Getting a job is one of the first steps in traveling abroad to teach English. Ok, simple enough, but where does one start? There are no less than 5 million recruiters, YouTube videos, ESL forums, and blogs out there offering advice and direction (and some less desirable commentary).
I see ESL instruction as a long-term endeavor for myself. This realization has led me to research many of the opportunities around the world in multiple industries. I’ve scoped out recruiters, found many job posting portals and forums, researched requirements, and have kept myself abreast of the latest jobs in East Asia, South East Asia, and the Middle East, as well as South America – my ultimate goal!
I try to answer readers’ questions and post information when possible. It’s a harrowing endeavor finding recruiters, gathering documentation and choosing the right school. Hopefully something I have to offer will lessen that burden for you. As always, feel free to ask anything you like. I try to answer every email I receive.
Get started with Getting a Job Teaching English (ESL)
- How to Get a Job Teaching English in Korea
- 6 Tips for a Successful Interview
- I Speak English. I’m Not American or British…Can I Teach English Abroad?
- Coming to Korea Without a Job
- Getting Your Passport, Visa, and CRC
- How to Apostille Your Diploma and CRC
- How to Get Your Reference Letters Done Quickly
- Teach English in Korea if You’re from These Countries
Hi Tom,
My name is Wayne and I love watching your videos on Youtube. They are very informative and I respect you for telling it like it is. One of my plans is to teach English in South Korea soon. Keep on posting those great videos.
Thanks, Wayne! Good luck finding a position in Korea. You can always message me on my Facebook page if you have any questions.
No problem!!! I recently applied for the JET Program Japan and I’m excited. The only issue that I have is they will interview me in February and won’t know if I got into the program until April. One of my goals is to teach English in the public schools, but would have to wait until July/August to get in. I am thinking about teaching in a private school for one year and switching over to public school afterwards. Would you know anyone that has done this? If you do, just let me know. I would really appreciate it.
Just graduated college a week ago and this coming October I have been accepted to participate in a volunteer organization in the US called Americorps. After that my dream for a few years now is to join the peace corps. I was wondering if peace corps experience would make me a more attractive candidate for ESL teaching?
I would think so. It would show an open-mindedness about you having worked in other cultures already. I think it sounds like a great plan.
Hey! I just started my new blog. I love yours and can’t wait to dig deeper into it! I actually found you on the infamous YouTube! You have great information…. thank you 🙂
I want to add that I am also half Korean and one of your videos were really awesome in answering some questions I had!
I’m glad they were helpful. Are you planning on teaching while your husband is deployed?
It’s just my son, David and I!! We are two peas in a pod, ha! Nothing here in the states holding us back!!! 🙂
You should definitely go and see some of the world then. Even if it’s for only 1 year, it’ll fly by like it never even happened and everything will be the same when you get home. So go for it!
That’s why I want to leave… everything.will.be.the.same. It’s time to fly away and visit back when I can. 🙂
Awesome, thank you. Good luck with your blog!
Hey Tom!
Thanks for all the information you provide on your blog! My wife and I would love to teach English for a year as I take the year off before going to medical school. We both have a BA (Biochemistry and Theology) from accredited Universities and we plan on getting our TESOL soon (from LinguaEdge). But I’m wondering about the process of applying as a couple. We don’t particularly care if we teach at different schools, as long as at least one of us has a reasonable commute. We would definitely live together as well.
What is your advice? We want to get in somewhere this summer.
-With gratitude,
-Austin
Austin,
That is entirely doable. There are schools from time to time that are looking for couples. Also, it’s possible to find teaching jobs within the same city so you have some different options. If you’d like to send me your resume, I can forward it to my recruiting associate to see how they can help. My email is tgates209@gmail.com
Thanks,
Tom
Hey Tom!
I have a few questions…
What is your advice for applying as a couple? Would there be special housing accommodations? Also, do some schools offer to find your own housing?
Thanks!
-Austin
Austin,
If a school is hiring a couple, then the apartment would be larger to accommodate. The school will typically find the apartment for you before you get here in Korea.
Tom
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