Teaching English as a Second Language?

Question

What kind of degree would I need to teach English as a second language abroad?

I live in Canada if it makes any difference.

I think teaching English in Asia, particularly Japan, would be interesting...

Answer 1

If you plan to go to college, you can always get a degree w/ ESL licensure.  Most people get a degree in a foreign language and then get an add on licensure to teach. I am not sure as to what abroad requirements there are but there are a few good programs you could look into for when you get out of college. One of the programs is the Peace Corps. A teacher I know teaches French now but spent a year in the Peace Corps in Africa teaching English to French speaking students. The other program is the Fulbright Grant. This is very difficult to get so you have do really well in college. This is a grant that is paid and you go to another country to either study or teach. I got accepted for a Fulbright Grant to Madrid Spain to teach English to elementary students but had to turn it down due to an illness in my family. I hope I've helped you some!:)

Answer 2

I have been an ESL teacher in Asia since 1996 and first began my teaching with nothing more than a "business management" degree (B.S.), not even a language degree.  I didn't make much at the time (about USD$14 per hour), but that gradually moved up to about USD$30 per class hour.  Being from Canada makes no difference overall.  Japan and Korea are the two top billings from my experience both in numbers of Language Institutes in Asia and compensation benefits.  Most agencies hiring you will want you to also complete a TESL/TEFL or similar certification along with your B.A./B.S. degree.  Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

If you want to teach at a language school, all you will need is a bachelor's degree. I don't think many schools are very particular, but a degree in English would probably be better. And it wouldn't hurt to get a teaching certificate. If you want to teach at the university level, you will need at least a master's degree or probably a Ph.D.

The websites below have a lot of excellent articles on teaching English in Asia. They will give you some idea what it's like to live and work in Asia.