Although the book does have a slant towards a British audience, this book is NOT only useful to Brits. I am an American, and it helped me to get my first job teaching in Europe. It also helped me decide where to get my TESL certificate. I sent away for more information from many of the TESL certification schools listed in this book, and eventually decided to do a Trinity College certification course in London rather than an equally expensive but non-Trinity, non-Cambridge course in the US. I have never regretted this decision for a minute, and in fact it led to an excellent job with excellent perks in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Yes, like most of us unlucky Americans, I eventually had to face reality and give up the dream of working in an EU country!)
It is true that Griffith could spend more time focusing on job opportunities in non-EU countries, especially Latin America. Hence, only 4 stars out of 5. However, this book is an excellent starting point for those considering teaching English abroad. Naturally, no single book can cover all bases. It goes without saying that your experiences in a foreign country will be as unique as you are, and may differ wildly from the teachers quoted in the book. But for my money, this is the best introduction to teaching abroad in one single publication. Read and enjoy, and if you end up in a scrape in some dicey teaching position abroad, don't say that Susan didn't warn you!
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Crisp, clear writing
Excellent for getting a job teaching english abroad!
It is true that Americans have a more difficult time finding work simply because of EU citizenship requirments, though it is also true that English taught with an American accent is more desirable. The latter, however, does not mean Americans will be better paid or even employed.
Many times, schools fill positions with natives who studied English abroad, even if their command of the language is not excellent. Americans, at best, can find tutoring jobs through placing an ad in local newspapers written in a foreign tongue (and it helps often to write the ad in the local language to attract students) and will not be paid as well...in fact, half the rate in many cases of a native speaking substandard English.
This book also does not stress enough the need for several years teaching experience, credentials and certificates--most always, all three of these are required in order to be considered for a position. All of this, in addition to some knowledge of the local language.
Standards have changed in the world, and those wishing to find a job simply because they know English is not enough. Buying and reading this book, however helpful it is in small ways, is also not enough.
Take a TEFL course, get a copy of Living Abroad Magazine and have an agency place you. That's more practical and realistic.