What qualifications do I need to be an ESL teacher?

Question

I'd like to travel to a lot of different places and work. I am British so that's an obvious plus, and i'm studying English lit/language now at college! So what else would I need? Do I just need a degree in ESL teaching or what? I would love to go to places like Hawaii or Africa. And also, what is the pay like for an ESL teacher? I know places like Hawaii are expensive to live in. Does they pay depend on where you work? Or is there some sort of average?

Thanks. x*x

Answer 1

I wouldn't recommend planning on coming to Hawaii to teach ESL. There are many American ESL teachers, and it would be easier for them to find a job there than it would be for a foreigner. Also, the education system in Hawaii is known for not being very good and the cost of living there is high, so I don't think it would be the best place to work anyway.

In Africa, the pay will be very, very low. You could do it for a year or two if you want to experience it, but I wouldn't recommend it as a career.

The best places to work longer term are in Asia, especially Korea. In Korea, you would make enough money to live quite comfortably and to save plenty as well. You'd easily be qualified for jobs there.

The pay will depend very much on where you work. In most places around the world, your pay won't equal what you would earn at home, but it's often more than the average person there makes.

Answer 2

My aunt is an ESL teacher, and she holds a bachelor degree in ESL teaching. If you plan on coming to the States, you will need to check up on the certification requirements of the state you choose to inhabit.  In addition to this, I would recommend that you study another language, of which Spanish would be of most benefit in the States.  My aunt makes about $32,000 annually.