I think its harder in Korea, but Japanese girls, if you're a blond american you can easily clean up with these Japanese chicks.
Definitely join and read the forums at Dave's ESL Cafe (www.eslcafe.com). From what I understand, South Korea, Japan and China are the easiest to get to for the most pay. Places like the Gulf require MAs but pay between 40-80k a year depending on the gig. Then there are the poorer countries (anywhere in SE Asia, Central/South America and Africa) where you'll make just enough to live there. I taught English in Morocco for a year and, uh, yeah. It was fun. Made me realize that I'm not an English teacher. But fun. If you want any in depth advice, let me know. oh, and Western Europe is next to impossible for an American to get a teaching gig.
Don't you have to know the language of the country you're in to be able to teach them English? Like how am I supposed to go to China, not knowing any Chinese myself and then try and translate shit to English.
Learn the language for sure while you're there but every english school has locals who speak english..there are also a zillion westerners over there doing the same thing so you're not going to be the only western guy there. Maybe 200 years ago but not anymore..word got around
Depends on what level you want to teach. Preschools only require a high school diploma. Higher the level the more requirements.
I lived in Hokkaido for a spell. It is certainly cheaper to live in the remote areas up north, but the isolation can be costly in terms of sanity...
Teaching English (well) is not about translation whatsoever. All you really need is the basics to get by on the street.
First off, being a good language teacher requires specific personality traits, such as being energetic and enthusiastic and sort of colorful. I'm not any of those. Plus, it's not like teaching other subjects where you can get by on trusting your students will pick up everything you say. You need to stick to the lesson plan and repeat yourself over and over and over. Frankly, it's exhausting, and I have a hard time in dumbing down my speech. I am a much better teacher/tutor to those who speak English fluently.
I'm a big fan of the samurai shit, and want to see all of the castles. Could probably do that on one of those vacation visas i guess.