hi everyone,

I am interested in pursuing a career teaching English as a TESOL teacher, and am looking into a CELTA certification.

A French native and now a naturalized US citizen, I have been living in the US for the past 14 years, have two BA degrees including one from a UK University, and was Director of Content Marketing for the last two years. I would consider myself near-native (with the occasional mixup in colloquial expressions). I am about to start volunteering at our local adult community center to help non-native speakers, which would give me some hands-on teaching experience (hopefully).

My concern is about being able to find employment abroad as a TESOL teacher since I am not a native English speaker.

From your experience, how often is being a native Speaker a requirement for a job? I am checking job posts to get an idea as well but first-hand feedback would be appreciated. I am very keen on getting certified and believe I could be a good teacher, but I don't want to spend the time and money if there is little chance in getting a position.

Positions could be anywhere in the world, from Asia to Latin America & Africa.

Thanks in advance

Patricia