Recent surveys reveal there are more ESL jobs worldwide than there are qualified teachers but research is required to find the most suitable positions.
Twenty or thirty years ago the odds of finding a job teaching English somewhere in the world were in favor of the job-seeker. However, today supply and demand has given the profession a more competitive edge. Jobs abound world-wide for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL). As the Internet and other technologies continue to enlarge a global society, the increased use of English as a common language is creating possibilities in ESL careers, limited only by the imagination.
Recent surveys reveal there are more ESL jobs worldwide than there are qualified teachers but, research is required to find the most suitable positions. Much can be accomplished through the Internet, college career centers, and books published on the topic of teaching English in all parts of the world. Recruiters from all commercialized countries make available job placements, but need to be researched carefully for credibility. For information on potential employers try looking on the Internet for ESL forums, or ask an employer to provide contact with existing or past employees to confer with.
Qualification for Obtaining ESL teaching Employment
Although some schools and organizations outside of the United States may hire untrained teachers, the norm around the world is to employ well-educated certified instructors. For many jobs, candidates should have most of the following:
- Current teacher certification and experience in teaching. (Those lacking in experience may choose volunteering at a local school or community resource center to gain experience.)
- BA Degree in a field related to teaching.
- Bilingualism may be a plus.
- Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organization and time management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and follow through.
- Positive, can-do attitude towards a variety of cultures.
- Srong work ethic.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Resourcefulness and flexibility.
-Ability to work independently with a high level of initiative.
Preparing for the Job Search
After acquiring proper education and ESL credentials, evaluating personal and professional goals will help focus the task of finding a job. As in any field, it is important to first establish your objectives before working towards meeting your goals. An objective is merely a statement of what is to be accomplished. Development of objectives should include an assessment of your past experiences, interests, failures and successes. Prioritizing objectives will lead to establishment of goals. Once the goals are established, consider these options to beginning an ESL employment search.
1)Remain in the community in which you currently live.
Job opportunities in any particular local may or may not be readily apparent.
Colleges and University placement offices offer a starting point for any job search, along with local newspapers and the Internet. Some elementary, middle and high schools may offer adult literacy programs for adults, including courses on English as a second language. Investigating the community may reveal surprising options. Adult and continuing education classes may include ESL courses for local immigrants.
Local businesses may be seeking the skills of ESL instructors to improve communication between a variety of languages spoken in the modern workplace. In some locations a self-starter may be able to earn a healthy income by offering tutorial services.
2)Locate in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico).
The United States has been restructuring public schools to fit the needs of immigrants since the beginning of the 20th century. States bordering Canada and Mexico and those in the eastern part of the country provide experienced, traditional markets, but as the relocation of the US population becomes more common place, all fifty states now present opportunities for ESL job-seekers. The US Census offers statistics for determining which states might be most likely to need ESL teachers. Besides public schools, check out literacy programs in the area.
There are many US ESL language centers located on college and university campuses, however, acquisition of employment for ESL teaching may be difficult due to competitive job markets. Many wanting a long term position in the US may need to pursue completion of a master's degree. Those willing to make the extra effort can prosper.
In Mexico the average job requirements, conditions & salary for English teaching positions, as in all countries, depends on the institution. For specifics, contact the institute(s) of interested for application. In general, a master's degree is required for teaching ESL in Mexico. The average work schedule for teachers is twenty hours per week with teachers earning from thirty-five to sixty pesos per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Institutions may arrange housing accommodations for employees, but travel expenses most often are incurred by the employee. Besides traditional schools, teachers are needed to instruct general business English within Mexican companies.
Most ESL teaching positions in Canada require a combination of personal qualities, education and teaching experience. Successful career ESL teachers go through stages. The start can be wonderful or ugly. It depends on preparation. Many successful career ESL teachers tutored while finishing university and teacher education programs. Volunteer tutoring before a paying position is offered can provide invaluable methods and practice on how to help students. Canada ESL teaching salaries are competitive and reflect the cost of living and comparative salary levels within each province. Recent surveys show Alberta to be the most profitable province to teach in with beginning teachers averaging almost $36,000.
3)Locate in a European country.
Working papers for ESL teachers are required in European countries and are usually given only to those who are not going to replace other European teachers. Europeans are protective of the employment of its native residents. For the British, there may be no problem obtaining papers to work in a neighboring country, but for Americans, Canadians or Australians working in the Far East may be easier when it comes to getting permission to work in a country.
