Thank you Anthony for that comprehensive answer. So, someone earning an ESOL certification in the US, would need to complete a DELTA for a TEFL certificate in Europe?

Such a lot of money to spend to earn so little in return!

Anthony, I'm interested to know if you have experence as a TEFL teacher in Paris or elsewhere in Europe?

Paris

All you generally need to teach is a TESOL or CELTA. These cost around $1500 and up. Being a native speaker is just as important as having a certification.

In cities where lots of people are trying to make money teaching, expect to be paid no more than minimum wage. Many teachers work part-time, or are paid only for hours of teaching, with considerably less than 40 hours a week. In these popular cities, nobody will help you get working papers, so you'll need to have them already.

GSteed:

I have a BA in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Washington State University. I got my BA 20 years ago.

Most students at the CELTA course were native speakers although two were not. Some were just coming out of university while others were barkeepers or had other jobs. Some other students wanted the CELTA so they could travel to Asia.

One of my fellow students has just came back from a year in China. She taught English and toured the country with other English teachers that she had met. It took her two weeks after completing the CELTA to find this job.

The Chinese schools would prefer teachers with teaching experience but will take on beginning teachers.

Good luck!