For many English speaking nationals, the only work opportunities available for globe trotters in poor or developing countries are the teaching English as a foreign language jobs. The problem with this is that the schools often get unqualified, uninterested tutors that are doing it purely as a means to earn money and stay in the country longer. The qualified and passionate teachers often don’t work in these poorer countries because the pay and conditions are not interesting. Having said that, the experience of teaching English in say Thailand, Vietnam, or some African countries can be a very rewarding experience overall and some newly qualified teachers use such places as a training ground before applying for higher paid jobs in western countries.

If you have a genuine interest in teaching English overseas, it can be a wonderful experience. Working abroad can really open the mind up as you the come into contact with another culture first hand. Although you are likely to receive poor pay and conditions in the third world, the experience can be just as enriching as a great expat package in a modern city. In fact, many English teachers overseas fall in love with the peoples and places of poorer regions and seem to make more genuine friends than they do in the materialistic societies of the world.

You don’t necessarily need the academic qualifications to teach English overseas, especially where the demand for classes outstrips the supply of teachers, but if you are qualified, not only will you get the better paid jobs, but you will literally be able to live and work anywhere in the world that you choose. The standard qualifications for teaching English are a BA degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate.

For those of you who love to travel and perhaps backpack your way around the world, teaching English is a great way to extend the experience and to learn more about the country’s culture, history, people, and customs, and your travels will inevitably be more meaningful and interesting than those that are just passing through.

The World Wide Web is just packed with teaching opportunities abroad, and teaching certificates can be obtained in just a 1 month intensive course if your time is important to you.

Overseas work can give you lasting memories and stories to tell for years to come, and I wouldn’t swap the 7 years I spent teaching English in South East Asia for anything in the world.

For the more adventurous, you can literally turn up on a country’s doorstep then go looking for work once you’re settled in, but for most folks a little preplanning is usually the most sensible route to take. The main things on you check list once you’ve decided on your destination should be things like immunizations, work permits, visas, and accommodation, oh and don’t forget to check you passport is current and has plenty of free pages for all those official stamps etc.

That’s about it. Whatever your age or sex, if you have the ambition to teach English abroad, start preparing today and get ready for one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences that you’re ever likely to have.

Sam Junior
http://www.enoughjobs.com/