| Many of us only dream of an international career, not | | | | The minimum qualification is the internationally |
| realizing how readily it can happen. In the field of | | | | recognized Certificate in English Language Teaching to |
| teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), getting | | | | Adults, or CELTA, a four week course offered |
| started is easier than you might think. All around the | | | | extensively around the world. For teachers who intend |
| globe, schools are actively recruiting teachers, and | | | | to pursue ESL as a career, master's programs in |
| many ESL jobs go unfilled due to the overwhelming | | | | Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages |
| demand. The teachers hired have backgrounds as | | | | (TESOL) or Applied Linguistics are recommended. |
| varied as the countries in which they work. Young or | | | | These MA programs are a prerequisite for the tenure |
| old, experienced or just beginning, there are ESL jobs | | | | track positions available in universities around the world. |
| for nearly everyone. | | | | When considering where to teach abroad, different |
| Due to its truly international nature, the size of the ESL | | | | factors should be considered, including quality of life, |
| jobs market is difficult to accurately estimate. | | | | cost of living, and earning potential. Some lesser |
| Worldwide, figures from the British Council estimate | | | | developed countries might provide a more relaxing |
| that there are over a billion students actively studying | | | | pace of life, but typically at the expense of a higher |
| English as a second or foreign language. In Asia, | | | | salary. For the highest earning potential, potential |
| particularly in Japan and Korea, a report published by | | | | teachers should look to the schools and corporations |
| the Association of Educational Publishers estimates | | | | of the Middle East, although with higher pay comes far |
| that the amount spent on English education | | | | higher minimum requirements as well. While ESL jobs |
| approaches nearly a billion Euros annually. The U.S. | | | | are offered in nearly every part of the world, the |
| Department of Education's Office of Vocational and | | | | greatest demand is currently in China, followed by |
| Adult Education (OVAE) estimates there are well over | | | | Korea, and then Japan. There are few places in the |
| a million adults enrolled in ESL programs in the United | | | | world where the ESL jobs market is not robust. |
| States alone. With a market as large as this one, the | | | | Will you start an international career as an ESL |
| number of ESL jobs that are available is enormous. | | | | teacher? The ESL jobs are out there, the only thing |
| While you can get started without previous experience | | | | missing is you! |
| or training, the more competitive positions will require it. | | | | |