Study Abroad For Education Majors: Benefits, Tips & More

Studying abroad as an education major offers a transformative experience that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. For undergraduates and recent graduates alike, immersing oneself in a foreign educational system lets future educators gain firsthand insight into diverse teaching methods, curricula, and cultural perspectives that impact the way students learn. In doing so, education majors can cultivate essential skills that will benefit them throughout their careers, ultimately becoming more well-rounded and effective educators.

Think of the world as a classroom — studying abroad is your chance to explore its vast potential!

Why Study Abroad as an Education Major?

The number one perk of studying abroad may be the chance to travel with fewer strings attached than if you were to plan a trip yourself. However, the experience provides other tangible benefits that participants can carry with them through their lives and careers.

Education majors can experience a range of benefits that directly impact their professional and personal growth:

Developing cultural competence: By studying abroad, education majors can observe and experience educational philosophies that are vastly different from those in their own country. Seeing alternative approaches to education can help future educators develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences, improve their ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, and ultimately learn to create inclusive and diverse learning environments back home.
Improving language and communication skills: Living in a foreign country often requires learning and using a new language daily. Being multilingual is a highly valuable skill among educators, especially those working in ESL (English as a Second Language) settings. Navigating a new linguistic environment can also help education majors refine their general communication skills, even in their native language, making them more effective in conveying ideas and instructions to students.

Strengthening independence and confidence: Studying abroad requires students to adapt to new environments and navigate unfamiliar situations. This fosters independence, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence — qualities that are essential for success in any educational setting.
Gaining global perspective: Experiencing life in a different country broadens one’s worldview, which can inspire education majors to incorporate global issues and multicultural perspectives into their teaching practice.
Forging international connections: Studying abroad can help education majors start to build a network of international peers and professionals. These connections can lead to future collaborations, job opportunities, and a broader exchange of ideas and resources, no matter where they work. Regarding employability, international experience is often viewed favorably by employers, as it demonstrates adaptability, cultural awareness, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, all qualities that are highly valued in the education field.
Experiencing innovative teaching practices: Different countries may employ unique educational technologies and resources, which education majors can then incorporate into their own practice. Exposure to different educational challenges and solutions abroad can also inspire creative problem-solving strategies. Education majors can adapt and implement these innovative approaches in their own classrooms to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.

Best Types of Study Abroad for Education Majors

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Certain types of study abroad programs offer particularly valuable experiences for education majors and align well with their academic and professional goals. The following are four of the best types of study abroad programs for education majors.

Student teaching placements abroad: These programs place teachers-in-training directly in a classroom in a foreign country to complete part of their degree’s student teaching requirements. By working directly with local students and educators, future teachers gain a deeper understanding of cultural context in education, which can enhance their future ability to teach diverse student populations in their own classrooms.
Education-focused exchange programs: Exchange programs typically involve enrolling in education courses at a partner university abroad. The academic coursework provides specific insights into different pedagogical theories and practices, while living and studying alongside local students fosters cross-cultural exchange and broadens education majors’ perspectives on different teaching methodologies.
Service-learning programs: Service-learning programs combine academic study with community service. Education majors might work on projects such as teaching English, developing educational materials, or assisting in local schools, which directly benefits the host community. These programs enable the practical application of teaching skills in real-world settings; participants can build their own skills while addressing local challenges and making a tangible impact.
Language immersion programs: For education majors interested in teaching foreign languages or working in multilingual environments, language immersion programs provide intensive training and practice. This kind of experience enhances cultural understanding and helps future educators learn how to effectively (and sensitively) teach linguistic and cultural concepts to their students.

Education Major Study Abroad Scholarships & Financial Aid

It is not unusual for college students to utilize financial aid to study abroad. In fact, a 2023 survey by CNBC reported that prospective study abroad participants determined they would only be able to afford 67% of the costs without financial support.

Fortunately, there are many sources of aid available to students who wish to study abroad, including options specifically meant for education majors.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study, and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and young professionals. This prestigious program covers travel costs, living expenses, and sometimes tuition. Education majors can apply for English Teaching Assistantships, which place them in classrooms abroad to help teach English while learning about the host country’s educational system.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Administered by the U.S. Department of State, this scholarship aims to support undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding. The Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for U.S. students to study or intern abroad, with an additional $3,000 available for those studying critical need languages. This funding helps cover program costs, travel, and living expenses.

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

This option is ideal for education majors looking to enhance their language skills and cultural competence. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS Program offers fully funded intensive language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences in regions considered critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. CLS covers all expenses, including travel, room and board, and program costs.

Boren Awards for International Study

Boren Scholarships provide funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Education majors can receive up to $25,000 for a full academic year abroad. In exchange, recipients commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation, providing a pathway to careers in public service.

Program-specific scholarships

Many study abroad programs and universities offer their own scholarships for participants. These scholarships vary in amount and eligibility criteria, but can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad. Education majors should explore scholarships offered by their home institution, the study abroad program provider, and the host university.

TEACH Grant Program

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school. While primarily for domestic education, TEACH Grant recipients can use their skills gained abroad to fulfill their teaching obligations in the U.S., leveraging their international experience to better serve diverse student populations.

