USA & Canada

For teachers with a recognized TEFL certificate, there are usually plenty of part-time and temporary TEFL jobs in language schools in the USA, particularly in the summer. In some areas, there are also part-time positions with local ESL programs for immigrants. However, it is very difficult to find full-time, long term positions unless you have an MA TESOL or previous teaching experience.

"Since returning from Italy, I have been the Lead Teacher Coordinator of Project Star, a bilingual/ESL program at the U. of North Dakota. The majority of the students are Native American, Bosnian, Haitian, Mexican, Russian, Armenian and Chinese. I have also been taking classes for my Masters in Education Administration. I will graduate on August 2."
Nicole, North Dakota

"I've been working since late August at a language school in Edmond. I teach from 9:00 - 3:00. As I'm in my seventh month, I've now taught every class at every level. I'm really enjoying teaching! Most of our students are from Taiwan, but we also have students from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Mid East and Venezuela. My students are interesting and, for the most part, motivated."
Elizabeth, Oklahoma

The TEFL/TESL job market in Canada is very similar to that in the USA: it is easy to find part time or temporary positions, but harder to obtain full time, long term jobs unless you have an MA TESOL or previous teaching experience. The best area for work is Vancouver, where a lot of new language schools have opened up in recent years.

"I am working as an ESL teacher at a school in downtown Vancouver and the job is going really well. I think it's the best school in Vancouver. The school shuts down for two weeks at Christmas plus a week in the spring and a week in the summer that we get paid for, too. Not too bad, huh?"
Kim, Vancouver, B.C.