Teaching English overseas is the dream job. What better way to see the world, provide an useful service and experience local life in a way that few tourists get to experience?

Imagine spending a few months in Italy or even a year or two. Or how would you like to spend time getting to know Thailand's exotic and pulsating capital, Bangkok? Or what about an extended sojourn on the tropical isle of Costa Rica with its vibrant Latino culture?

Perhaps you think travel to such exotic locations is way out of your budget, let alone an extended stay in a foreign land. But as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher, the world really is your oyster. With English language skills in constant demand the world over, you'll be able to choose the country you want to live and work in and be confident of finding a job there.

Teaching English overseas has long been a way for people to fund their travels and spend extended periods overseas. Intrepid travelers used to drop into far flung cities with just a few dollars in their pockets confident they could pick up some traveling money teaching English.

Things have changed in recent years, however. Now many governments are chary of foreigners turning up on their doorsteps claiming to be English teachers. Most governments nowadays demand a recognized TEFL certificate before allowing foreigners to work and be granted extended stays in their countries.

Of course you could work freelance or sign up with some bucket shop which turns a blind eye to the lack of qualifications. But this puts you in a very unenviable position.

For one thing, these types of organization pay the lowest rates. You'll be an illegal worker and have no redress should you not get paid. You'll have to leave the country and get a new visa every so often. And worst of all, you'll leave yourself open to arrest and deportation. It's no fun working in a climate of fear. (Not to mention the fact that as an unqualified teacher, you're effectively cheating your students out of their hard-earned money.)

Fortunately, there's a simple way to easily find a legal job and have all the attendant benefits of security, visa extensions, health insurance and training. The simple answer is to get a TEFL certificate.

A TEFL certificate is the minimum qualification you need to teach English to foreigners. You gain one by attending one of the many TEFL courses generally lasting a month full time. You'll find it very hands-on and intensive, perfect for getting you ready for the realities of the classroom.

A typical day involves study sessions in the morning and observing experienced teachers at work in the afternoon. As the course progresses, you'll get more and more practical experience teaching while being observed by your trainers and your peers. At the end of the course, you need to present a full lesson in front of an assessor.

In the evening you'll be expected to do homework, read up on such topics as grammar and write down reflections and evaluations of the day.

Most countries in the world offer TEFL courses so you can probably do one in your home country. However, doing your teacher training in the country you plan to work in can offer many advantages. For one thing it will help you in familiarizing yourself with the learning style of the students. And being there on the spot, you'll probably be far better placed to find you job you really want.

Be wary of online TEFL certificates as they have no practical component. They're OK for filling you in on theory but only by getting in front of a real class of students can you really cut your teeth as a teacher.

So the fact is that reputable employers demand a TEFL certificate with an observed teaching practice component. They need to see that someone has observed you actually teaching a real class and declared you competent.

Teaching English overseas is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences around. You make a difference to people's lives and get to immerse yourself in a foreign culture and society in a way that few other people can. If you've decided this life is for you, make sure you do it right and check out some reputable TEFL courses.