While many college graduates don’t have the capital to indulge in lavish vacations around the world, they do have one globally sought-after commodity. They speak English. As the global market develops, there are more and more initiatives by developing countries to teach their populace English as a second language, putting English speaking university graduates in high demand.

Keith Dashefsky, a Connecticut College alum, participated in a teach abroad program in 2004 through Global Education Corporation, which offers training and placement programs for graduates interested in teaching abroad. Dashefsky taught at a small school in Rio Negro, Argentina where he instantly became a part of the community.

“I was introduced to the mayor of one of the towns I visited, I was interviewed by the local television channel of another, and was essentially regarded as a really influential addition to Rio Negro,” said Dashefsky.

Teaching abroad offers graduates the benefit of language development and cultural immersion in a foreign country without the usual financial burdens. Most English teachers are paid enough to meet the cost of housing, meals, and personal expenses. Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, China, Korea, and Vietnam tend to pay the highest salaries.

“The amount of money you need really depends on what type of lifestyle you want to lead while you are abroad,” said Dashefsky. “Travel and going out are the greatest costs, but $150 to $200 per month will allow you to travel every weekend and go out a lot. One kid from my group got by on $30 a month and he still had a great experience.”

Host schools worldwide generally require that graduates are trained to teach English as a foreign language before they begin their assignments, but most do not expect graduates to have any training in the native language. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification usually involves 100 hours of course work plus 8 to 25 hours of volunteer practicum work. The courses may be taken online or face-to-face.

Program costs vary vastly from one provider to the next, but the difference in cost usually signifies that housing, insurance, TEFL training, orientation programs, and work permits are covered. Graduates who do decide to go through a program provider should make sure that, at the very least, the program includes TEFL training, in-country support, and help securing a visa or work permit.

Any stay abroad longer than 90 days usually requires a work permit and or a student visa. Many companies ask teachers to work on a tourist visa when abroad, but often times the situation calls for something more, and graduates should take measures to make sure that they are receiving the appropriate documentation for their trip. Information on requisite documentation is always available from the American consulate of the destination country. Graduates should also consider that securing a visa can be a time-consuming exercise, and should allow themselves at least three months to complete the process.

Teaching English abroad can grant graduates access to a whole new world abroad and adapting to this new culture can be trying. To avoid culture shock, graduates should gather as much information as possible about their country of destination before leaving and then be ready to be flexible. Small differences in culture, such as food, concept of time, personal space, and medical care can become overwhelming if graduates are not mentally prepared.

Some programs provide in-country Program Directors to help new teachers adjust. Communicating with program directors prior to departure helps graduates feel more comfortable upon their arrival and can provide assistance for students having a difficult time adjusting to the new culture. Margaret Fernandez, a University of South Florida alumna who taught abroad in Alicante, Spain said, “When I arrived in Spain, my program director Ana greeted me at the airport, and she had arranged a very extensive packet of information for me about living in Alicante. Before I arrived, Ana answered quite a few of the questions I had regarding the status of my student visa.”

Not all cultural differences are unwelcome though. Fernandez said, “You eat really well in Spain. I am always joking with my friends and family that people in Spain eat 6 meals a day and a virtual Thanksgiving dinner everyday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.”

Once prepared for the road ahead, graduates should settle in for some exciting life changes. Dashefsky said, “Teaching in Argentina was one of the highlights of my life thus far. I don’t know if I could have absorbed as much of the culture if I were just vacationing. I came back with a refreshed outlook, and new-found confidence and independence. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”