Not getting Hired After College? Heres Why I Left the U.S. to Teach Abroad

I thought a degree from a top university would be my golden ticket, until no one wanted to hire me.

If you’re a recent grad who feels invisible in the U.S. job market, you’re not alone. I was there too; burned out, frustrated, and questioning everything I worked for. But instead of waiting around for another rejection email, I made the boldest move of my life.

I left.

After applying to more than 100 jobs after graduation and receiving rejection after rejection, I found myself questioning the value of my college degree. As a 2024 graduate from UCLA; America’s #1 public university, I expected to find meaningful work, or at the very least, a pathway into a full-time job. Instead, I was met with a job market that was not built for recent college graduates. Without years of experience or an influential network, it can feel almost impossible to get hired. And for me, that struggle had a serious effect on my mental health and sense of self-worth.

It wasn’t until my partner asked a simple but profound question:

“If they don’t have jobs for us here, why don’t we just go abroad?”

Discovering a Path Abroad

With that idea in mind, I started researching alternatives. I searched phrases like “work abroad after college,” “teaching English in Asia,” and “entry-level jobs abroad.” One organization that repeatedly appeared in my results was CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange).

CIEE stood out for several reasons:

• A four-year degree was all that was required (no teaching credential necessary)
• It had a long-standing reputation with top U.S. universities
• It offered full program support: housing, visa assistance, orientation, and cultural guidance

Eventually, I applied to the Teach in Thailand program, which is specifically tailored to recent graduates.

My CIEE Experience

The experience began with a four-day orientation in Bangkok. This covered everything from Thai language basics and cultural etiquette to classroom survival tips. More importantly, it gave me the chance to meet other educators who were also taking the leap, building a strong support system from the start.

After orientation, my partner and I were placed in Rayong, a coastal beach province in Eastern Thailand. There, I began teaching English both high school students.

Every morning, I was welcomed with an enthusiastic:

“Hello, Teacher Rick!”

It was an experience I never imagined having, yet one that felt incredibly natural and fulfilling.

Living and Working in Thailand

One of the best parts of teaching in Thailand was the balance between work and life. CIEE made the transition smooth by assisting with:

• Visa and work permit processing
• Housing placement
• Health insurance coverage
• Local language and cultural guidance

With rent covered and meals often costing less than $2 at local street markets, the modest salary went a long way. I was able to live comfortably, travel on weekends, and enjoy a lifestyle I hadn’t thought possible so early in my career, especially coming from the United States, where people live day by day and a meal at a fast food chain now costs $20 minimum.

Cost Breakdown and Getting Started

Here’s an estimate of the startup costs I incurred:

• One-way plane ticket to Thailand
• CIEE program fee (discounted with a referral code)
• Visa documentation and processing fees

Estimated total: approximately $3,600 USD

If you’re interested in applying or want to receive a discount referral link, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

From Unemployed Grad to Global Educator

In just a few months, I went from feeling hopeless to finding purpose, not just in my career, but in my identity. I wasn’t just teaching English. I was connecting cultures, building confidence in young minds, and rediscovering my own.

I did it without a master’s degree, corporate internship, or personal connections, just the willingness to take a chance and trust the process.

Interested in Teaching Abroad?

If you’re tired of being told “no,” maybe it’s time to say “yes” to something new. Working abroad gave me the fresh start I didn’t know I needed.

If you’re feeling stuck, overlooked, or burned out from job hunting in the U.S., consider looking outward.