Hello!

My name is Samuel Couture.

I am a trainee teacher studying at Laval University in Quebec and I have many pedagogy classes that help me learn useful teaching techniques. One of these courses deals with culture. I would like to know which countries are the most appreciated for teachers who would like to go abroad. What are your experiences? Teaching abroad is an option that I am considering and I would like to know where would be a good place to start. Also, do you know good websites where I could find useful information about teaching abroad? This is really something that I'd like to try one later on in my life. I am only 20 years old, and I am eager to begin my teaching career!

Hi Samuel,
Currently the ESL markets with the greatest demand for teachers are in Asia: Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, etc. Depending upon your credentials, finding a teaching position in these countries can be pretty straightforward. Typically requirements are: BA from an English speaking country (preferably BA in English or related discipline), native English speaker, and TESOL certification.

Will you have completed your degree before going abroad? Is the faculty you're in at Laval English? Are you a native English speaker? Was your pre-university formal education taught in English? These are some of the questions recruiters will be asking. Korea in particular tends to take issue with degrees from Quebec. If you apply to Korea, I would suggest you highlight the English side of your credentials as much as possible.

For more information on TESOL certification, and teaching English abroad, you can refer to http://www.oxfordseminars.com. There is a wealth of information on this website about the various ESL markets around the world and requirements to teach in each of those areas.

I hope this helps.
Lyndsey Pratt
Oxford Seminars
http://www.oxfordseminars.com