by Morgan Johnson

Created on: January 10, 2008

Teaching English as a Second Language can be one of the most rewarding experiences of any person's life. It's a job in great demand and is accessible to new college graduates as well as senior retirees looking to travel, broaden their horizons and share their experiences.

Teaching ESL is the most rewarding educational experience for any teacher. Your students are always enthusiastic and eager to learn. Many are paying extra just for the opportunity to sit in your class. They see you as an investment in their future.

Course work is sometimes dictated by the school or institute, but sometimes you have to create your own. Don't worry, there are online resources to help you, which I'll list later.

English is the language of International business. A Swiss merchant wanting to do business with a Japanese supplier working in Thailand finds it a lot easier when all parties speak English.

Any pilot wanting the more lucrative international routes must be fluent in English. The same with doctor's wanting to migrate to the more advanced hospitals in Europe and North America.

How do you get into this upstart business? First you have a few decisions to make.

Do you want to teach abroad or domestically?

Where do you want to teach?

Assess your skill. Are you good standing in front of a classroom and can you really do the job?

My recommendation is to teach where you are to start. There is a need for ESL teachers in most community centers. There are immigrant families in most American communities with children who would benefit, adults who want to improve their skills, even older family members newly arrived from the Old Country.

At the same time you need to begin the process of preparing to go abroad, if that's you plan. Where is your passport? You're going to need one to enter another country for an extended stay. If you don't have one, go to the post office and get an application or go to www.USPS.gov and download the form.

You need two standard passport photos so hop on down to any photo studio in town, even at Wal Mart. Some photo booths will pop a set out for a couple of dollars. Send it in and be prepared to wait for delivery.

Don't waste that time, though. Check your qualifications. Do you have a college degree? Dig out that diploma. Are you a retired teacher? You are so golden! You have the best skill set, the most experience and probably a Masters degree. You will receive first consideration for every teaching job world wide.

Not a teacher? No degree? No, you're not out of luck.

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