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As with the Boren Scholarship (for undergraduate students), the Boren Fellowship (for graduate students) funds intensive overseas study of languages and cultures underrepresented and/or of critical strategic interest to the United States, and award recipients must commit to a minimum of one year of service with the U.S. federal government following completion of their graduate program. Unlike the Boren Scholarship, the Boren Fellowship may also be used for intensive in-person summer language training programs in the U.S., prior to and in preparation for overseas study. Boren Fellows must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in a U.S.-based graduate program; the fellowship cannot fund a gap-year experience between degree programs; however, a student may want to prepare or even apply for the Boren Fellowship in their final year of undergraduate study.

Applications open in fall and typically close late January. Westminster has a campus deadline (typically early January), giving each applicant time to receive feedback and make revisions before the national deadline.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program (FUSP) provides grants to qualified U.S. citizens or nationals for graduate coursework, individually designed study/research projects, or specified English Teaching Assistant (ETA) programs abroad. Program options vary by destination country, and application components vary by program option, but applicants generally write a project proposal (Statement of Grant Purpose) that will be assessed for significance, contribution, ethics, and feasibility. Candidates must possess the country-specific skills, knowledge, and sponsorships necessary to carry out their particular projects.

The Fulbright is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) with the goal of advancing peace and understanding through education and research exchanges. FUSP builds cultural understanding from the bottom up through deep immersion, everyday routines, and direct interaction. Fulbright Scholars live, work, and learn alongside the people of their host country throughout their grant period. They are expected to adhere to the values of open-mindedness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom.

Applications open in spring and close in early October. Westminster has a campus deadline in mid-September, giving each applicant time to receive feedback and make revisions before the national deadline.

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service. Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one academic year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Marshall Scholarship program aims to foster talented future leaders who will strengthen British-American governmental, institutional, and interpersonal relations. The Scholarship funds one, two, or potentially three years of study for a graduate-level degree in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who are recent college graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or above are eligible to apply. Up to forty scholars are selected each year.

The Rhodes Scholarship fully funds talented young people from around the world for full-time graduate study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1902 and administered by the Rhodes Trust, it is among the longest-running international scholarships in the world. The program selects young people of outstanding intellect, promise, and character; regardless of their field or career path, Rhodes Scholars are motivated to serve others, tackle global challenges, and become global leaders.

Rhodes Scholars visit the UK for two or more years and are eligible for most of Oxford’s full-time postgraduate programs. The Rhodes Scholarship covers course fees while providing an annual stipend to cover accommodation and other living expenses. Each year thirty-two scholarships are set aside for citizens or lawful permanent residents of United States of the America.

Schwarzman Scholars selects outstanding applicants from around the world for a fully-funded one-year Masters in Global Affairs program at Tsinghua University. Located in Beijing, Tsinghua is typically ranked first or second among universities not only in China but Asia as a whole. Inspired by the Rhodes Scholars, the Schwarzman Scholars program aims to identify, support, and connect the next generation of global leaders while promoting mutual understanding between China and the wider world. Applicants are not required to have prior knowledge of Chinese.

Administered by Howard University, the Pickering Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supports qualified college graduates committed to joining the Foreign Service. Each fellowship covers a two-year graduate program, two summer internships, professional mentorship from a Foreign Service Officer, and other professional development. Fellows must be U.S. citizens but are selected from diverse backgrounds according to both merit and need; members of groups historically underrepresented in the State Department are encouraged to apply.

International schools are generally private institutions that offer instruction through a language, curriculum, and often teaching staff originating from outside the country or educational context in which the school is located. International schools affiliated with the U.S. Department of State remain independently operated, non-government institutions. A directory of such schools can be found through the link below.

Many international schools overseas recruit English and other subject instructors and staff by contracting with private agencies and/or through organized job fairs; however, it is possible for interested candidates to reach out directly or submit applications themselves. Eligibility, work requirements, salary, benefits, and other details all vary widely by location and the specific appointment.

Founded in 1987 and administered by the Japanese government, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program has brought more than 80,000 participants from around the world (including more than 39,000 Americans) to work in cities, towns, and villages across Japan. The majority of JET participants are in assistant language teacher (ALT) roles in PreK–12 public or private schools, but those with advanced Japanese can apply to work as a coordinator for international relations (CIR). Work is full-time and compensated with salary and benefits. Contracts are for twelve months with the possibility of renewal up to five years. Participants can elect to join a JET alumni association, which organizes social and professional events and offers a network of support for new members.

