Myth 1. You need to speak their language. Not true. English only is the norm. Classes will be taught in English. Many schools will prefer that you cannot speak the mother tongue. They will want you to speak to the students in English.

Occasionally some schools will request native ability. However, this is rare, but I have seen it in Japan and in China. Usually the school is requesting just a basic ability.

Myth 2. You need a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate to teach in Asia. Not true. A number of TEFL/TESOL providers will tell inquirers that it is needed. This is a lie. The primary requirements for teaching English in Asia are to be a native speaker and to hold a bachelors degree in any discipline.

A few notes:

• A TEFL certificate does not replace a degree.

• Your degree is needed to process your work visa.

• A TEFL/TESOL certificate is NOT needed to process your visa.

• A TESOL certificate is only a preference and you should know that there are other preferences as well.

• A degree in education is more valuable than a TEFL/TESOL certificate. For example if you are a certified teacher in your home country then you will be able to teach in a public school in Taiwan. You cannot teach in one without it.

Myth 3. A TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate guarantees more money and/or will help you find a better job. Not true. There is no guarantee. Most of the schools that care about these kinds of certificates are in the minority and the ones that do say less than 10% will want the very best. That is something like a CELTA or at least 120 hours with a substantial amount of in-classroom training.

Myth 4. In Korea you might have heard that public schools are better than private schools (Hagwons). Not true. That's an opinion. Both have their ups and their downs. You can learn more at the link below.

Myth 5. "I heard so many horror stories about teaching English in China, Korea, Taiwan, or Japan. So I am not going to go there." Stories like people not getting paid or being treated poorly.

Well there is no one country that is much better or worse in terms of these stories. Remember only a few people share their experiences online, and like bad news they spread. I have heard of these so called "horror stories" happening in Japan, Taiwan, Korea and in China.

Ian Leahy has taught English in China, Taiwan and Korea. If you're just getting started in teaching ESL check out his free guide book on teaching English in Asia http://eslinsider.com/starters-guide

Here you can also learn how to teach English by watching videos http://eslinsider.com/how-to-teach-english-videos