Four Avenues to Explore a Higher Education Career Globally

Ways to Work in Academic or Student Administration in Other Countries

Working abroad in higher education is not a new exploration, as faculty have been moving and working in other countries in their areas of expertise for decades.

However, working in the administrative side of higher education in other countries has been rare because it typically requires fluency in the official language. Due to the nature of their duties, administration positions connect with local staff and support systems embedded in the local language(s). Working in higher education administration had been rarer and a challenge, as it often required knowing the language because of the roles being able to connect to local staff and support system in the country for students and operations.

However, with the recent expansion of English-teaching universities, international branch campuses, and student-centered practices globally, working in student affairs or services is a more viable option. Thus, it is an exciting opportunity for Higher Education Professionals to expand their horizons, gain new perspectives, and contribute to the global community in academic and non-academic sectors of higher education.

There are several ways to work abroad in higher education, including faculty, administration, operations, and research positions. Each position offers unique opportunities and challenges that can enrich your career and personal life.

Higher Education (HigherEd) can be an enriching and rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to explore new cultures, expand one’s professional network, and gain valuable insights into different educational systems. However, finding and securing a position abroad has nuances, such as the availability of various options and pathways.

In this article, we will explore the four most common ways to work abroad in HigherEd as a faculty member or administrator.

Faculty Opportunities

Faculty, thus teaching positions, are the most common way to work abroad in higher education. These positions are typically tenure-track or contract positions, which require the candidate to have a doctoral degree in their field to be at the associate or full professor level. However, candidates with master’s degrees can find positions ranging from instructor to assistant professor, depending on the curriculum and location.

Those with a bachelor’s who are interested in teaching may find graduate teaching assistants or instructor positions in a limited number of teaching areas. In addition to teaching, faculty members are expected to conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and participate in university service activities. The application process for faculty positions can be competitive, and candidates may need teaching and research experience.

Working as a faculty member abroad can be an excellent opportunity to gain new perspectives and contribute to the global academic community. It can also enhance your research and teaching skills because of your exposure to different teaching methods, cultures, and academic practices.

However, working as a faculty member abroad can also be challenging, as you will need to adapt to a new culture and academic system.

Administration Opportunities

Being an administrator is a growing avenue for student-centered higher education professionals to work abroad. These positions can include roles such as deans, program directors, and department heads and are primarily in either academic affairs and support or student-facing sectors. Candidates for these positions typically need a master’s degree or a doctorate and relevant administrative experience.

In some locations, staff with a bachelor’s degree or limited experience with a Master’s can enter mid-level positions to start their international administrative experiences. Administration positions require individuals to be skilled at managing people, budgets, and resources and navigating the complex administrative processes of a university. Three critical skills required of administrators are strategic planning, change management, and growth development.

Working as an administrator abroad can be a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in international higher education management. It can also be a way to learn about a new culture and develop your language skills.

However, working as an administrator abroad can also be challenging, as you will need to adapt to a new administrative system and cultural norms. You may also face language barriers as you often manage and navigate the complexities of the landscape of local context with personnel and policies.

Operations Opportunities

Operations positions are a hidden gem when exploring working in higher education in another country. It involves the day-to-day management of a university or college. These positions can include roles such as human resources, finance, and facilities management. Candidates for these positions typically need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in their field, as well as relevant experience in operations management.

Operations positions require individuals to be skilled at managing people, budgets, and project management, as well as being able to navigate the complex administrative processes of a university. One of the unique opportunities is on the construction side of building a new campus or expanding an existing one would give campus planners, engineers, and facility managers the ability to shape a campus.

Working in operations abroad can be a great opportunity to gain valuable management experience in a new context. Often the operations sector has individuals from multiple cultures and inbound norms that can impact campus operations. Thus, operations leaders and managers will meet to be diverse in communication styles and management practices.

It can also be a great way to sharpen your language skills, as many positions in this sector have strong interactions with local staff and entities external to the university. However, working in operations can also be challenging, as you will need to adapt and combine local and international standards for operational impact.

