3 answers
Gloria
Student
Oxon Hill, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
1247 views
How should I build a successful college and career plan that will lead me to my ultimate career goal of being an international multi-faceted teacher and mentor?
After earning my degree in education and teaching in the US for a few years, I hope to move to an area such as Kuwait, Qatar, or Dubai (I am currently living in the US) to teach various subjects. I also want to start my own non-profit organization/mentoring program that will focus on developing a sense of leadership, ambition, and intellect-based motivation in both troubled and well-off youth in hopes of inspiring change in the world in multiple aspects. How should I build my college and career plan? #education #educator #networking #mentoring
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3 answers
Dalia Salazar
Consulting
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dalia’s Answer
You have a powerful long-term vision, so I would build your plan in phases rather than trying to solve everything at once.
During college: choose an education pathway plus a strong teachable area, and consider adding experiences that support your international and mentoring goals—such as tutoring, youth leadership programs, after-school mentoring, student teaching, and courses in intercultural communication, child development, trauma-informed practice, or ESL (English as a Second Language). If possible, join education-related student organizations and look for summer work with camps, nonprofits, or youth programs so you are building both teaching and mentoring experience at the same time. You could minor in non-profit management or another language to improve those skillsets.
Before graduation: create a professional portfolio with lesson plans, leadership experiences, mentoring work, and any community impact projects. That will help when you apply for teaching jobs in the US and later for international schools.
First few years after college: focus on becoming an excellent classroom teacher in the US first. Build a strong record, get great references, and take on small leadership roles like club advising, program coordination, or mentoring younger students. If you want to teach abroad in places like Kuwait, Qatar, or Dubai, schools will usually value proven classroom experience, professionalism, and sometimes extra strengths like ESL, special education, or leadership experience.
For your nonprofit idea: start small before formally launching anything. You could pilot a mentoring program through an existing school, church, youth center, or community group in Maryland, learn what works, and then grow it over time. That way, you’re testing your idea in real life instead of waiting until “someday.”
I think the biggest key is to treat your goal as three connected tracks: teacher preparation, international readiness, and mentoring leadership
During college: choose an education pathway plus a strong teachable area, and consider adding experiences that support your international and mentoring goals—such as tutoring, youth leadership programs, after-school mentoring, student teaching, and courses in intercultural communication, child development, trauma-informed practice, or ESL (English as a Second Language). If possible, join education-related student organizations and look for summer work with camps, nonprofits, or youth programs so you are building both teaching and mentoring experience at the same time. You could minor in non-profit management or another language to improve those skillsets.
Before graduation: create a professional portfolio with lesson plans, leadership experiences, mentoring work, and any community impact projects. That will help when you apply for teaching jobs in the US and later for international schools.
First few years after college: focus on becoming an excellent classroom teacher in the US first. Build a strong record, get great references, and take on small leadership roles like club advising, program coordination, or mentoring younger students. If you want to teach abroad in places like Kuwait, Qatar, or Dubai, schools will usually value proven classroom experience, professionalism, and sometimes extra strengths like ESL, special education, or leadership experience.
For your nonprofit idea: start small before formally launching anything. You could pilot a mentoring program through an existing school, church, youth center, or community group in Maryland, learn what works, and then grow it over time. That way, you’re testing your idea in real life instead of waiting until “someday.”
I think the biggest key is to treat your goal as three connected tracks: teacher preparation, international readiness, and mentoring leadership
Adewale Adekanye
Educator at Chrisland High School VGC
1
Answer
Updated
Adewale’s Answer
Having graduated as an Educationist in Nigeria, I have worked in few schools. The current, being Chrisland High School Victoria Garden City Lagos. It is my dream to work as a teacher in the United States.
William Hodes
Industrial & Organizational Psychology and Leadership Coaching
4
Answers
Boone, North Carolina
Updated
William’s Answer
I would recommend taking some communication and diversity classes focusing on international communications. If those aren’t an option a class on international management might also be beneficial. Understanding different cultures is very imorotsnt and developing those skills will be a necessity. Even if you have experience with those different cultures, having the classes to back that up will give you a better chance of getting a job in those countries.