Most English language teacher training programs last from 1 to 3 months. There are TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) programs all over the world. These programs are designed for college graduates, new to the teaching world.
You can take one of these courses in an English-speaking country, or take a course abroad. Many first-time teachers take a teaching course in a country they hope to live in. In Europe and Asia, there are several major teaching hubs, with many schools for you to choose from. Barcelona, London and Prague are well-known as teacher training centers in Europe. In Asia, many teachers head to South Korea, where there is a high demand for native English-speaking teachers. There are also distance-learning programs available that allow you to get a certificate from your computer at home.
Once you obtain the basic qualifications, you'll have to find work. There are many private and public schools hiring native speakers. These schools vary in quality and scale of pay. If you're from North American or Australia, and you want to work in Asia or Europe, you'll have to get work permission or a working visa. You'll also have to get working papers for South America.
The red tape and bureaucratic procedures you'll encounter vary from country to country, as does the quality of living and the salary you'll receive. Some schools set high standards and require teaching certificates and experience, while others hire backpackers or any native speaker who can string two sentences together. It is possible to make a living wage teaching, but most teachers have to live on a budget. Teaching hours are often spread out during a day to accommodate the needs of the students. Early morning and late evening classes are common.
Once you've landed your first job, teaching overseas can be a rewarding experience. Teaching puts you in direct contact with the locals, giving you a chance to learn their language and customs, and teaching allows you to be flexible--living and working in different countries. Some people only teach for several years to experience a new culture. Others make it a lifelong career. Once you've gained some experience, and if you're serious about teaching overseas, you can take an advanced teaching courses, like DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults), and continue your education.