Earlier this week we talked about non-teaching jobs abroad, for all of those who want a job that involves something besides teaching English as a foreign language. While there are plenty of those types of jobs out there, the most popular overseas job remains teaching English, and with good reason! Teaching English in a foreign country has many benefits: flexibility, competitive wages, and using a skill that you already have.

Teaching English abroad also provides tons of interaction with locals – you’d be surprised at how much you can learn about a foreign language just by teaching someone English. Things like slang, history and culture all come through when you are talking with someone about what to say, and what not to say, in both social and business situations.

To many, the key to teaching English abroad is certification. The easiest way to give someone your credentials and make them feel comfortable about having you as an instructor is to explain that you are either certified in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language).

That’s a lot of acronyms! It might be difficult to make sense of all of those letters, so we’ve compiled from frequently asked questions about teaching abroad certifications to make the process easier for you to begin. So if you’re looking for or securing a teach abroad job for the summer, look no further for answers!

1) Which certification do I need?

The truth is, you don’t “need” any certification at all (see question 2 below). But it is a good idea to look into some sort of certification if you want to fall into the English teaching abroad world more easily,. If you are looking into a specific program abroad, they might even require that you are certified before you can be deployed.

The TEFL is the standard certification for English instructors abroad (and in the United States).  It can be completed either in person or online. You will have to complete a course (which can also be done online) to qualify for the TEFL certification.  There are many (many many) online resources for the TEFL course, most of which will charge you are pretty penny to take the course and become certified.

2) Can I teach English abroad without any certification?

The short answer to this question is YES. But you should be award of a few things as you try to find a job. The first is that teaching at any of the major English language schools will be close to impossible While teaching English abroad is very lucrative, it is also very popular. Students studying abroad, and those working in other jobs may teach English on the side to make extra money, leaving the market saturated with potential teachers and tutors. Those with certifications can stream line the process of applying for jobs at the major schools by using their certifications to prove credibility.

If you don’t have TEFL, don’t worry! There are opportunities for you. There are many people who are looking for a more casual learning experience, or just a conversation partner to learn English with. You’ll have to do a little more work to find them, but Craigslist (and similar marketplaces abroad) are full of people requesting English tutoring. It is generally cheaper for them to find someone outside of an English school, and you get to keep more of your wages (and decide how much to charge, for that matter) than you would if you were working for a school.

3) Where should I take the TEFL course? How much should it cost?

This is where things get tricky. There is now official TEFL certification. There are simply schools (or online course providers) that offer ways to earn a certificate. The key to making the best use of your money with TEFL is to make sure that your course if recognized by a reputable external organization, UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate).

Another important component to TEFL is real-world experience. While many can get everything they need from an online course, only in-person courses can offer classroom observation and hands-on experience.

TEFLCourseReview.com and TEFL.net host forums where you can rate the different TEFL courses (both online and in-person). Consult the boards on those sites (or other similar review sites) before you commit to any TEFL course financially.

The cost for a TEFL course will vary from school to school, with the average cost for an in-person class (and I would recommend in-person over online classes) at about $2,000 (longer for longer-duration classes) and online classes at about $500. If you find a deal that is much lower than that, beware – extremely cheap classes are likely not recognized by employers abroad.

4)   How long does TEFL certification take?

A good course should last for no less than 4 weeks.

A great course might be closer to three months. Some schools offer a weekend class that packs in close to 18 hours in just two days – this may sound attractive, but I would only advise taking part in accelerated courses as a refresher class, not as your only experience with TEFL or teaching English.

TEFL and other courses are only part of the teaching abroad experience. Great English teachers are passionate about language, interested in meeting new people, and are extremely patient. If you posses these qualities, the teaching abroad experience might be the right fit for you.

Time Magazine’s feature story this week is a sobering report on double digit unemployment. The magazine asks, frighteningly, if double-digit unemployment is here to stay. Economists had long since told us that when growth returned, jobs would return. But now, top labor analysts are wondering whether this truism still rings true. Has something fundamental changed (been destroyed) in our economy?

What’s the solution? According to the Time reporter, it’s as “simple” as an employment-emergency bill, which will:

guarantee jobless workers a basic set of rights for two to three years: health care, access to retraining, subsidized mentoring for careers in high-end manufacturing or health services.

One thing I did notice was that the article once again pointed to recession-proof/growth industries as education, health care and other service industires. It’s the same areas we have been touting for months here. (Just a reminder, the JobMonkey is a great source of information on these growth careers, including our extension section on nursing jobs, teaching ESL jobs, and green jobs.)

Okay, now, politics aside (is that possible these days), what do you think? Go read the article on Time Magazine, and then share your opinions with us!

Newsweek online has a great piece this week about ten recession-proof careers.  Here’s a look at four of the job fields that are still hiring (Halleluyah!) and links to corresponding sections about these career options from JobMonkey.

