With the job market so challenging, it's a good idea to work in a field that offers job security and consistent growth. Teaching English as a second or foreign language is still in high demand, despite the current unemployment rates in other fields. In fact, as more work becomes outsourced, more people need to brush up on their English skills in order to do those jobs more effectively. A good teacher can facilitate that, and make a good income in the process.

For those unfamiliar with the term, TESOL stand for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Most TESOL jobs require you to go through a certification process. In some cases, you will only need to have a bachelor's degree to obtain a good position. This is more often the case if you are planning on getting a position in a foreign country teaching children. However, if your degree is in a field of teaching, or you carry a TESOL minor or certification, you will have more opportunities available to you.

For those that want to work in their home country, there may be more requirements. Many TESOL jobs are in the school system, helping non-native speakers integrate into their local school and community. These jobs will almost certainly require the credentials needed to work in that school, plus additional ESL training on your resume.

There are a few common types of TESOL jobs. First, whether you are working in a foreign country or at home, many of the jobs in the field will be teaching children, from kindergarten age up through high school. The most common countries that hire ESL teachers are Asian nations, such as Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China. These countries teach English to all students as a normal part of their curriculum and there is always a demand for qualified teachers.

Local school districts are also required to accommodate non-native speakers and provide them with the resources they need to learn. There are also many jobs available in foreign countries where you may be working with adults. These can be in a college or secondary education setting, or in a business environment. You will need to assess you strengths and weaknesses when deciding which position is right for you. It can be quite different to work with professional adults, for example, than with children.

Because English as a second language jobs are in such high demand, there are many training programs that need qualified professionals to help train new teachers in the field. If you have already had a good deal of experience teaching English as a second language, you may want to consider applying for this type of TESOL job. Applicants generally need a degree in the field, specialized training and a few years of experience. Some programs require experience in both foreign countries, and with local ESL programs. Because you will giving information relevant to all possible opportunities, training programs prefer that their teachers have broad experience to draw upon.

Being a teacher can be a very fulfilling job. It isn't, however, often glamorous. Traditional teachers rarely travel for work or experience significant cultural opportunities. With TESOL jobs, you can have the chance to not only touch the lives of your students, but also to enrich yours by living and working in foreign countries. Even if you have no desire to see the world, you can find positions that keep you close to home as well. Most TESOL positions pay well, and foreign companies almost always include benefits like housing and even insurance and round trip flights. Local jobs will have the same standard benefits that other teaching positions likely offer. As you can see, this is a growing field, with a great need for qualified individuals.

David Rogers has been active in the field of ESL since the early 90's. He has a MA TESOL from New York University, and a MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the founder of ESL Jobs World http://www.esljobsworld.com/, visited by teachers around the world in search of TESOL jobs http://www.esljobsworld.com/, and the schools that are looking to hire them.