Preparing to Teach in Developing Nations: Toward a Checklist

Each year thousands of American professors seeking a change ponder whether to take on the challenges of visiting teaching positions at universities in far-off, exotic, and foreboding places, from Uganda to Ecuador to Indonesia. However, there are few guidelines available to help an instructor anticipate the hurdles and challenges of teaching in developing or Third-World nations. This article provides a checklist and discussion on tips for preparing yourself for teaching abroad and for preparing for the culture of the host country. Overseas assignments can be very enriching. However, as expatriate business personnel have learned, successful overseas tours often are predicated on effective preparation for both the assignment and the cultural experience. And, family members need to be included in the decision and preparation process.