Top Destinations for Foreign Language Teaching Jobs: Where to Teach and What to Expect

March 27, 2023 · 7 min read

Foreign language teaching jobs can be found in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges and universities, language institutes, government agencies, and private language schools. The most popular jobs as a foreign language teacher are typically found in K-12 schools and colleges and universities.

In K-12 schools, foreign language teachers typically teach a specific language, such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin. These teachers may work in public or private schools and may teach students of all ages, from elementary school through high school.

In colleges and universities, foreign language teachers may teach a variety of language courses, ranging from introductory language courses to advanced courses in literature, culture, and linguistics. These teachers may also conduct research and publish scholarly articles in their field.

Language institutes and private language schools typically offer language courses to adults and may focus on teaching a particular language for business or travel purposes. Government agencies may also hire foreign language teachers to provide language training to government employees or to work as interpreters and translators.

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History lesson:

The first modern foreign language schools were established in the 18th century, with the founding of institutions such as the École des langues orientales in Paris and the Oriental Institute in St. Petersburg. These schools focused on teaching languages such as Arabic, Chinese, and Persian to diplomats, merchants, and scholars.

Roles Similar to Foreign Language Teacher Jobs

There are several roles that are similar to Foreign Language Teacher jobs. Some of these roles include:

1. English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher: ESL teachers work with students whose first language is not English to help them develop their English language skills. They teach students how to read, write, and speak English, and may work in a variety of settings, including public schools, community centers, and language schools.

2. Translator/Interpreter: Translators and interpreters help individuals or organizations communicate across language barriers. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, businesses, and healthcare organizations.

3. Language Tutor: Language tutors work one-on-one with students to help them improve their language skills. They may work with students of all ages and may specialize in teaching a specific language.

4. Language Program Coordinator: Language program coordinators are responsible for overseeing language programs in schools, universities, and other educational institutions. They may work with teachers to develop curricula, manage budgets, and evaluate program effectiveness.

5. Study Abroad Coordinator: Study abroad coordinators work with students who are interested in studying abroad to help them find programs that meet their needs. They may work in universities or study abroad organizations, and may be responsible for developing relationships with overseas institutions, coordinating logistics, and providing support to students while they are abroad.

These roles require different levels of education, certification, and experience. However, they all share a focus on language acquisition and communication across cultures, making them appealing to those with a passion for language and culture.

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Best States for a Foreign Language Teacher

Foreign language teachers are in demand across the United States, but some states offer more job opportunities and higher salaries than others. Here are some of the best states for foreign language teachers:

California - California has a high demand for foreign language teachers, particularly for those who can teach Spanish, Mandarin, and French. Salaries for foreign language teachers in California are also among the highest in the country.
New York - New York is another state with a high demand for foreign language teachers, especially for Spanish and French. Salaries for foreign language teachers in New York are also above average.
Texas - Texas has a growing population of Spanish-speaking residents, making it a high-need state for Spanish teachers. Texas also offers competitive salaries for foreign language teachers.
Florida - Florida has a high demand for foreign language teachers, particularly for those who can teach Spanish and French. Salaries for foreign language teachers in Florida are also above average.
Virginia - Virginia has a high demand for foreign language teachers, particularly for those who can teach Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin. Salaries for foreign language teachers in Virginia are also competitive.

Other states with high demand for foreign language teachers include Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.

It is important to note that the demand for foreign language teachers may vary by region within each state and may be influenced by factors such as population demographics and local school district policies. It is important to research specific job opportunities and requirements in your preferred state or region.

Top Companies Hiring for Language Teacher Jobs

Some of the top companies that hire for language teacher positions may include:

Berlitz: Berlitz is a global language education company that offers language instruction, cultural training, and translation services. They have language centers around the world and hire language instructors for a variety of languages.
EF Education First: EF Education First is an international education company that offers language courses, cultural exchange programs, and educational travel experiences. They hire language teachers for their language centers around the world.
Rosetta Stone: Rosetta Stone is a language learning software company that offers language courses for individuals and businesses. They also offer online tutoring services and hire language teachers to provide instruction in various languages.
International School Services: International School Services (ISS) is a non-profit organization that provides educational services to international schools around the world. They hire language teachers for a variety of languages to teach in their member schools.
The Language Company: The Language Company is an intensive English language program that prepares international students for academic study in the United States. They hire language teachers for their language centers located throughout the United States.
Gogokid: Gogokid is an online language education platform that provides English language instruction to children in China. They hire remote language teachers to provide instruction in English to their students.
LanguageBird: LanguageBird is an online language education platform that provides language instruction to students in a variety of languages. They hire remote language teachers to provide instruction in their respective languages.
Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors is an online education platform that provides instruction in various subjects, including foreign languages. They hire remote language teachers to provide one-on-one instruction to their students.

These are just a few examples of companies that hire language teachers. It is also important to note that language teaching jobs can be found in various settings such as public and private schools, universities, language centers, and online platforms.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

K-12 schools and colleges and universities are the most popular settings for foreign language teachers.
Foreign language teachers in K-12 schools usually teach a specific language, such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin, while those in colleges and universities teach a variety of language courses, ranging from introductory language courses to advanced courses in literature, culture, and linguistics.
The roles that are similar to foreign language teacher jobs include ESL Teacher, Translator/Interpreter, Language Tutor, Language Program Coordinator, and Study Abroad Coordinator.
The best states for foreign language teachers in terms of job opportunities and higher salaries are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Virginia. Some of the top companies that hire for language teacher positions include Berlitz, EF Education First, Rosetta Stone, International School Services, The Language Company, Gogokid, LanguageBird, and Varsity Tutors.

FAQ

What subjects do foreign language teachers teach?

Foreign language teachers teach a specific foreign language to students, including reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills.

Is there a high demand for foreign language teachers?

The demand for foreign language teachers varies depending on the language and location. Some languages, such as Spanish and Mandarin, are in high demand in certain areas, while others may have less demand.

What is the average class size for a foreign language teacher?

The average class size for a foreign language teacher varies depending on the school and district. In general, class sizes tend to be smaller in private schools and larger in public schools.

Are there opportunities for career advancement in foreign language teaching?

Yes, foreign language teachers can pursue advanced degrees, gain additional teaching experience, and take on leadership roles to advance their careers and potentially earn higher salaries.

by Yevheniia Osmakova