How to Get a Job Teaching English in Asia
Teaching English in Asia is a great way to have a cross-cultural experience, live abroad and make and even save some money. Being a native English speaker is imperative, and a college degree and TESOL certification are generally required. Given the demand for native English speakers who are willing to relocate, you shouldn't have any problem finding a job if you want to teach in Asia.
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Instructions
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Be a native English speaker. You must speak, write and read English fluently. There's really no getting around this one.
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Take an online course in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). In most of Asia, the requirements for obtaining a job teaching English are much more relaxed than in Europe. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars learning how to teach. As long as you can get a certifiable document that says you took a TESOL course from an accredited school, you're eligible to teach (see Resources below).
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Start answering advertisements and doing Internet searches for language schools, elementary and high schools and preparatory schools that are looking for teachers. A great place to start is the Teach English in Asia website (see Resources). The best times of year for new hires are generally the summer and late fall.
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Compare your offers. You'll likely receive many offers of employment from many organizations hungry to take on qualified native speakers. Make sure your contract covers your flights over and back as well as a stipend for housing.
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Find out what work visa you need and how much effort it will take on your part to obtain it. Many schools help you come over but keep your employment under the table. Going this route can be dangerous to you and get you kicked out of the country if you're discovered. The American Embassy will still cover you for protection, but the IRS won't like that you've made unreported income.
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Get everything in writing. Require a signed, faxed copy of your contract. There's not a lot you can do in many Asian countries to enforce contracts or resolve discrepancies. Still, having it in writing helps to make it official and protect you if they back out of their part of the deal.
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Tips & Warnings
If English is your second language but you can prove that you have absolutely no accent, you might get away with claiming that English is your native language.
If housing is provided for you, demand pictures. Not all teacher housing will meet your expectations.
