What is necessary to study abroad and what would you major in?

Where to study abroad for elementary education major?

• i just finished my second year in college majoring in elementary and special education, i have always been thinking of doing study abroad but when i talked to my advisor, she said that education majors can't do study abroad because this major is "state requirement" (meaning its required in the state/US to do my education classes in the states), and that i won't be able to do any "education" classes abroad (any classes that are "education major" related, ed psych, childcare, etc) only regular classes (like math, english, science, history, classes that all other majors take but is NOT their major requirement). i do know a few people in my major and same school that is doing study abroad in italy but they are only doing regular classes, so basically when they come back, they will be one semester behind in their education classes but fine on regular classes, i have just finished all my regular classes this semester and all i have left are my education classes...

• Answer:

  Forget about Study Abroad programs especially if you're in El Ed/ Spec Ed. Even state-to-state standards can be hopelessly problematic but international standards generally don't compare with US standards and will only cause you grief if you hope to graduate anything like on time. That's the bad news - there is no good news. BUT, here's the GREAT news: Work hard, get your degree and then bask in the glow of extremely high demand for Spec. Ed & El Ed. teachers in American certified schools abroad. I'm at the top of my profession but friends of mine that have Spec. Ed certificaiton are literally chased around by recruiters. I have taught overseas for nine years in three countries (and travled to 27 others) and it has been the most thrilling experience of my life! Forget studying overseas instead get a full-time, well-paying job that covers your airfare, health insurance, housing and - in the better schools, much more while PAYING YOU to be there. Consider this: I made $29,650 dollars last year. I had a maid, a gardener, a laundry service, I took taxis everywhere, I ate out several times a week at nice restaurants, AND I traveled to six countries while SAVING over $19,000 of that salary! (Oh yeah, and I didn't have to pay taxes either). Forget study abroad. Study here and LIVE abroad. Here are the names you need: International School Services (ISS), Search Associates, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) office of overseas teacher placement. The first two are for-profit agencies that may not accept a teacher without 2 years experience while UNI will accept you and is not-for-profit.