I recently discovered that there is a Masters of Arts in International Studies - China, which allows students to earn their degree, obtain a TESOL, and teach abroad in China. It seems to be the perfect match for me. My major is currently International Studies and I’ve taken numerous courses in Chinese language, literature, and culture. My only concern is would having my Masters in International Studies grant me the opportunity to teach in the states as well?
My ultimate goal is to teach abroad soon after I graduate for a few years and from there obtain a Masters of Arts in Teaching or a teaching certification and become a teacher in the states.
Take a look at the requirements in the state in which you hope to eventually teach. You can find them in your state education department’s website. You’ll probably want to look under “alternate certification”, since you’re planning a non-traditional route to becoming certified.
What will your undergrad degree be in? Is there any way you could work teaching certification into that Bachelor’s Degree?
What are you hoping to eventually teach in the US?
Here’s my only concern: take a look at the courseload of the typical US student in the typical US high school. In my kids’ school, Mandarin is offered as a foreign language choice, as are Spanish, French German and Italian. But no coursework is offered in Chinese literature or culture.
So what would you be qualified to teach? Check into schools in the area in which you would eventually like to settle: are there enough jobs teaching Chinese that getting a job is a viable possibility?
If that checks out, I would think that a background of teaching in China would make you a fabulous candidate for a job teaching Chinese to US students.