1) Security
Jobs with the Defense Department and America’s Homeland Security are on the rise. According to a 2007 report, there will be more 80,000 new jobs in these fields in the next two years. If you include local crime fighting in these figures, I’m guessing the numbers will be even higher — much higher — since the recently passed Stimulus Bill includes billions in funding for law enforcement.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s section on US Federal Government Jobs.

2) Solar & Wind Energy
With the new administration’s focus on clean energy alternatives, green jobs in energy production are growing by leaps and bounds. Green industries currently account for about 8.5 million American jobs, according to the American Solar Energy Society. With the Stimulus Bill’s $70 billion for green energy, there could be another three to five million new green jobs created over the next decade.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s section on Green Industry Careers.

3) Health Care & Nursing
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, half of the thirty fastest growing careers are in health care. Medical assistants, physical and occupational therapists, home health aides and medical record technicians are all hot careers. So is nursing. In fact, the nationwide nursing shortage is forcing states like California to lure RNs with signing bonuses, relocation reimbursements and flexible schedules.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s section on RN Jobs.

4) Education
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2.8 million new teachers will be needed over the next eight years. Senior level educators are also in need, including principals, headmasters and other school officials.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s sections on Teaching English as a Second Language and Teaching Jobs Abroad.

I hope this list of four recession-proof careers gives you a little optimism in this rather doom-and-gloom economy. To see the full list of ten careers that are still hiring, be sure to check out the Newsweek article.

Are you an adventurous spirit? Do you want more out of job than punching a clock and getting your paycheck?

I read in the Boston Globe today about an interesting new program between the United States and Ireland to approve work visas for college graduates. The program is designed to support recent grads who want to spend a year or more in each others’ country.

That article inspired me to write a post I’ve had on the back burner for a while now: Where and how to get a job in Europe. Let’s take a little trip around the Continent…

Ireland, England and Scotland
The unemployment rate in Ireland is at nearly 10 percent — even worse than here in the U.S.

There are still opportunities, however, for those of you interested in working in tourism or high tech. The Green Isle also hires experienced miners. Temporary American workers can find work in the U.K. at places like pubs or summer camps. Longer-term opportunities are available in the IT sector.

France & Germany
Both France and Germany offer opportunities to English-speaking au pairs, so if you want to work in English nanny-ing is a great way to see central Europe. Other opportunities for English-speaking professionals include military bases or high tech companies in Germany, and the resort industry in France. If you currently have your own business and want to take your show on the road, France is a great place to do that. The country has some of the most favorable laws for consultants in the EU.

Italy, Spain & Greece
Tourism is the name of the game in the Mediterranean, especially in the summer. There are also great opportunities for teaching English and working as an au pair in both Italy and Spain.

Eastern Europe
Opportunities abound for entrepreneurs in Eastern Europe, including those who want to start a business or work as a consultant. Eastern Europe also has English teaching opportunities, including at the college and professional level.

Now once you have found a job or settled on a country you want to work in, it’s time to look at the logistics of this adventure.

•    Do you have a current American passport? If not, now is the time to apply for one.

•    Do you know the visas and work permits for Europe? Each country sets its own guidelines. Check out JobMonkey for a country-by-country list of visa regulations.

•    Do you know where you will live? You will need to line up a place to stay when you first land. In the summer, many colleges rent out dorm rooms. The local U.S. Consulate should have a list of reputable apartment brokers. Or if you can check the city’s Craigslist.

How’s your job search going? Maybe today’s Hot Jobs post will make it a little easier. I’ve got three hot leads for you on jobs in points west — California, Hawaii and Japan.

Hopefully one of these might be your dream job, but if not, be sure to check out JobMonkey’s extensive — and free — database of job openings.

#1. Activities Director Job, JPI Partners, LLC, Los Angeles, CA
JPI is a national apartment management company looking for a full-time Activities Director to join their team at the Orsini luxury apartment homes in downtown LA. This person will be responsible for facilitating all resident activities, including on occasional nights and weekends. The ideal candidate will be a people person with great customer service, a professional image and a "cheerful demeanor". Previous experience in the hospitality industry is preferred. Salary and benefits are competitive.  For more information and to apply for the position, visit www.theorsini.com.

#2. Ramp Agent Jobs, Hawaiian Airlines, Lihue, HI
Hawaiian Airlines is looking for a ramp agent who will be responsible for loading, stowing and unloading cargo and baggage in accordance with flight loading plans.  The ramp agent will also handle cleaning of the aircraft baggage pits and operation of automotive equipment. The ideal candidate will be a high school graduate with a good driving record and the ability to lift up to 70 pounds. The candidate must also have good customer relations, fluent English and HAZMAT Material Training.  Apply directly with Hawaiian Airlines. 

#3. English Teacher in Japan, AEON Inter-Cultural Corporation, Japan
Last week we talked about ESL jobs in the United States, and I mentioned that there is also a growing market for teaching English abroad.  Here’s one such opportunity: Teaching conversational English in Japan. 

