International education is a field that actually encompasses a wide range of careers inclusive of the promotion of international understanding, training, capacity building, exchange, technical assistance, curriculum development and teaching. Professionals with appropriate qualification in international education work for different organizations in private sector and they work for foundations, organizations that function with a non-profit motto, government and non-government agencies, universities and also colleges.
How about career paths?
In reality, career paths in international education are wider and varied. With a view to advance in the career, an individual might work in the progression of positions within the same organization or he/she can also switch to a similar work in another organization. It is also possible for an individual to gain additional experience by working in different functional areas. Also, professionals in this field benefit by developing diversified experience, allowing not just flexibility in the job positions, but also they qualify themselves for management positions that involve a wide range of functional areas. For instance, an individual work within an international exchange organization by assisting in collaboration with high school exchanges and then the same individual can work at the study abroad office at a college or at an international student office. These positions will lead to the position of taking care of international student center or an education abroad course. Otherwise, an individual can also begin as ESL teacher abroad and then can get into working for education capacity building programs.
How about the demand in the international education field?
In the recent years, there is a dramatic growth in the international exchange in education and capacity building program. This is particularly true in the areas of human rights and development. International exchange is a concept that is handled by different organizations in varied aspects. In fact, every college now has an office to assist international students in this regard. Furthermore, efforts to increase educational and training programs in the areas of democracy building, human rights, health and other development fields have been enhanced considerably. Thus, the demand for professionals with international education has increased considerably. On the flip side, because of the popularity of international careers as a whole and also because of an appeal towards working in the international education field, the competition actually remains intense. Individuals with experience in international education as students or with general international work experience apart from foreign language skills are in demand these days.
Qualification requirements to enter the field:
The qualification requirement to enter the field of international education differs based on the specific position. However, most employers look for the following qualifications:
- Preferably a Master’s degree and even compulsory Master’s degree
- Preference to candidates with international work and study experience and not just travel experience
- Experience of dealing with culturally and also ethnically diverse population
- Proficiency in a foreign language
- Understanding of international educational systems or idea about immigration procedures
- Experience or working in some positions related to international exchange or education.
- Project or program management experience
- Strong written and of course oral communication and interpersonal skills.
Conclusion:
Like many other fields, challenges arise in the field of international education as well. So, candidates should prepare themselves to face the challenges.