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Career Paths in International Education Shannon R. Quinn, M.Ed. International Programs and Exchanges University of Washington
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
