ESL - Teaching English Overseas

English, one of the major languages of the world, has assumed a greater relevancy with globalization. In order to compete effectively in the world market, knowledge of English is essential and this is the reason why many non-English speaking countries have stepped up English language learning programs for their citizens. As such, there is a high demand for qualified English teachers in these countries. Some popular destinations are China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Latin America. ESL teachers can find English teaching jobs in schools, colleges, universities and companies.

You should consider a job as an English Teacher overseas if you -

• Have a good educational background, preferably with a graduate or postgraduate degree. The more qualified you are the higher and better paid the post, generally. Most jobs also require TESOL, RSA/CELTA or TEFL certification.

• Have some experience of teaching young and adult learners.

• Enjoy teaching and encouraging learners.

• Have an excellent grasp of the English language, with good, clear pronunciation and diction.

• Are willing to take on a 15 to 20 hours weekly workload.

• Would like to gain new job skills.

• Have excellent communication skills.

• Are at ease speaking before groups of people.

• Are able to get along with different types of personalities and maintain class discipline.

• Like traveling and living in new surroundings.

• Are adventurous and willing to sample new cultures.

To get started in ESL teaching, you should -

• Determine what your teaching philosophy and interests are.

• Consider and research the country or countries you would like to teach in.

• Talk to ESL professionals who have worked or are working in that country.

• Become a member of TESOL.

• Check out the information on online ESL websites and discussion boards.

• Visit ESL job fairs.

• Check out job ads. in the the national and local newspapers of the countries that you are considering.

• Check out Internet job postings.

• Research schools and email or phone for more information. Talk to school administrators and current ESL teachers there. Let the schools know that you are available for teaching work.

• Compile a resume, detailing your educational qualifications, teaching experience, special skills, recommendation letters, etc.

• Be ready to present yourself well at the job interview. You may be asked about your interest in teaching overseas, your work experience, your teaching goals and so on.

Before you accept any teaching job offer, you should -

• Make sure the school is legally licensed and above board. Generally, government schools, colleges and companies have minimum risk. A certain risk factor may be there for private schools or companies. That's why it helps to research as thoroughly as possible. Check Internet for information on that school and the experiences other ESL teachers have had there.

• Ask the school to email you some school and accommodation photographs.

• Find out about working visa requirements.

• Find out about job responsibilities and benefits. Some schools may require you to pitch in with school activities other than teaching. Many schools offer free housing and a two-way airfare. They may penalize you for being late to class or leaving before your contract is up. Ask questions so you know exactly what is required and where you stand. Have everything clearly detailed in the contract before you sign it.

• Bring enough money along, so if you should decide that the job isn't for you after all, you can walk away.

ESL teaching overseas can be an exciting experience, but it is work, not a vacation. So -

• Research the culture and local customs of the country, know the appropriate dress code, and be aware of the cultural differences that may come into play when interacting with students and other colleagues.

• Do take the time to become proficient in the local language. This will make communication with students much easier and help you fit in better too.

• Familiarize yourself with the school policies, syllabus and course requirements.

• Find out about teaching books, equipments and any other required supplies.

• Have a teaching plan, and prepare your lessons carefully and well in advance.

• Explain the benefits of a lesson clearly to the students so they understand why they are learning something.

• Be positive and upbeat.

Some of the following teaching tips might come in handy -

• Speak clearly and slowly so that the students understand you and note your way of pronunciation.

• Don't use idioms or slang unless you are teaching those.

• Use textbooks, tapes, video and any activity or game that requires the student to seek out information.

• Try to include topics that interest the students.

• Select culturally appropriate topics so there are no embarrassing or awkward episodes.

• Maintaining class discipline is important and so is behaving with dignity. Some cultures may look with askance at any kind of informal cavorting by teachers.

• Try not to drop too many cultural clangers. Don't, for example, tell the natives that teaching them is making the White Man's Burden heavier.