In need of assistance

You will find it hard to get a visa for Spain though, I live there now (I think JoWebb does too - I'm not trying to contradict you!) and I know a few American teachers who have had to go through quite a lot of hassle to get a visa.  Plus, you would probably need some experience.

However it is true that you don't need a degree here, or for most places in Europe as far as I knwo, although I wish I had one as then I would be able to get a much better job.  In my last job there were some companies where I was able to teach but others not - it all depends on the client.

Anyway, there are many good sites to look for work -  Dave's ESL Cafe for one but dont be put off by all the bitching that goes on in their forums!  Spainwise.net,  TEFL.com,  Loquo.com,  Spainexpat.com  and many more for other countries, just google TEFL jobs and lots will come up.

In Spain you can also get hired without a degree and some places also take on English teachers without full working papers as long as they are native English speakers, however, they are not in the majority and competition for work is fierce as unemployment rates are so high (24%). 

As consonb2011 says, apply to as many places as you can. I'd recommend the personal touch and phone if you can then you can find out more, but doing that you would need to speak the local language, so it depends on you.

i suggest avoiding them because as far as i know they require you to have a degree. They are real companies, usually for those who have experience and a degree.

thanks for your advice. but what to you mean by avoid meten, wall street, english first chains? are they companies?

That depends on where you work. I know there are schools in China that will hire you without a degree. Often a school will list a degree as requirement, but won't care, they are only hoping you have one. The same applies when it says 1-2 years experience. So I would apply to many many places and just be honest with them. Avoid Meten, Wall Street, English First type chains as they do require a degree.