Domestic International Teaching Opportunities

I realize that some may not have the ability to travel abroad for whatever reason during the summer, but would still like to have a piece of the international pie. I am one of those people these days, having recently just given birth to a baby boy who demands (and will continue to demand) much of my time and energy. For us though, there are still opportunities to experience internationalism right here at home.

One such way is to host an exchange student. Since 2011 I have been involved with PAX: Program of Academic Exchange as a Community Coordinator. Though I have not had the chance to do so recently, in 2011 a local family hosted a high student from Japan for a year under my supervision. It was a wonderful experience for all involved, and a great way to serve as an ambassador and learn more about another culture without even leaving home!

There are SEVERAL other hosting organizations out there. Here are just a few:

• GeoVisions
• AFSUSA
• CIEE
• CCI Exchange
• AYUSA
• ASSE

Though hosting is on a volunteer basis, Community Coordinators are independent contractors and do receive a stipend for their placement efforts. American Homestay Network is another organization offering compensation to families that host their adult students.

Visit the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Programs website for more programs and further information.


Another is to work for an international camp. I did so last summer via Julian Krinsky Camp's LINES LTD international program. LINES is a European based organization which recruits students the world over for learning English (or French) as a foreign language during their summer camps world-wide. I, along with 3 other US residents, served as an EFL teacher for 20 students from Russia, Germany, France, Belgium, Spain and Venezuela over the course of a 4 week program hosted on a local college campus. Aside from classes with me, the students traveled to nearby sites on educational excursions and partook in other activities with staff and counselors on site. It was well worth the experience!

Again, there are many such programs out there. (I actually interviewed for 3 of them last year, all of which I found via Craigslist search).