For many years now, English has been recognized as the "universal language" in the global business community. Due to the huge influx of non-English speaking immigrants and workers moving to the United States, as well as the need for international business people to speak and understand English, the demand for ESL (English as a Second Language) certified teachers is on the rise. Many people are attracted to this field as a potential career because of the opportunity to earn a good living while traveling and living around the world.
Requirements to obtain an ESL certification vary depending on where one wishes to work and live. Prospective teachers must have at least a Bachelors degree, both in the U.S. as well as abroad, in order to be considered for employment. In the U.S., depending on the state where one is employed, alternative programs may allow a student to teach ESL while studying for the Certification.
When working abroad, formal certification may not be a requirement, though it could improve one's chances when looking for a position. Work papers and VISAs are also usually necessary for teaching ESL outside the U.S., but these are usually unobtainable until an individual can provide proof of employment. Often an employer can assist with acquiring necessary paperwork, once hired.
ESL teacher certification programs consist of a progressive curriculum of coursework. Classroom (student) teaching experience is also often required, followed by standardized testing and governmental review. Since these teachers adhere to the "total immersion method" of instruction, they are not required to be bilingual. The goal of ESL is to use classroom strategies and techniques that assist students achieve fluency as quickly as possible.
Because of its importance in the business community throughout most of Europe, English is taught in the schools to all children; though this is not yet the case outside of Europe. Children who immigrate to the United States require English instruction to help them quickly master the language and assimilate into the culture. Adults can attend English language classes at community colleges and other language schools.
In the Asian and Arab worlds and in many emerging countries, the demand for ESL instructors is quite high. As emerging nations move towards a globally-integrated future, the demand for command of the English language will continue to grow.
In general, ESL teachers abroad enjoy a comfortable standard of living and good pay. Salaries vary from country to country, and the cost of living also fluctuates widely. Living in a large city like Tokyo, Shanghai or Seoul is more expensive than residing and teaching in a more rural area. However, many teachers find that the cultural experience is more rewarding outside of the urban areas anyway where they have the opportunity to enjoy the culture and appreciate the natural landscapes of the country.
There are financial and career incentives for ESL teachers. Experiences abroad translate well into at-home ESL positions. In addition, many teachers opt to continue their own education and obtain a Masters teaching certification both to improve their skill set and raise their salary.
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