Studying teaching abroad

What is teaching?

Teaching is the process of facilitating learning by sharing your knowledge, skills and values with students. You will be involved in creating engaging lessons, assessing student progress, and adapting methods to meet individual needs.

As an effective teacher you will foster critical thinking, encourage personal development, and support emotional and social growth. You will play a vital role in shaping students’ academic and life outcomes, working in various settings such as schools, colleges, and online platforms.

Why study teaching abroad?

Studying teaching abroad offers you exposure to diverse educational settings, teaching styles, and cultural perspectives. This experience will enhance your teaching skills, develop your cross cultural communication, and open up career opportunities around the world.

What you will study

A teaching degree typically includes a variety of modules focused on educational theory, practice, and development. Common modules include:

• Educational Psychology – Understanding how children learn and develop.
• Curriculum and Pedagogy – Planning, designing, and delivering lessons.
• Classroom Management – Strategies for maintaining discipline and a positive learning environment.
• Assessment and Evaluation – Techniques for assessing student progress and providing feedback.
• Inclusive Education – Adapting teaching for diverse learners, including those with special needs.
• Literacy and Numeracy – Focusing on fundamental skills for early education.
• Professional Practice and Placement – Gaining hands-on teaching experience in schools.

Work placements are often included to provide practical, real-world teaching experience.

Accreditation

At the undergraduate level, you will typically be awarded a Bachelor of Education (BEd) if the program is specifically designed for future teachers, or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Education, depending on the focus area.

At the postgraduate level, you are usually awarded a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) in Education, with some programs offering specialisations such as Special Education. Additionally, if you want to become a qualified teacher, you could get a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), as an example.

Professional accreditation for teaching graduates varies by country but generally includes certification or licensing that allows you to work in educational settings. Common types of accreditation include:

• United States: Teachers typically need state-specific certification, such as State Teacher Certification or National Board Certification for advanced recognition.
• United Kingdom: Graduates can obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), often through completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Bachelor of Education (BEd).
• Australia: Teachers must be registered with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), with state-specific requirements.
• Canada: Accreditation is provided by provincial Teacher Regulatory Authorities.
• New Zealand: Teachers must gain Full Registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Singapore: Teachers need accreditation through the Singapore Teaching Service (STS).
• International: Many countries or international schools require accreditation from global bodies like the Council of International Schools (CIS) or International Baccalaureate (IB) certification.

Each country may have specific additional requirements, including exams, further education, or teaching experience.

Careers

As a graduate of a teaching program you will have various career options in education and related fields. You could become a classroom teacher in primary, secondary, or special education schools, depending on your specialisation. Other roles include teaching assistant, education coordinator, or school administrator.

Outside of the classroom, you could work as an education consultant, curriculum developer, or teacher trainer. There are also opportunities in educational policy, non-profit organisations, tutoring, and online education.