by Morgan Barnhart

Created on: January 21, 2007   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

In order to teach English as a second language, especially outside the US, you will a couple things before you start searching for placement.

1. You will need to get a 4 year degree. It doesn't matter what degree it is, but it has to be a 4 year degree. Why is any 4 year degree needed? For the Visa. Most countries require you to have a 4 year degree so they can get your Visa in as smooth a process as possible.

2. You will need a TEFL certificate. More and more places are requiring that you get this certificate because if you don't have an English degree then this course tells you all you need to know about English and how to teach English as a second language. There are lots of online courses and probably courses at your local community college.

There are exceptions to various places around the world. Some, you don't need a 4 year degree, however, without the degree, it decreases the amount of places you can go to teach. Or you may only be able to go on a business visa (without a degree), instead of a work visa, which may be very sketchy for some and you can't stay as long with a business visa.

You will also find that having a TEFL certificate will help you along the way, even if places don't require you to have it. It's an important educational tool to help you in your teaching journey.

Now you're ready to go searching for a company to place you. When you get a TEFL certificate, they generally have placement programs or a private search engine in which to help your search as well as tell you the qualifications for each country, how much the pay usually runs, living conditions and anything else of importance.

Do a search on google that follows these guidelines. If you want a teaching job in Paris, you'd search for "English teaching jobs in Paris". That search will lead you to various different types of sites which can send you to job leads.

Knowing someone or getting a teaching assistant job or even an intern job, is always a very good way to get your foot in the door and find the best companies.

A word of caution about finding Teaching jobs in other countries: CHECK OUT THE COMPANY! Run a background check on ANY company you are considering. It is very important because of all of the cases of people being sold off into slavery and the such. Be careful, do your homework.

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