| English is the world's most widely-used commercial | | | | shirt and (definitely) a tie for guys; skirt, pressed blouse, |
| language, and in the 21st century, being able to speak | | | | nylons and dress shoes for gals. You are applying for |
| good conversational English is almost a prerequisite for | | | | a teaching job, so dress like a teacher. |
| success. There are, consequently, many countries | | | | 3. You need to bring documentation of all your |
| where those who can effectively teach English as a | | | | teaching credentials [ to each meeting. These will |
| second language are very much in demand. | | | | include copies of all your college degrees, and ESL or |
| If you think you'd like to experience life in another | | | | TEFL certificates if you have them. In Korea, you'll |
| culture, and support your adventure by teaching English | | | | need your original college transcripts. |
| as a second language, there are a few steps you can | | | | 4. Having the ESL and TEFL certificates is absolutely |
| take to ensure that you get the job you want in the | | | | essential if you want your choice of the best ESL/EFL |
| part of the world you'd most like to see. | | | | teaching jobs. They are not difficult to get; the most |
| 1. While finding jobs in the Pacific Rim countries--Korea, | | | | respected is the CELTA--Certificate in Teaching |
| Japan, China, and Southeast Asia--is not very difficult, | | | | English Language to Adults--a month-long course |
| you would be better off seeing the school facilities and | | | | offered through Cambridge University at over two |
| talking to their staffs, especially and ESL teachers | | | | hundred and thirty locations worldwide. |
| already working there, in person before making a | | | | 5. Be sure to stress any teaching experience you've |
| commitment. They will be your best sources of | | | | had, especially that which involved children. Even if |
| information on what you can really expect from each | | | | you've only been the scoutmaster or den mother for |
| school. | | | | the local Cub Scout or Brownie troop it will be |
| Because it's hard to get a job, in Thailand in particular, | | | | surprisingly important, especially if you are applying for |
| without undergoing a personal interview, arrange to | | | | a job teaching ESL to middle schoolers. |
| take a few days off to visit the schools there in which | | | | 6. Finally, familiarize yourself with the idiosyncrasies of |
| you are particularly interested. Be prepared either to | | | | the local culture, so that you do not unwittingly do |
| stay on if you are hired, or to return home, possibly | | | | anything which will upset your students or their parents. |
| with a layover in another Pacific Rim country for | | | | And always remember that your fellow ESL teachers |
| additional interviews. | | | | who have been at it for awhile are your best resource |
| 2. Dress professionally; clean neatly pressed slacks, | | | | for advice on how to be effective in the classroom! |