Though monetary compensation may be low in Europe, cultural compensation is high. In comparative terms the highest paying jobs are in Western Europe. ESL teachers in Germany report an unhealthy market. In some areas the market is described as dismal. Currently, Germany's severe recession and high unemployment rate make ESL job prospects grim.
4)Locate in an Asian country.
Oil-producing countries of the Arabian Gulf and in Japan, Korea and Taiwan may provide some reasonably well-paid jobs within the English-speaking communities. It is impossible to work legally without a BA/BS degree. The highest paying jobs are in Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Some teachers in China earn very high salaries.
5) Locate in Central or South America.
Central and South America hold an almost infinite range of opportunities for anyone who wants to share their native English language. From the specialized training for business communities of Santiago and Brasilia to the informal conversation exchanges with local fishermen and waiters, the English language provides a link between visitors and residents. In the big cities the greatest demand for English comes from the business community, and because of the strong commercial ties between the two American continents, the demand tends to be for American English. The whole continent is culturally and economically oriented towards the U.S.
Novice teachers are more likely to be employed by one of the language school chains which offer part-time contracts and relatively low wages. Several South American nations have American or British-style bilingual schools and colleges, although they normally hire state-accredited teachers. A number take on students and university graduates looking for brief periods of work experience.
Even the poorest of Latin American nations offer possibilities to ESL teachers, provided they are prepared to accept a low wage. In contrast to the an hourly wage of $10-$30 in Europeanized cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago, the wages paid by language schools in La Paz and Quito may be closer to two dollars. In-company teaching usually takes place early in the morning; a popular starting time is 7 a.m. People learning English outside their workplaces usually sign up for evening lessons. Most teachers enjoy the off-site teaching more than classroom teaching, which tends to be more textbook-based.
5)Locate in Africa
The English language teaching situation in Africa is based on several political issues. Many ex-colonies of Britain use English as the medium of instruction in state schools. Most teachers are local citizens, but some advanced level positions may be available in universities. In many African countries English is much in demand, but few schools are able to afford native English speaking teachers. Positions are largely filled by voluntary workers (though sometimes living expenses and a small stipend are paid.) There are many placement organizations that can arrange voluntary work in Africa.
Some work is available in South Africa, but as many of their citizens speak English as a native language, opportunities for non-South Africans are somewhat limited. Zimbabwe used to offer a number of possibilities but recent political events have curtailed most ESL activity. At least some opportunities exist in almost all countries of African job prospects. Some work is available in Kenya at government sponsored schools and institutes and also at a few private language and full-curriculum schools. Salaries are not high by international standards, but are sufficient to lead a relatively comfortable life.
The best strategy for obtaining work as an ESL teacher in Africa, or any other country, is to read tenaciously about the country offering the job opportunities. Books on education and about the country of interest are great starters. Learning about the history is also useful and will gain the ESL teacher some points in the country upon arrival. People are always impressed when foreigners take an interest in the host country.
6)Locate in Australia
Work can be found in private language schools in Australia, teaching a mix of Asian, European, South American, and occasionally African students. These schools are similar to those operating in other English speaking countries, and generally consist of young adult students hoping to improve their English while enjoying a carefree lifestyle. This means that motivation levels for learning English can vary widely. Classes range from hard working students desperate to get into Australian colleges, to easy going general English groups with more interest in surf reports than reported speech.
Upon obtaining a visa, contacting all prospective schools with inquiry emails should result in positive responses. Pay in Australia is usually adequate to live on comfortably though definitely not extravagantly. Remember that there is a steady supply of teachers in the bigger cities so your options may be limited. Policies supporting revolving door employment to keep wage costs down are prevalent in Australia. Also, some employers only recognize Australian or British Council school teaching experience when it comes to compensation.
People Everywhere want to Learn English
Though economic conditions in individual countries may impose restrictions on supply and demand, virtually all parts of the world welcome native-speaking teachers. In today's fast-paced technical world, people everywhere want to learn English. Young people especially, are convinced that speaking good English is the passport to a successful career. What is more, they are being encouraged to learn English by many governments. The market For ESL teachers is growing. ESL teachers are in high demand in virtually all parts of the world. With proper training and research on countries, acquisition of an ESL teaching job can be secured.
