has anyone taught ESL overseas? If so Please help can you tell me what you did and what certification you got

Question

any advice or websites will help. Thank you.

Answer 1

Some countries are so desperate to have native English speakers in the field of education, that certificates and diplomas are not always necessary. Choose your country of arrival, go, and then look for opportunities to 'hang your shingle' with or without official permission.

Sometimes a visit to the local mayor or other official in the town will get you a 3 month stay and you can teach and get paid 'under the table' with the mayor's blessing. It all depends upon the politics and ambiance of the area where you are teaching.

Or you can go with all the bureaucracy and other red tape and get work with the correct visas and all. This is of course the most moral and 'above board' way to do it. Either way, be careful. My son taught at a legit school for 7 months in a country that I will not name, and did not get paid beans, and was paid with promises that were never fulfilled. Sigh. Could not sue or anything. Out the money! But filled with experience that could not be replicated any other way. Great learning exp for him and his new wife.

Answer 2

I've taught in South Korea for 3 years. I'm non-native, but I still was able to find a job. The demand for Eng. teachers is very high in Asia. To teach in Korea you'll need to have a bachelors degree in whatever. It doesn't have to be in Education. Getting TESL/CELTA/TEFL certificates will help you. With the certificates you'll have better chances of getting a job at a good school, possibily University, and a higher salary, but the certificates are not a must for a job.
I suggest you read Dave's ESL cafe: http://www.eslcafe.com/ research the country of your choice, make sure you talk or correspond with other teachers who already teach there. Be VERY careful signing your contract. Do not trust or believe whatever they say, no matter how nice they are. My husband and his friends were in situations where they were promised some things (that were never written down in their contracts), but the promises were never kept.
In general, I enjoyed living and working there. It's good money and great experience.

Answer 3

I taught English Communication in Japan for 2 years through the JET Programme. I have included their link. This program is sponsored by the Japanese government and pays pretty well. They only require a 4 year college degree. However, this is not the only program, as the previous person answered, there are many many private companies that offer teaching opportunities and do not require a degree.

My advice is to think seriously about what you would like to do afterwards...for the rest of your life. I always wished that I had joined the Peace Corps--they help pay your student loans, give you TONS of real life and teaching experience--experience that you can only gain by getting a job [project management for example].
If you really would like to teach ESL for a long time, I would suggest earning a degree in TEFL [not to be mistaken with TOEFL] it is Teaching English as a Foreign Language. This degree is honored world wide.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Don't cross to the Middle East. They'll RIP YOUR HEAD OFF there. They dont like Westerners since they feel we are looking to break Islam, which, i in my opinion feel we will have to.