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this type of course. Many employers, especially the better paying ones, recognize and require this sort of certification. Also, because these courses tend to be fairly intensive and demanding, and usually involve a practicum where you actually teach new English speakers (and get feedback from instructors), you are generally much better prepared at the end of the day.


If, on the other hand, you are pursuing


the pay-for-your-backpacking route, then a shorter, less expensive course may be an option. Understandably, you may leave feeling less prepared than you might with a longer course involving practical experience. But if you are flexible, motivated, and willing to gain your first bit of practical experience on the fly, this may work for you.


A great way to gain experience is


to contact your school’s international student centre or a community centre in your area, and volunteer to teach conversational English to recent newcomers. Not only is this experience looked upon favourably by prospective employers, it will go a long way to giving you a sense about whether or not teaching ESL is something that you would like to pursue.


Landing a job. At the moment, hot-spots for English


teachers include Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Eastern Europe. To a certain extent, your experience and qualifications (or lack thereof) will help to determine your options.


An increasing number of employers


now require a university undergraduate degree as the basic qualification for a teaching position. This may also be necessary in some countries in order to obtain a visa to work. In addition, many of the better, more reputable employers now require applicants to hold a certification to teach English.


18 : verge RESOURCE SERIES If you’re a little shy on qualifications


and experience, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and China still offer many possibilities. Demand for English teachers is high and official certification is not always required. Be willing to accept the fact that you’ll probably be paid less than someone with greater qualifications. Also, you may find yourself having to adapt to a less than ideal teaching environment.


“It’s easy to find a job,” says David


Hughes, past director of Language Studies International – Canada, “The question is, ‘what happens next?’”


In general, you will find yourself


working in a school, or freelancing, offering private lessons to individuals.


Working for an established school


tends to offer some advantages - benefits (and payroll deductions), a regular salary, vacation, health insurance. Some employers may also arrange, or help you to arrange, work permits, visas and sometimes even your flights.


Remember though, you are signing a


contract that you will be held to. Be sure that you know exactly what it entails. Hughes recommends doing a bit of research about the school’s reputation and the working conditions you might expect there before you sign on the dotted line. There are a variety of online forums where you can read about other teachers’ experiences in a particular country or at a particular school (see the sidebar).


As you research teaching English


overseas, you’ll discover that teaching English as a second language isn’t just a way to pay for time spent in another culture. It is a sub-culture unto itself. Many people who’ve tried it say they wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. Many of those same people have a lot of valid warnings and advice. There are dozens, maybe even hundreds of resources online for prospective teachers looking to find work overseas…be sure to do your research.


FOCUS ON : Working Abroad


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