When you think about what an English teacher does, you probably do not imagine someone who ziplines through the canopies of the Chiang Mai rainforests in Thailand or canoes across the Rio Negro fishing for piranhas in Brazil. But that is what countless English teachers are going abroad to do while helping others learn English. If you are someone who enjoys teaching, speaks English, and wants to travel, you should know that the English as a Second Language (ESL) market is constantly in pressing need of ESL teachers.

How do I become certified?

There are many online and offline programs to get Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certified. Groupon offers very good discounts on online TEFL certificate courses, which are recognized in many countries throughout the world. But in some countries, certificates from online programs are not recognized. Some countries also require a college degree while others do not. It is important that you look into the requirements of the countries you want to teach in before deciding which certification program to do.

Is certification necessary?

It is not necessary for all ESL jobs, but it does give you a significant competitive advantage. I would at least consider doing one of the heavily-discounted online courses from Groupon so that you are putting your best foot forward when pursuing this path.

How long do TEFL jobs last?

TEFL jobs can be short term or long term, depending on your contract. The industry standard is a one-year contract. You will likely be offered an extension at the end of the contract’s term, which you can accept if you want to stay in one country. If you want to visit other countries, you can move on to your next adventure.

Which countries can I visit?

Just about every country in the world has openings for qualified TEFL-certified teachers, including English-speaking countries running programs for ESL students.

How much money can I make with this?

Most jobs for TEFL teachers abroad will not make you super wealthy, but they will be enough to let you live comfortably in the country you are teaching in. These jobs are enough to get by, but they should not be your end goal as an English teacher or entrepreneur. The real money from TEFL comes from starting an independent tutoring business, which can be done online from the comfort of your own home. With time, patience, and persistence, you can realistically expect to achieve a six-figure income.

Tell me more about starting an independent tutoring business.

Well, you have marketable skills and a certificate that proves you are qualified to teach English. Just as you use those things to get jobs, you can use them to get your own clients. The schools or organizations that hired you are the middlemen that take almost all of the money. You get the crumbs even though you are the one teaching, grading, and interacting with students. When you have your own business, you get all of the money directly from your clients.

Follow @hollyjb for more money and lifestyle ideas.