Q: I want to teach English (TESL). I am fluent but I am not a native speaker. What training should I do?

There are tests that measure fluency that would clarify your ability level to potential employers. If you do not have any training, the certification standard from England -- RSA CELTA is the most widely recognized internationally. Or you could work in your home country teaching English in an atmoshere that you are more comfortable in -- where you can switch to your native language when students are not understanding. This would give you an easier transition into the experience of teaching. Once you have experience, testing that shows your fluency, and a degree you should find many open doors. For more more detail but with a sales pitch look at http://www.english-international.com

Your basic question was do you need more training as an English teacher if you are fluent but not a native English speaker.

We have several workers in WEC who have been teaching English without a degree, and without being native English speakers. One is Swiss, one is Italian, and one is Korean. There are others too. I mention these three because after teaching English and having done a good job, they have each completed a Master's Degree because they are interested in working in some tougher places where even a native English speaker would need a degree.

If you are truly fluent we and other agencies would have a number of openings for you either short term or long term. In many places the interest is for those with conversational skills. I don't want to discourage you from further training if you want it, but I also don't want you to feel you need a special degree.

Editor's note: look at the book avaiable from http://www.Worldchristian.biz
English Teaching as Christian Mission