A brief to do list by David Vincent.
For many who teach English to speakers of other languages, the job merely represents an enjoyable career break. However, for those who choose to forge a career in this profession, there comes a time when the need for financial stability becomes a reality. Some find that moving abroad to find the best paying language teaching jobs is a necessity. A willingness to move to another country is not enough: landing a well-paid job teaching English requires planning and commitment.
Get the necessary qualifications. Even entry level English language teaching (ELT) jobs require a bachelor’s degree and a basic language teaching certificate in most countries around the world. Getting a high paying job in a country such as the United Arab Emirates will, in most cases, require a master’s level qualification, usually in the area of applied linguistics or Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
Gain the relevant experience. Many job adverts for positions in South Korea and the Arabian Gulf will ask for a minimum of three years’ relevant experience, although five years is often the norm. Most jobs in these countries are either in teaching young learners or teaching university English support classes. Employers will require experience relevant to the particular teaching position. Additional knowledge of specialist areas such as curriculum development, assessment or materials design usually help candidates.
Make a name for yourself in the teaching market. The best paying countries have ELT organizations that run annual conferences and prepare newsletters for their specific context. Many employers have stalls in the jobs fair at the annual TESOL Arabia conference and will value face to face contact with a potential employee. Writing an article for the KOTESOL journal will get you recognized in the local job market.
New blog posting, What you need to do to land a TEFL job in the Arabian Gulf – http://t.co/BcaA0k4