The International Student Blog

Though earning an undergraduate degree in education is a stellar step in pursuing a teaching career, employers will often put applicants with various jobs and volunteer services on their resume on the top of the application pile because their skills and work ethic will be more highlighted and reliable. The summer is the perfect time for international students to find a job or volunteer position that will help prepare students for teaching as well as become a competitive applicant in the field of education- especially if during the Fall and Spring semester you’re only able to work on-campus. Below are some summer job ideas for international students pursuing an education major.

Preschool and Elementary School Students
If you plan on teaching preschool or elementary school students, there are many options for you. Summer camps provide a wide variety of teaching opportunities. Depending on the camp, you can teach kids outdoor skills, academics, character development, or a specialized area such as music or leadership. You can also teach these areas in programs such as Big Brother/Big Sister and Boy Scouts, or in places such as YMCAs and national parks. You can also tutor at schools and libraries, or work in childcare centers. Check your community for similar opportunities.

Middle School and High School Students
Discovering summer job ideas for education majors concentrating in teaching junior high or senior high students can be more difficult than elementary students, but there are still many opportunities. For some students, school is still in session for the summer and international students can find tutoring jobs in schools and community programs. During the summer there are also many mentoring programs for at-risk youth. These programs can be a life-changing experience for those involved, and can help develop a better appreciation for quality teachers. Programs such as Outward Bound and Upward Bound help students learn their potential in leadership and other areas.

Go Abroad
Going abroad in the summer on service trips can help international students become a competitive applicant in the field of education by providing a volunteer aspect that develops humility and compassion. During these trips, you may help build schools in towns where there are none or help illiterate children or adults learn how to read and write. These experiences can be very rewarding and can develop your teaching skills in a deep way. If you do decide to volunteer or work abroad while you’re an international student just keep in mind that you will want to stay within the terms of your visa.

Summer job ideas for education majors can be found anywhere, so always keep your eyes and ears open for employment and volunteer opportunities. Visit career fairs, research programs in your community, talk and network with other education majors, teachers and parents. International students who spend their summers working and bettering communities through education will find that not only will they become a competitive applicant in the field of education, but they will also be a better educator, mentor and citizen.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 20th, 2015 at 6:11 am and is filed under International Student, Study in the USA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Written by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined EIC in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.

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