Research Opportunities

Research positions in higher education involve conducting research in a specific field. These positions can include roles such as research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, and research scientists. Candidates for these positions typically need to have a doctoral degree in their field, as well as relevant research experience. Being a researcher in the international arena allows you to add to the body of knowledge in your specialty with a global perspective.

Research positions also require individuals to be skilled at data collection, analyzing data, and communicating findings to a broader audience. In addition to the intellectual benefits, working in research abroad can provide individuals with valuable networking opportunities.

Working as a researcher abroad can be an excellent opportunity to gain experience in international research collaboration. Researchers abroad may need to navigate different research cultures, funding mechanisms, and expectations for collaborations. Adapting to a new language and cultural context can be difficult, especially if research involves working with local communities or conducting fieldwork in remote locations.

While work can also be challenging, collaborating with colleagues from other institutions, researchers can build relationships that can lead to future research collaborations, job opportunities, and other professional opportunities.

Which path is right for you?

Your decision to pursue teaching, administration, operations, or research opportunities abroad will depend on your professional goals, personal interests, expertise, and skillset. In some cases, administration and academics can have crossovers when supporting students, so you should consider opportunities from this lens.

As we know, some individuals may be better suited to working in a specific area, such as operations, while others may thrive in research environments based on their unique qualifications. Each pathway presents challenges, rewards, and opportunities. Therefore, when considering a move abroad, each person should carefully consider which path best suits their interest and goals.

If you are interested in pursuing opportunities abroad, here are eleven aspects you should consider reviewing and leveraging for an international move.

Don’t let this list be overwhelming; it is here to help you think, process, and strategies. Plus, you can always get support from helpful resources online or via expat coaching to help you gain perspective.

• Leadership skills — most positions start at mid-level for both the academic and non-academic sectors.
• Experience managing complex projects or supervision — highlight past project management skills or supervisory experience.
• Types of institutions — public/government, private, start-up, established, transitioning/transforming.
• Higher education system structure — 2, 3, or 4-year undergraduate, master, or terminal degree programs
• Institutional/Educational Approach — bilingual, English only, liberal arts, undergraduate, advanced degree, training institutes
• Funding mechanisms to support your research work — local government, non-governmental organizations, grants, and foundation donors
• Determine the expertise needed for the nation — youth development, economy, infrastructure, knowledge bases, and systems development.
• Types of collaborations and partnerships needed — government agencies, community agencies, and donors
• Language skills — knowing the local/official language is an asset or a willingness to learn it.
• Ability to adapt to new work cultures — hours, communication style, social requirements
• Willingness to adapt to new cultural contexts — climate, traditional, cuisine, lifestyle

Regardless of your path, prepare for the challenges and opportunities when working abroad. A higher education role can be a transformative experience for those who seek to broaden their horizons and gain a global perspective on their chosen field.

In conclusion, there are many common ways to work abroad in higher education, including faculty positions, student affairs roles, campus administration jobs, operations roles, and senior leadership positions. Each role provides unique opportunities for professionals to gain valuable international experience and develop their skills in a diverse and dynamic environment.

There are many reasons why someone might want to work in another country, including professional development, personal growth, and the chance to experience a new culture.

Whether you are a recent graduate looking for an entry-level position or an experienced professional seeking a leadership role, working abroad in higher education can be a transformative and rewarding experience. Regardless of the route chosen, working abroad in HigherEd can be an enriching experience that provides opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and acquiring new skills and perspectives.

By immersing yourself in a different culture and education system, you can broaden your perspectives, expand your network, and enhance your career prospects. While finding and securing a job abroad may seem overwhelming, many resources and programs are available to help you navigate the process and achieve your professional goals.

With dedication, preparation, career coaching, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, working abroad in higher education can be a life-changing experience that opens up a world of opportunities. You can successfully navigate the challenges of working abroad and achieve your career aspirations in the global HigherEd community.

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Are you ready to start your international higher education career?  Here are some next steps options:

1. Book a General Strategy Session - a 1-hour conversation to explore and create an action plan.

2. Already have an action plan but need to determine the type of help you need with your location options and job search, then learn more about Strategy Conversations 

3. You are ready for some guidance and to build confidence in your job search and eventual move to become a HigherEd Expat. Explore our Career Expat Immersives.