How to teach english as a foreign language and travel the world

If you have an itch to travel but not sure how you can support your habit, look no further than something that you do naturally--speaking your native tongue. Depending on where in the world you want to go, you may even get your airfare and living expenses paid for. Many countries have a demand for native English teachers and if you know where to look, you can sign up and be on your way around the world in no time. Read on to learn how to teach English as a foreign language and travel the world.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• TEFL certificate (preferably but not required)
• <br>A Bachelor degree in anything
• <br>An Internet connection for your job search

1. Start by getting your TEFL certificate from a university or accredited institution. It stands for "Teach English as a Foreign Language." Many employers will ask for this, and at the very least it separates you from other applicants who have not gone through this training and gives you a chance to see if you like teaching before you actually try it in another country.

2. Go to the TEFL website and sign up for their email newsletter. They will regularly send you emails listing out countries and their latest job vacancies.

3. Go to the website ESL Cafe and check out all of the forums and job openings. You can also get referrals there for good books on the subject if you prefer that to an Internet search.

4. Pick up a "Lonely Planet" guidebook on the country you wish to visit. Check out the index for employment and get the best local advice of where to go to look for posted job openings. For example, The American Church in Paris has a bulletin board that lists job openings by local Parisians.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your TEFL certificate whether your prospective school requires it or not. It's a good way to test the waters for teaching before actually committing. If you can be flexible with your location, you can go to places like China or Korea that are often known to pick up the tab for lodging or airfare as an incentive to recruit teachers.
• Thoroughly research the place you'll be living in before hand. You don't want to suffer from intense culture shock and at the same time try and teach.