As the most established and reputable option for teaching English in Japan, the JET Program is highly competitive. Eligible candidates are US citizens with a bachelor’s degree, excellent English, and a strong interest in Japan. Background in teaching or in Japanese language would be beneficial but is not required.

The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) is administered by the Education Office of the Spanish Embassy in Washington, D.C., the mission of which is to strengthen U.S.–Spain relations through collaborative educational programming. NALCAP offers U.S. or Canadian citizens attending or graduated from college in the United States the opportunity to serve as language assistants (TAs) at primary or secondary schools in Spain. NALCAP participants should have a native level of English and at least a basic level of Spanish for navigating life outside the classroom. Living like a local in Spain while sharing the culture of the United States with Spanish youth, language assistants experience personal growth while fulfilling important roles as cultural ambassadors, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cross-cultural ties.

Successful applicants are placed in schools across Spain and most assignments run from October 1 to May 31. NALCAP participants receive a monthly stipend and medical insurance. Work hours range from 12 to 16 hours per week, leaving plenty of free time for exploration.

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The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) is the American division of the Programme des Assitants de langue en France, which brings young people from 60 different countries to France or French overseas departments to serve as teaching assistants for fifteen different languages. TAPIF specifically is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have completed at least three years of college, are native speakers of English, and have an intermediate level of French. Each year the program places over 1,500 Americans in public primary or secondary schools across all regions of metropolitan France or overseas regions including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion. Contracts run from October 1 to April 30 and work is part-time, up to 12 hours per week. TAPIF teaching assistants receive a stipend and medical insurance; there are also several scholarship opportunities to pursue graduate study concurrently with a TAPIF appointment.

Some schools and teaching programs—such as JET—do not require certification in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages); however, depending on the destination country, market competition, and how serious one is about teaching abroad as a mid- to long-term career plan, certification may be wise or even necessary.

Internationally, the two most recognized accreditations for teaching English as a second or foreign language are Cambridge CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL. CELTA-accredited courses are offered from a handful of institutions around the United States, including Missouri State University (), and both CELTA and Trinity have online options. Alternatively, one may combine teaching certification with an experience abroad—the links below can help you find courses in exciting locations around the world (For the official CELTA website, however, visit .)

Many other TEFL/TESOL certification programs exist locally, abroad, and online. Some of them are excellent quality, even if they are not Cambridge- or Trinity-accredited, while others are not. Steer clear of unaccredited courses, courses offering less than 120 total hours, and too-good-to-be-true deals. Some private agencies, such as TravelBud (), offer certification as well as job placement. Job seekers can save money by researching and contacting schools directly, but going through trusted third parties ensures a certain level of in-country safety and support.

The Christianson Fellowship is awarded by the InterExchange Foundation to promote cultural understanding and make meaningful contributions across borders. Each award of up to $15,000 supports a young American’s self-organized service project abroad. Applicants must select a location and a project or organization with which to work full-time over a period of six to twelve months. Fellows must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents between 18 and 28 years of age.

Jointly financed by the United States Congress and German Bundestag, the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a yearlong fellowship that promotes the professional and leadership development of young Americans and Germans through language training, academic study, and a professional internship in the partner country. This opportunity is open to U.S.-citizen applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 from a variety of backgrounds and careers. Applicants should have completed general coursework and have some relevant work experience in the target internship field.

The Henry Luce Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to research, education, and global leadership development. The Luce Scholars Program selects talented young college graduates with previous limited exposure to Asia for an immersive, yearlong experience in an Asian country. The program involves work placement, language training, and professional development. Eligible candidates are U.S. citizens or permanent residents under 33 years of age.

Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps’ mission is to advance humanitarian development, mutual understanding between Americans the peoples of other countries, and, ultimately, world peace. Peace Corps Volunteers are dispatched around the world to work on intensive and impactful projects according to the needs of the host community—whether in education, health services, agriculture, business, development, or environmental sustainability. Expenses and cost-of-living are covered during the service period (24 months, plus pre-service training) and a readjustment allowance is distributed upon program completion to help volunteers transition into their next chapter of life.