Once your teacher training is finished, it's time to start job hunting. The world is your oyster in terms of offers and opportunities.
Where to look
There are some tried and tested job hunting websites such as eslcafe.com and tefl.com where you can browse jobs in countries all over the world. If you want a job in a specific country or town, Facebook groups might be the answer. If you are targeting a specific school, then a direct approach works more often than you'd expect. I have secured three important career changing jobs by contacting institutions directly. Just be warned that you might not get an instant result.
What to look for
Many people know exactly where they want to work, but if you are open to adventures look for jobs at British Council or International House schools. Working for a well-known and well-respected institution can open new career opportunities, and provide a chance for progression. Be open to short term roles for summer schools. These can help you make connections and may lead to more work. Summer schools are hard-work, but they are also a lot of fun.
What to avoid
As in all areas of life be wary of anything that seems too good to be true. Search all opportunities independently, and check out company reviews. It's not uncommon to be offered one salary when you apply and find that another will be paid once you get the job. Negotiate, and if a situation does not feel fair, or especially if it doesn't feel safe, be prepared to leave.
Practicalities
Know what the legal arrangements are for a country. If you need a work visa in a country, you shouldn't be asked to work on a tourist visa. A lot of jobs will normalise circumventing visa laws, and indeed it might be the way a lot of people work, but you will be breaking the law.
Find out where you will be living, and how much you will be expected to pay for this. Often the job you are going to will be being vacated by someone who was in your position a year or so ago. Connect with them if you can to find out as much about the living arrangements as possible.
A lot of teaching jobs require you to be able to drive so check out the requirements for driving in that country. You may need to obtain an international driving licence from your home country before you depart.
Enjoy the Adventure
The whole point of this job is that it allows you to build up a career based on adventure. Scope out opportunities that will enrich your life: living on the coast of Italy, learning to speak Japanese in the historical city of Kyoto, volunteering in a mountain school in Nepal. Being organised and proactive at the start will ensure you can throw yourself into the unknown with pure excitement. Have fun!
