International

You don’t need a certification to teach English abroad, but having one of the following will give you more options and higher pay.

• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) means teaching English where English is not regularly spoken, such as in a classroom in Korea or Taiwan
• TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) means teaching English in an environment where English is spoken outside the classroom, such as teaching English to new immigrants or international students in Canada
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) means teaching in teacher training programs for people whose first language is not English. It’s often used as a generic term to include all types of English language classes, including TESL and TEFL

Where to get certification in Victoria

• UVic Linguistics offers an Applied Linguistics Diploma. This one-year program is for students who already have a bachelor's degree and want to specialize in teaching English or another language as a second language
• UVic Continuing Studies offers a 120-hour TEFL training course: TEFL for Native Speakers of English
• private companies in Victoria may also offer local TESL training. Search "Victoria TESL/TEFL/TESOL."

You can find an ESL teaching job before you go, or find one once you’re in the country. Both options have benefits and drawbacks. Do your research once you’ve chosen a country.

• Europe: Southern Europe, including Spain, Portugal and Italy, needs qualified ESL instructors. Eastern Europe is also an ESL hotspot, especially in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Remember to factor in the cost of living.
• Asia: Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are the most popular countries for ESL teachers, and offer the highest salaries (and higher living expenses). Other in-demand regions are China, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Indonesia.
• South and Central America: Growing economies and more disposable income mean more teaching opportunities in South and Central American countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru. However, salaries in general are not high (although living expenses may be much lower).
• Africa: Many African countries appreciate volunteer ESL teachers, but paid positions are rare.  As a volunteer, your food and lodging will likely be covered but you’ll need to pay other costs yourself.
• Middle East: Public institutions and private schools hire ESL teachers in places like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Lebanon. They offer higher wages if you have professional credentials.

Your résumé for an ESL teaching position should be straightforward, without abbreviations or acronyms. Emphasize your:

• teaching experience
• education
• knowledge of other languages
• international experience
• general people skills

When you email your application to a potential employer, copy and paste your résumé into the message instead of submitting it as an attachment. 

In an interview, you’ll need to speak clear, standard English (no slang or jargon). You should also dress semi-formal, as many countries have stricter dress and behaviour standards than Canada.

As an au pair, you can experience a new country and gain practical household and childcare experience. Normally, you’ll live with a family and get free room and board and a small salary in exchange for your services.

The safest way to find an au pair position is to go through a reputable agency. This means that if your host family situation doesn't work out, they’ll help you make other arrangements. You can find many agencies through an online search, or meet with a career educator for advice.

Once you’ve settled on an agency, check its reputation through the Better Business Bureau or the consulate of the country you plan to work in.