English teaching jobs overseas are very popular for young American collegiate students. The opportunity to go to a foreign country and really get integrated into the culture is a pull many feel is hard not to take. However, to actually teach English abroad programs is becoming difficult because the programs are extremely popular.

There aren't many requirements to teach English abroad; many just call for a bachelor's degree. Still, many programs have specific dialects of English they're looking for, or prefer teachers with specific backgrounds. Having a teaching background or have teaching degrees can give you a leg up in the rivalry for English teaching jobs overseas. For example, candidates with advanced training and either a certificate in ESL (English as a Second Language) or a master's degree in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) will have greater flexibility and command more pay.

Here are some basic questions you might have about teaching English abroad programs, or ones you might come across in research. Knowing the most basic information about a program is a step in the right direction to figuring out if teaching English abroad is right for you.

1. Do I need to speak the local language?

A lot of foreign countries language classes do not have the local language actually spoken in the classroom. There is a lot less coddling there than in American high schools. Therefore, you are not required to speak the local language in most jobs where you teach English abroad. That being said, some programs, like those that go through embassies and such, have their application process in the local language. These applications have essays so you are required to be able to write in the local language as well. Not all programs have this in depth process, but if you do come across it, don't be surprised.

2. How much money does an English teaching job overseas pay? How much can I earn?

Unfortunately, English teaching jobs overseas are not the most lucrative. The pay changes depending on where you teach. Places that have a higher cost of living will pay more but the money will go just as far as if you lived in an area with a lower cost of living. Some programs add incentives; reimbursing your airfare, paying for medical insurance or giving a living stipend. A lot of programs, especially those in First-World European countries, pay very little and do not give additional incentives because they know their programs are so popular. Make sure to research your program thoroughly and can participate even with a lower salary.

3. Where is the American English dialect used most?

A lot of countries in Europe prefer the British English dialect to teach English abroad programs. Asian countries tend to prefer the Austrian dialect and middle and South American programs prefer the American English dialect. This doesn't mean that a school in France won't take an American student; we're just saying a student from England might have a slight advantage.

4. What costs are involved?

The cost of living in a foreign country are the same as living at home; rent, utilities, transportation, food, drink, medical insurance, home insurance, phone bills and social events all cost money. Figure out of the cost of living with your pay and how much money you are bringing over (don't forget exchange rates) can adequately allow you to live comfortably.

Melissa Rubin is a senior copywriter and Web developer at OTO Networks, a digital marketing company located in Baltimore, Maryland. Her primary responsibilities include SEO, link building and creating content for multiple sites. A preview of a site on which she has worked, http://www.studyabroaddomain.com, is available with this article.