AEON Corporation is one of the leading English conversation schools in Japan, teaching adults and children at 270 branches throughout Japan. Candidates must be living in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand and Japan. Hiring is conducted through AEON’s recruiting offices (check the JobMonkey job ad for a detailed listing) and candidates must travel at their own expense for the job interview.  The two-day interview process includes a general information meeting, a group interview, and a private interview. Teachers may express their preference for location and population (children or adults), although AEON reserves the right to make all final placement decisions. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree in any major, a perfect command of the English language, and a genuine interest in teaching and people of Japan. Knowledge of Japanese is helpful, but not required.  Past teaching experience is not required.

Teachers receive a monthly salary of 255,000 yen (@ $2,600) with a one-time bonus upon completion of their one-year contract. Teachers also receive basic medical insurance and a single occupancy, fully furnished apartment, for which they pay a subsidized rent of 39,000 yen (@ $400) a month.  Teachers must pay for their own flight to Japan, although their return ticket is provided by AEON upon completion of the final contract. To apply, you must send a current resume and a one-page essay titled, "Why I want to live and work in Japan" to the regional office nearest you.  Here’s a list of the upcoming AEON interview schedule by region.
 

Every Thursday, I spotlight a different career path. Given the job crunch that so many of us are experiencing, I’m doing my best to pick areas that are and will continue to be in high demand. Nothing can be 100 percent recession proof, but our Thursday spotlights are areas that still offer a lot of promise — even in these trying economic times.

This Thursday, the focus is on Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). As far as recession-proof jobs, it doesn’t get much better than teaching, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  ESL is a particularly promising field, given that:

• 10 million immigrants have come to the United States since the year 2000
• 1 in 4 people in California alone is currently learning English
• 27 percent of all schools with bilingual/ESL teaching vacancies found them very difficult or impossible to fill, according to the National Center for Education Statistics http://nces.ed.gov/
• From 1989 to 2000, the number of non-native English speakers in the United States grew by 104.7%, according to a survey performed by the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition

What does an ESL teacher do?
ESL Teachers help non-native English speaking students to develop their English-speaking and writing skills. Along with teaching grammar and vocabulary, many ESL teachers also assist their students in acclimating to American culture.  ESL teachers may teach in elementary, junior high or high schools, or they may teach adults (typically at a local community college).

What education and certification is required to be an ESL teacher?
ESL teaching requirements vary from state-to-state. Various schools also have their own additional requirements.  Typically, an ESL teacher is required to hold:

• Bachelor’s Degree in English or a related subject
• Specialized coursework in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
• Specialization in bilingual, cross-cultural coursework
• Teaching credential or certification

As a rule, most entry-level teaching jobs require a Bachelor’s degree plus a teaching certificate. If you wish to teach at a college or university, you will need to hold a minimum of a Master’s degree, even for an entry-level position.

What is the earning potential for an ESL teacher?
In 2004, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that K-12 ESL teachers earned a median salary of $41,400-$45,920. Some states even provide a financial bonus, like the $20,000 "signing" bonus in Massachusetts. Rutgers University in New Jersey recently advertised a full-time ESL teaching position for an 11-month work contract at $45,000/year.

Where can I learn more about ESL jobs?

Aside from the JobMonkey’s extensive Teaching English as a Second Language section, you might want to check out the following ESL sites:

• The About.com guide to ESL Jobs
• The English Club’s guide to ESL Jobs
• ESL USA
• ESL Teacher’s Board

By the way, if you’d rather travel abroad to do your teaching, opportunities should also be plentiful. 

• English is the third most spoken language in the world, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish (www.cia.gov)
• 5% of the world’s 6.6 billion people are native English speakers
• The British Council estimates that 1 billion are currently learning English as a second language
• English is the international language for academics and the Internet

Stay tuned next week for more on how to land an ESL job abroad.

If you’ve got the travel bug, you probably already know that there is no better way to learn about another culture than by immersing yourself in it. Of course, not everyone has the budget to spend several months or more at a time just drinking coffee and soaking up the local flavors. If you want to enjoy the adventure of life abroad, but need some cash to fund your trip, there are numerous teaching abroad jobs that just might meet the bill. JobMonkey’s section on Teach Abroad Jobs offers information about training, employment conditions and foreign customs in three different areas: Eastern Europe English Teaching Jobs, Asia Teaching Jobs, and English Teaching Jobs in Greece.

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is a rapidly growing field that provides practically limitless opportunities for recent college graduates and other professionals looking to make a career change. In the state of California alone, one in four people is currently learning English as a second language, which makes the state a center for individuals seeking work in bilingual education. If you’d like to learn more about helping people across America and around the world learn English as a second language, start by reading up on career opportunities at JobMonkey’s section on ESL Teaching Jobs.