A study by James M. Shiveley and Thomas Misco of Miami University explores whether student teaching abroad actually helps graduates get hired. While many claim that teaching overseas builds global competence, this research asked school administrators directly: does it make a difference in hiring decisions?

The answer is yes, but with conditions. Administrators viewed international experiences as positive overall, saying such teachers tend to show greater cultural sensitivity and global awareness. These qualities help educators connect with increasingly diverse classrooms and prepare students for a global society. However, hiring officials emphasized that the experience must translate to their local context. Candidates need to clearly explain how their overseas teaching improved their instructional skills or classroom adaptability.

Administrators valued international experience most in fields like world languages and social studies, and preferred candidates who also had U.S. teaching experience to ensure familiarity with American curriculum and testing standards. Ultimately, student teaching abroad can strengthen a candidate’s marketability, but only when it’s paired with reflection and relevance to future classrooms.

Faculty authors: James M. Shiveley, Miami University; Thomas Misco, Miami University
Keywords: student teaching abroad, teaching abroad jobs, international teaching experience, teacher hiring, global education
Publication details: “‘Student teaching abroad will help you get a job’: Exploring administrator perceptions of international experiences for pre-service teachers.” The International Education Journal: Comparative Perspectives, 2012, 11(1), 52–68.

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