Tip of the month:
Ask the agency if you may contact past participants of the course. This is wise for two reasons. One, you will be able to get a first hand account of the program. Two, their cooperation or lack thereof may be indicative of the quality of the agency.

So you want to Teach English Abroad:

As you are probably aware, there has been a definite increase in the demand for English teachers overseas. English has become an international language, used in trade, science, politics, technology and more. Around the world, English is taught everywhere from grade schools, universities and private language schools to companies and businesses. The field is wide open, both for those with experience and those without. While the majority of jobs are in Asia, opportunities to teach elsewhere are certainly available. The "big" markets right now are in Eastern Europe, Turkey, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, China and Japan.

Because of this increase in demand for teachers:
There has also been a demand for the qualifications these teachers must possess, Most schools require you to have at least a Bachelor’s degree and more than ever, certificates and degrees in the teaching of English as a Foreign Language are being asked for. However, anyone who can speak English fluently and who has a lively, positive personality still has a reasonable chance of finding an opening as a teacher somewhere.

Where you want to teach:
If you are considering teaching abroad, be it in South America or Southeast Asia, there are several issues to be aware of before you start your job search. With careful analysis and research, you will find yourself prepared to shop the job market and get yourself the best job possible. If you have already decided to teach English abroad, or even if you are simply considering the option, your first step should be to research the different possibilities. There are good jobs and bad ones, good companies and bad ones, and it is your responsibility to be a consumer and find out which are the good ones. Talk to people who have done what you’re hoping to do. Their firsthand knowledge can be an invaluable resource.

The following resource materials or links:

Teaching English Overseas – A Job Guide for Americans and Canadians by Jeff Mohamed
The Big Guide to Working and Living Overseas by Jean-Marc Hachey

Tip of the month:

Remember:
1. Select an appropriate email address.
2. Check job criteria carefully to ensure suitability.
3. Provide employers with requested information and any other information that may be relevant.
4. Be respectful and professional in all correspondence that you send.
5. Take the time to write a specific application for the actual position you are applying for and make reference to the terms of the position to show that you have actually read the position information.
6. Check your correspondence for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors prior to sending it to an employer.
7. Then wait for a response, and while you are waiting, look at other jobs and send in your cover letter, dont just take the first job.

English langauge Teachers requires flexibility and patience. The best candidates are self-starters and independent types who will genuinely respect the host people and their culture. Teachers should never go to teach Western ways, nor are they there to rescue someone. They go to share their energy and time with others, to experience another culture first-hand, and to grow personally, spiritually, and professionally.

This may be one of the most difficult aspects of a Teachers experience. Some of the culture's characteristics will baffle your sense of logic, or challenge your idea of justice; however, remember that you are the visitor. No lone teacher can change centuries of social traditions and practices. Before you commit to teaching abroad, you must look inside yourself and evaluate honestly if you are flexible enough to respect a new culture. Your role as an international teacher is not to teach the superiority of your society's ways, but to work within a foreign culture to make a positive difference. However, many teaching programs do incorporate modern technology and practices in language education, listing and speaking, to name a few. Many programs can use your help teaching your native language to the locals. Your background is invaluable to these projects.

Tip:
Significant results: Nearly 84% of the responding school stated that a job seeker's portfolio can be a significant selection tool along with references, credentials, transcripts, résumé, cover letter, and personal interview. A well-prepared portfolio can contribute to your success. However, hiring officials caution that a poorly-constructed portfolio can diminish your chance of future employment in the teaching field.

Portfolios that reflect standards and recognized teaching proficiencies can increase job chances with a TESOL diploma or TESOL specialization courses

Tip of the month: Always be reminded take care of our world and yourself. If you show respect for the people that you work with and for and different cultures you meet, they will respect you.