Private and nonprofit organization scholarships

Many private organizations and nonprofits offer scholarships for study abroad. Examples include the Fund for Education Abroad, which provides up to $10,000 to U.S. undergraduates, and the Golden Key Study Abroad Scholarship, which offers financial support to members of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

How to Study Abroad as an Education Major

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Education majors generally have an easier time fitting a study abroad experience into their academic timeline than non-humanities majors, especially since educational principles are so widely applicable around the world. That said, studying abroad as any major involves careful planning and coordination to ensure that the experience aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Here’s how to ensure you get the most out of your experience abroad:

Start early: Begin planning at least a year in advance. This gives you ample time to research programs, understand requirements, and arrange your finances. Look into study abroad programs that offer courses relevant to your major. Consider the country, language, cultural setting, and specific educational focus of each program.
Consult advisors: Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor and the study abroad office at your university. They can help you understand how studying abroad fits into your degree plan and which programs are available. Ensure that the courses you plan to take abroad will transfer back to your home institution and count towards your degree requirements. Get pre-approval for these courses to avoid any issues later.
Choose the right time: Many education majors choose to study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. This timing allows you to complete foundational courses at your home institution and then take specialized or elective courses abroad. Be mindful of important commitments, such as student teaching placements or internships, which might be better suited (or only available) for your senior year.
Consider the available courses: Look for courses that complement your major, such as educational psychology, classroom management, language acquisition, or comparative education. If you’re going to a non-English-speaking country, taking language courses can be highly beneficial. Courses that explore the local culture, history, and educational system can also provide valuable context and enhance your overall experience.
Start the application process early: Pay close attention to the application deadlines for both your home institution and the study abroad program. Applications often require essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts, so it’s best to start gathering materials as soon as possible. Research and apply for scholarships and financial aid at the same time, even if haven’t yet been accepted into a program.
Prepare for traveling and living abroad: As a student in a foreign country, you will need a student visa. Apply for your visa, book flights, and arrange accommodation at least six months in advance. Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and understand the health care system in your host country. Register with your embassy for safety updates. Finally, taking time to learn about the culture, customs, and educational practices of your host country can help ease the transition and enhance your experience.
Make the most of your time: Don’t be afraid to totally immerse yourself in the local culture and educational system. Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer, and take advantage of opportunities to interact with local educators and students. Keep a journal or blog about your experiences. This reflection can be valuable for your personal growth and can also be used in your professional portfolio.
Stay connected: As you’re enjoying your time abroad, be sure to keep in touch with your academic advisors and instructors back home. Regular and proactive communication can help address any issues with coursework or credit transfer once you return.
Follow up on academic requirements: Take responsibility for ensuring that your credits are transferred correctly. Submit any required documentation, such as transcripts and course syllabi, to your home institution as soon as they are available.
Leverage your experience for job opportunities: As you begin to enter the world of professional education, incorporate your study abroad experience into your resume, cover letters, and job interviews. Highlight the skills and knowledge you gained, such as cultural competence, language skills, and unique educational insights.

Best Countries to Study Education Abroad

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Upon initial research, education majors may find that the “best” countries in which to study education are those with world-class education infrastructure themselves. While this may provide a high quality academic experience, it is extremely important to consider studying in countries with less developed educational systems. Not only does this enable education majors to gain a broader perspective of the global state of education, but it also exposes them to unique challenges that require creative application of teaching principles and educational philosophies. Addressing challenges encourages innovation — which is critical to the future of teaching!

That said, here are some of the best countries in which to study abroad as an education major:

Finland: Finland is renowned for its progressive education system, which emphasizes student-centered learning, creativity, and critical thinking. Finnish teacher education programs are highly respected and provide a comprehensive understanding of pedagogical practices and educational research. Finland’s focus on educational equity and inclusion offers valuable insights for education majors interested in creating inclusive classrooms.
United Kingdom: The UK is home to some of the world’s leading universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, which offer high-quality education programs. Education majors can learn about various teaching methodologies, including the British approach to early childhood and primary education. Studying in the UK (especially in London and other major cities) also provides exposure to a multicultural society and a rich historical context.
Japan: Japan’s education system is characterized by high academic standards and strong emphasis on discipline and respect. Japanese schools often integrate advanced technology into classroom education, which opens up a wide range of possibilities for visiting teachers. Being immersed in Japan’s rich cultural heritage and unique educational philosophies, such as “whole child” development, provides valuable perspectives for future educators.

South Africa: South Africa presents a variety of educational challenges and opportunities, from urban to rural settings, offering education majors practical experience in diverse environments. In the wake of apartheid, South African education emphasizes reconciliation and inclusion, providing insights into education’s role in social change. Exposure to South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and languages also enhances cultural competence and adaptability.
Mexico: Mexico offers opportunities to experience bilingual education, particularly Spanish-English programs, which is valuable for education majors interested in language teaching. Many education programs in Mexico emphasize community-based learning and engagement; immersion in Mexican culture and its educational system offers valuable perspectives on family and community involvement in education.
India: India’s vast and diverse education system provides exposure to different teaching methods, curricula, and educational challenges across urban and rural settings. Many Indian schools and organizations implement innovative approaches to address educational challenges, offering valuable lessons in creativity and resourcefulness. Studying in India enhances cultural and linguistic competence, as students engage with a variety of languages, traditions, and educational philosophies.

As you might have gathered, studying abroad is more than an academic endeavor; it’s a journey of personal and professional growth.

As an education major, the benefits you reap from this type of experience can profoundly impact your future teaching career — and your life! From developing cultural competence to forging international connections, the skills and insights you gain while studying abroad are sure to make you a more dynamic and adaptable educator, wherever your job takes you.

Take the first step towards your own transformative journey by exploring Semester at Sea programs, designed to broaden your horizons and enhance your educational experience.