Samidha Education Co., Ltd.

A few years ago, at our annual gathering for parents, I asked guests to vote on the major they were most interested in learning about. The winner? Education.

In my past consultations, many parents have told me they see education as a promising career for their child— after all, teaching is a respected profession that offers a stable income and strong long-term prospects. This is especially true in Asian countries, where middle- and upper-class families invest heavily in their children’s education.

That said, parents usually ask the following questions:

• What’s it like to study education abroad?
• Besides becoming a teacher, what other opportunities do education programs abroad offer?
• What subjects and coursework are required to prepare for a teaching career?
• Does an education degree only lead to teaching? What other career options are available?

Today, we’ll explore these questions and take a closer look at the field of education.

1. Studying Education in the West

At top universities in the West, education isn’t just about learning how to teach—it’s also about understanding the philosophies and systems behind it. Some core concepts include:

1) Universal Access to Education

In the U.S., women and minorities were historically excluded from higher education. It wasn’t until the 20th century, with civil rights and equality movements, that the idea of universal education took hold. Today, ensuring equal access to education remains a global priority.

2) Generalists vs. Specialists

The U.S. emphasizes a broad-based liberal arts education, allowing students to explore different subjects before choosing a specialization. In contrast, countries like Germany place students on academic or vocational tracks early on. The ongoing debate is: Should students have more time to explore their interests, or should they specialize sooner?

3) Expanding Access to Education in Developing Countries

After World War II, educators recognized the need to improve education in underdeveloped regions. Today, advancements in technology—especially online learning—have made quality education more accessible, allowing students in remote and underserved areas to benefit from better instruction and learning materials.

4) Individualized Learning

Thanks to advancements in psychology, we now better understand how children’s learning needs vary. Western education programs focus on tailoring teaching methods to different age groups and learning styles, making education more personalized and effective.

Rather than being standalone courses, these philosophies are embedded in Western education curricula, shaping how future educators are trained.

2. Education Degrees: More Than Just Teacher Training

Many people assume an education degree only prepares students to become teachers. While that’s often true, top universities offer a much wider range of specializations.

Take the Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, one of the best education colleges in the U.S. Its undergraduate School of Education offers seven different programs:

1. Child Development – Focuses on the psychological and physical growth of children – best suited for future child psychologists or child rights advocates.
2. Child Studies – An interdisciplinary program that examines childhood development through sociology, psychology, and economics. Many graduates go into education policy rather than teaching.
3. Cognitive Studies – Similar to psychology, this major explores the processes of learning, problem-solving, and language acquisition. Most students continue to graduate school.
4. Elementary Education – Trains students to become preschool and elementary school teachers.
5. Human and Organizational Development – Designed for students interested in administrative, HR and leadership roles in education-related organizations.
6. Secondary Education – Prepares students to teach middle and high school subjects.
7. Special Education – Focuses on teaching children with special needs and those with disabilities.

As these majors show, while many education majors do become teachers, top schools also provide options for those interested in policy, research, child development, and organizational leadership.

3. What Do You Study to Become a Teacher?

Teaching an international curriculum – such as the APs or A-Levels –  is often seen as a well-paying, stable career. But is your child truly suited for it?

At most Western universities, students who want to teach middle or high school don’t just major in education. Instead, they major in the subject they plan to teach (e.g., math, English, science) and either minor in education or earn a teaching certificate after graduation.

For example, a future math teacher would major in math and take additional coursework in education. A degree in education alone, without strong subject knowledge, wouldn’t be sufficient.

Typical Coursework Includes:

1. General education courses required for all students.
2. Courses in the student’s primary subject area (e.g., math, history, science).
3. Education-related courses covering teaching methods, classroom management, and certification preparation.

For those interested in preschool or elementary education, the path is more straightforward—students can major in education and focus on child development and teaching strategies. Their training includes hands-on internships at schools.

4. Career Paths Beyond Teaching

Teaching can be a rewarding career, but it’s not for everyone. If your child is passionate about education but doesn’t want to be a teacher, here are three alternative career paths to consider:

1) Non-Teaching Roles in Schools

Schools need administrators, counselors, academic advisors, and human resources professionals. Students can major in education (non-teaching track), psychology, or HR and later pursue graduate studies in school administration or counseling.

2) Educational Organizations & Private Companies

The education industry, particularly in Asia, is vast, and private companies require professionals in curriculum development, operations, and management. This can be a good option for those interested in education but not in classroom teaching.

3) University Admissions & International Offices

Many universities hire admissions representatives to recruit international students. Some work for third-party agencies, while others are employed directly by universities. Students with overseas education experience have a significant advantage in these roles.

While these paths offer stability and decent pay, the education sector has limited career growth potential. Whether in teaching, school management, or admissions, the work can be repetitive, and burnout is common.

Lastly…

Education is a promising field, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. If your child is truly passionate about education, they’ll find long-term motivation and success. Otherwise, it’s worth considering alternative paths before committing to this career.