How do I become a teacher in Europe?

Question

I am going to start college this fall and I have some questions. I am studying to become a History teacher (I want to be a history major). I am an American citizen but I wish to be a teacher in Europe. How difficult is it to become an international teacher? Do I need to take extra classes to become one? Will I need a Work Visa or do I have to become a citizen of the country? Any help would be wonderful. Thank You.

~M.M.A.~

Answer 1

It's possible to find a job with an international school, or private school.  The school would have to sponsor a work visa for you.  However, most employers are more willing to work with EU citizens.  

A few questions, though - unless you're in the UK, do you plan on teaching in an English immersion school?  What other languages can you speak?  It would be helpful to study another language.  

To teach in a public school, you'll need certification there.  For example, even though I am fluent in German, have a MI teaching certificate and a master's degree, I can't teach in a public German school.  I'd have to go back to university there, and fulfill their pedagogy requirements.

Another option you can explore is the Fulbright exchange. As a recent graduate, you can go and be a TA for a year in a school.  You can make connections and find out more about staying on and teaching in your host country.  Another option is to become a tenured teacher here, and do a teacher exchange with Fulbright.  Again, you'll make a lot of connections, which can grease the wheels of bureaucracy.