PRIVATE LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
The majority of first time English language teachers find employment with private language schools. Depending on the country, class sizes and abilities vary. These are often small private businesses, so while they can be strict on certain business practices, they generally take care of their teachers. It is important that you choose your school carefully. General work requirements involve a certificate based on successful completion of a minimum of 100 hour course. Usually teachers are expected to be native English speakers and to teach 25-30 hours a week on average with about 12-15 hours of preparation work. The employment process for this type of institute is often simpler than with a public school and the waiting times are usually shorter. In this environment you will usually be among a team with other native English speakers who are generally happy to assist new teachers.


PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Usually when a foreign teacher works in a public school, they work as a partner or team teacher. In many cases there are less work hours, and longer vacations than in private academies. Overall, public schools offer better conditions including accommodation, airfare reimbursement, and sometimes health insurance. Qualifications for public school teachers are therefore much more stringent. Teachers should hold degrees and be native English speakers. Class sizes are usually larger and contracts are usually limited to 1 year minimum. It is often important to find jobs months in advance.


SUMMER CAMPS
For teachers looking for a fun trip and enjoy working with children, summer camps in Asia and Europe offer short contracts of 4-6 week in language camps. These are for school aged children and teens. It is preferred that you have some experience with children although it's not always necessary. Camp organisers expect teachers to have a TEFL/TESOL certificate.


UNIVERSITIES
If you are an experienced TEFL/TESOL teacher or you have an advanced degree in an English related subject, you may be looking to move into a job at the university level. These positions hold higher prestige in the community. They provide opportunities to work with advanced students and young adults. They generally pay higher and provide better working conditions.


PRIVATE TUTORING
While under an employment contract, it is still often possible to supplement your income by providing private lessons or building a local business as a freelance tutor. It is possible for some teachers to double their salaries by teaching students privately outside their regular employment or during holidays.


BUSINESS
Business English teachers teach either within a business premises itself or in a course at a language school. Typically, students are adults and are company employees who either want or need to learn English to better their careers. Business English courses are usually organised by the company and have specific goals. They can be highly rewarding for professional teachers. Business knowledge isn’t compulsory, but desired.


ESP
ESP (English for Specific Purposes) refers to teaching a specific genre of mostly technical English for students with specific goals. These goals can be related to their jobs or university study. These could include such examples as; English for Academic Purposes (for students who wish to enter university in an English-speaking country), Hotel & Catering English (for hospitality professionals), or English for Business and Management. These rewarding jobs can be found all over the world.


VOLUNTEER TO TEACH ENGLISH ABROAD
If you do not require payment and are able to offer English lessons for food, a bed and a warm shower, then you will find that the emotional reward and experience you gain will be immense. Struggling countries around the world have an immense and urgent need for volunteer teachers. Volunteer work is normally short term, with positions lasting between one week and a couple of months..