How would you like to teach a classroom full of 6 year olds how to speak English in the Himalayas? If you would then teaching English as a Second Language or ESL might be for you. Exotic overseas ESL jobs can be yours if you follow these guidelines:
Before you start applying for ESL jobs you need to complete a certification course in Teaching English to Foreign Learners (TEFL) or Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). It is nearly impossible to land a position without first being certified. Most online courses can be completed in 4 weeks or less and classroom based courses last typically for 9 weeks. Make certain that the course you selected is an internationally accredited course.
Depending on whom you are interested in teaching or what level of pay you are hoping to acquire you can specialize or combine basic TEFL, young learner TEFLand business learner TEFL. Classes are normally 100 to 150 hours depending on the options you choose and whether you study online or in a classroom. If you study in a classroom there is usually a 20 hour practicum included to help get you used to preparing and presenting lessons. Cost can be from $190 to $1500 for these courses.
Look for job posting boards that offer overseas planning tips, resume support and career assistance along with posting employment opportunities. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of posting boards, so take your time and evaluate the additional services each provides to come up with your best fit.
Most job posting sites are boasting more than 15,000 employers registered on their sites and estimate nearly 250 job opportunities being placed weekly. With numbers like these there are a lot of opportunities available.
The higher paying jobs seem to be based in either the business world or in public school systems. Based on this information it might well be worth the extra money to be certified in teaching young learners, teaching business learners or a dual certificate in both areas.
Overseas experience in today global business climate looks great on a resume. With the current overseas ESL opportunities it might be a good time to try it out and experience some exotic culture.