Imagine feeling a gentle breeze from the Mediterranean flowing through the window while you teach a dozen Greek businessmen how to speak English. Sound appealing? You can profit from teaching ESL or English as a Second Language if you follow some simple steps:
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.
Courses are available online at several locations and range from $190 to $1500 depending on the program you choose. There are also classroom bases courses in select cities throughout the country and across the world. Classroom courses often include a 20 hour practicum for those who might feel they need a little practice before being turned loose in a classroom. Programs are typically 100 to 150 hours depending on the areas which you want to certify. Those areas include: General TEFL, teaching TEFL to Young Learners, and teaching business TEFL.
Locations for finding job postings for overseas ESL jobs are in no short supply online. There are enough that you can spend a significant amount of time studying various additional features that some of the sites include resume assistance, planning to live overseas and career tips and tricks of the trade.
The sky is the limit where employment opportunities in this field are concerned. Some sites are estimating that nearly 250 jobs are posted on their board weekly and that 15,000 plus job providers are regularly posting on their sites.
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.