of a language and immerse yourself in another culture. 

For more details about teaching English abroad, jump to the Get Hired section of our International Education page.

A career in educational consulting combines both working with students and utilizing skills associated with counseling, such as psychology. An educational consultant does not necessarily have to be employed by a consulting agency, so this individual can work as a freelancer or contracted employee. Educational consulting abroad encompasses everything that a US educational consultant does and more, such as visa counseling, international university selection, and educational career-searching abroad.

A career in education technology can be very dynamic; there are a variety of employer types for people interested in working in international education or working abroad. Oftentimes, a job in education technology will be for online homeschool programs, educational apps (e.g., Duolingo), and language learning programs (e.g., Rosetta Stone). If you are considering a career in education technology, you can design courses, train teachers to use new technologies, and program cutting-edge softwares.

A career as an education policy advisor typically works in both education and government. Education policy advising is crucial in determining if present educational institutions, guidelines, and policies are properly serving children. Education policy advisors advocate for children by shaping a just, well-rounded, and inclusive education from the federal and local levels.

This major focuses on studying transnational processes and global issues. In this major, you can study two languages and focus on a global region of your choice. As a global studies major, students will gain valuable knowledge in cross-cultural communication, which can be very helpful for those who seek to work in international regions or with international populations.

The Linguistics major can emphasize a specific language of study or focus on speech language technologies or disorders. Linguistics majors often learn a new language, which is a valuable skill to have on a resume when applying to jobs abroad or positions where you interact with international students. Linguistics majors also learn how to break down a language into phonetics, which is an effective teaching tool for English as a foreign language.

As an English major, students learn a comprehensive history of literature, effective and persuasive writing skills, as well as critical reading and thinking skills. Students who graduate with this major have vital communication skills, written and spoken, that can help them in teaching and interacting with people who speak a different language.

Students majoring in Political Science have the opportunity to expand their knowledge about various fundamental political concepts that affect our everyday lives, like equality, justice, and freedom. Political Science majors have a balanced education about political institutions, policies, and relationships that provide students interested in international education with a useful international perspective and context.