Hey there. I haven't done this before so please bear with me. If someone had said to me 18 months ago I would be teaching English in China - I would of rolled on the floor laughing, but here I am! While admit you won't become a billionaire… millionaire… or for that matter remotely rich the experience is awesome! I have been lucky enough over the last 15 years to travel through most countries and wish I had learned about how to go about teaching in other countries way back in the beginning (would of mean less nights on train station benches!)
First look up on your net for the cheapest and easiest way to gain a TESOL certificate cost is relatively small around $3-500 and worth every penny. You can do these on the net, but if you have no teaching experience it is well worth going and attending the course - mine took 3 days. Most of the Asian countries are screaming for English speaking teachers. If you are willing to pay extra for your certificate a lot of companies actually offer a posting for you! It really is that simple! If you aren't willing to pay the extra there are countless sites to post your resume that the schools pick from! Or you can of course write directly to the schools.
If you are already a teacher in your own country I can't begin to tell you how it feels to walk into a classroom and have every student wanting to learn! The best part is it really is all fun and games!
I am currently teaching in a small town (400,000 people) in eastern China… The people are amazing. I am the only foreigner in this town and while the rock star status they grant you can be a little daunting at times, it is worth it beyond all measure!
I signed on for 3 months and have now been here 15months and intend on a further 3 years. The people, culture and food (well most of the food) are all gorgeous. Although with the food I work on the policy, if I have to ask what it is - I don't want to know - so just enjoy it.
It doesn't matter if you are 20 or 70, in fact the older you are the more they prefer, you will love this way of life.
Get out there and get learning, after my posting here I am intending on Africa next and hopefully one day the middle east (when things have settled a little and I'm not likely to get shot for teaching English).
