Career Paths in

International

Education Shannon R. Quinn, M.Ed.

International Programs and Exchanges

University of Washington

So, you enjoyed your time abroad and

you want to make a career out of it?

The Field of International Education

International education includes a broad range of careers including study

abroad and exchange, international enrollment management, international

student and scholar services, language program administration, teaching,

training, curriculum development, and the promotion of international

understanding.

Professionals in the field work for public and private K-12 schools,

English language schools, colleges and universities, government agencies,

nonprofit organizations, foundations, and corporations.

A Look at Two Major Career Areas in

International Education

Study Abroad and Student Exchange

International Student and Scholar Services

Study Abroad and Student Exchange

Types of positions available

Required experience and qualifications

Trends in study abroad and student exchange

Top Ten Overseas Destinations for U.S. Students

1. United Kingdom

2. Italy

3. Spain

4. France

5. China

6. Germany

7. Costa Rica

8. Australia

9. Ireland

10. Japan

Source: Institute of International Education, Open Doors (2014)

Study Abroad Participation Rates

1.5% of U.S. students studied abroad in 2012-13

9.4% of U.S. undergraduates study abroad during their degree

program

14.3% of U.S. bachelors students study abroad during their

degree program

Source: Institute of International Education, Open Doors (2014)

International Student and Scholar Services

Types of positions available

Required experience and qualifications

Trends in international student and scholar services

Top Places of Origin of

International Students in the U.S.

1. China

2. India

3. South Korea

4. Saudi Arabia

5. Canada

6. Taiwan

7. Japan

8. Vietnam

9. Mexico

10. Brazil

Source: Institute of International Education, Open Doors (2014)

Top U.S. States Hosting International Students:

1. California

2. New York

3. Texas

4. Massachusetts

5. Illinois

6. Pennsylvania

7. Florida

8. Ohio

9. Michigan

10. Indiana

Source: Institute of International Education, Open Doors (2014)

What about Japan?

5,758 U.S. students went to Japan in

2012-13 (2% of the total number of

U.S. students going abroad). Japan is

the 10th most popular study abroad

destination.

19,334 Japanese students studied in

the U.S. in 2013-14. In contrast, in

the 1997-1998 school year, 47,073

Japanese students studied in the U.S.

Source: Institute of International

Education, Open Doors (2014)

Additional Opportunities in International

Education

Government Agencies

Nonprofit Organizations, Foundations and Corporations

Other Positions in Student Services and Academic Affairs

Peace Corps

English as a Second Language and Intensive English Programs

K-12 Teaching and Administration

Graduate Programs and Funding

International Education, International Education Management,

International Education Policy, etc.

Higher Education Administration, Student Development, Student

Affairs, Higher Education Management, etc.

M.A., M.Ed., M.S.Ed., M.S., Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.

International Relations, Area Studies, Foreign Language Programs,

TESOL, Business, Public Affairs, Law, etc.

Funding Opportunities

Tips for Launching Your Career in

International Education

Offer to Volunteer

Look for an Internship

Study a Foreign Language

Stay Involved

Use Your Connections

Find a Mentor

Professional Organizations and Other

Career Resources

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Forum on Education Abroad

Diversity Abroad Network

Higheredjobs.com

Chronicle of Higher Education

SECUSS-L (listserv for education abroad professionals)

JAFSA: Japan Network for International Education

About my own post-JET Program experience…

In Summer 2001, I completed my contract as an ALT in Kagawa Prefecture.

Here are a few highlights of my time after JET:

Joined the JET Alumni Association and became involved at the local, national and

international level of the organization

Traveled to over twenty-five countries on five continents

Earned my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration

Launched a career I’m passionate about and had the opportunity to work in both

Japan and the United States

Tying the JET Program to Opportunities

Beyond…

Next Steps:

Network with everyone you meet at the After JET Conference

Strengthen ties with other JET participants

Obtain reference letters and contact information from your JET

Program supervisors

Reconnect with your alma mater and find out if you are eligible to

take advantage of career services

Join LinkedIn and begin connecting with friends, former classmates,

colleagues, and professionals in your field

Any Questions?

Shannon R. Quinn, M.Ed.

shannonq@uw.edu

http://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonq