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Nour-ddine
Student
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What is the best way to become a counselor or teach Arabic in the U.S. with a foreign degree #Fall25?
I’m a community college student studying Academic English. I already have a bachelor’s degree from another country, and I’m interested in becoming either a counselor or an Arabic instructor in the U.S. What steps should I take to reach one of these careers?
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2 answers
Chanyapatch Phupratanasith
Human Resource function
29
Answers
Bangkok, Thailand
Updated
Chanyapatch’s Answer
Recommend you should contact Agency / Headhunter and leave your resume with them with inform them for the position you are looking for in US.
Aravind C
18
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Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Aravind’s Answer
Path 1: How to Become a Counselor in the U.S.
1. Evaluate Your Foreign Degree
Start by getting your degree evaluated by a recognized agency like WES, ECE, or a NACES member. This helps U.S. schools and employers understand what your degree is equivalent to.
2. Check State Requirements
Counseling licenses are given at the state level. Most states ask for a Master's in Counseling or a related field from a U.S.-accredited program. Check the American Counseling Association (ACA) website or your state board for details.
3. Additional Coursework
You might need extra classes in areas like ethics, U.S. law, or practicum hours. Look for bridge or certification programs at U.S. universities.
4. Pass Required Exams
Many states require you to pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or a state-specific test.
5. Apply for Licensure
Once you've completed your coursework and supervised hours, you can apply for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or similar license.
Path 2: How to Teach Arabic in the U.S.
1. Credential Evaluation
Just like with counseling, get your foreign teaching degree evaluated by WES or another trusted agency.
2. Teacher Certification
To teach in public schools, you'll need state certification. This usually means having a Bachelor's degree, completing a teacher prep program, passing Praxis exams (or your state's version), and passing a background check.
3. Alternative Pathways (Fast-Track Options)
If your foreign degree doesn't fully qualify, consider alternative certification programs. These are available in many states like Texas, New York, and California, and let you teach while earning your license. This is great if you want to start teaching by Fall 2025.
4. Teach in Private or Language Schools
These schools often have fewer licensing requirements, making them a great place to gain experience while working toward full certification.
1. Evaluate Your Foreign Degree
Start by getting your degree evaluated by a recognized agency like WES, ECE, or a NACES member. This helps U.S. schools and employers understand what your degree is equivalent to.
2. Check State Requirements
Counseling licenses are given at the state level. Most states ask for a Master's in Counseling or a related field from a U.S.-accredited program. Check the American Counseling Association (ACA) website or your state board for details.
3. Additional Coursework
You might need extra classes in areas like ethics, U.S. law, or practicum hours. Look for bridge or certification programs at U.S. universities.
4. Pass Required Exams
Many states require you to pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or a state-specific test.
5. Apply for Licensure
Once you've completed your coursework and supervised hours, you can apply for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or similar license.
Path 2: How to Teach Arabic in the U.S.
1. Credential Evaluation
Just like with counseling, get your foreign teaching degree evaluated by WES or another trusted agency.
2. Teacher Certification
To teach in public schools, you'll need state certification. This usually means having a Bachelor's degree, completing a teacher prep program, passing Praxis exams (or your state's version), and passing a background check.
3. Alternative Pathways (Fast-Track Options)
If your foreign degree doesn't fully qualify, consider alternative certification programs. These are available in many states like Texas, New York, and California, and let you teach while earning your license. This is great if you want to start teaching by Fall 2025.
4. Teach in Private or Language Schools
These schools often have fewer licensing requirements, making them a great place to gain experience while working toward full certification.