Is teaching experience necessary to participate in a CIEE Teach Abroad program?
No, but an interest in teaching is necessary. You will receive some training in the theories and practical application of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) during your orientation prior to the start of the program. That said, CIEE encourages candidates with TEFL or teaching experience/certification, English degrees, and other translatable skills to apply as they are highly desirable by foreign schools.
Can I request a teaching assignment in the city of my choice?
You may submit a preference of teaching location but CIEE cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor your request. Please keep in mind that flexibility is key to having an enjoyable experience.
Where does CIEE arrange Teach Abroad placements?
Placement locations are driven by the demand of local schools and do vary each departure. In general:
Chile: Urban and suburban areas of Santiago and few assignments in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar.
China: Urban and town areas in the eastern, central, and northern areas of the country. You should be aware that teaching assignments are generally unavailable in large international cities like Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai due to strict local regulations. No placements are currently offered in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, or rural western China.
Spain: Cities, towns, and rural areas in the Autonomous Region of Andalusia in southern Spain.
Thailand: Bangkok area, as well as other cities, towns, and rural areas except for in the peninsular southern provinces.
Can I be placed at the same institution as a friend also participating in Teach in Chile/China/Spain/Thailand?
While it cannot be guaranteed, CIEE will make every effort to place travel companions within the same institution or city if requested. Our success rate is high. Special concessions are often made for married couples and family members. Friends and couples wanting a double placement are encouraged to apply early.
Can I bring my child or spouse with me when I teach abroad? What about my girlfriend or boyfriend?
Only Teach in China participants may bring their spouse or one child with them to China as long as they are able to obtain all necessary visas; CIEE can generally apply for a dependant visa in conjunction with your work visa. Families are permitted to share the same living quarters. Be advised that spouses or children do not have the right to work or attend school in China unless their documentation states they may do so. CIEE does not encourage bringing young children to China but does not forbid it. If you are considering traveling with a child, someone from CIEE would be happy to speak with you about your decision. Participants intending to bring a dependant spouse to China are requested to submit a photocopy of their marriage certificate with their application to the program.
Girlfriends and boyfriends are not permitted to join a program participant abroad unless they are also program participants. Placements at the same school are feasible.
Teach in Chile/Spain/Thailand programs do not permit non-teaching family members to accompany participants on a program.
Why does CIEE charge a program fee?
Your CIEE program fee covers many things related to preparing, training, and supporting your experience. This includes valuable program support before you go and in-country as well. We are your reference board and problem solvers should you need advice or assistance. Additionally, your program fee covers your pre-departure school assignment, an in-country orientation program, one-way transfer from orientation to your host school, insurance coverage, program handbook, teaching guides and tools, visa application advice (sometimes acquisition), and temporary to full time housing (depending on destination). Please refer to the program benefits + fees section of each program for the inclusions of your specific program.
I have not completed my bachelor’s degree, can I still participate?
You must have secured your bachelor’s degree prior to beginning a CIEE Teach Abroad program. However, you can apply while your degree is in progress. If this is your case, please submit a letter from a university professor, advisor, or registrar confirming when you are expected to graduate. Please address your specific situation with CIEE staff.
Special note to Teach in Thailand applicants: Due to the strict Thai government requiring foreign teachers to bring their actual university diplomas to Thailand, spring graduates are eligible for the October, not the May, program departure. Unfortunately transcripts and degree letters are not acceptable.
Do I need to speak the language of the county?
In China and Thailand, no. In fact, the Asian countries prefer that their foreign teachers are very foreign. However, having some knowledge of the local language will benefit your day-to-day life.
In Chile and Spain it is necessary to have at least upper-intermediate Spanish language skills. A minimum of four semesters of university Spanish language courses or equivalent documentation is required.
How competitive is the application process?
Due to the demand for native English speaking teachers in developing countries and bilingual initiatives we strive to accept as many qualified applicants as possible. However, acceptance rates do fluctuate with the changing demand by local schools; sometimes CIEE is forced to create a waitlist. Applicants are considered in the order that complete applications are received. Both Teach in Chile and Teach in Spain do have firm annual acceptance numbers. Early applications are encouraged; refer to the application deadline for your program of interest.
Does CIEE arrange my international flights?
No, travel arrangements are made independent of CIEE. You are encouraged to book your flights after your school placement has been confirmed.
How do I find out more information on Chile, China, Spain, or Thailand?
Please consult the State Department web site at www.state.gov
What advice does the State Department give to Americans living abroad?
Please consult the State Department travel advisory web site at http://travel.state.gov/
Is your question not listed? Please contact CIEE with specific questions on teach@ciee.org or 1.800.407.8839.