Well, I wanted to go to Europe but couldn't afford to not work, so I started googling "teach English in _________." I started with France because I speak it a little. I found a program through the government that places native speakers in schools, so I figured it was legit. I've heard that other European countries do the same thing, but I haven't looked into it. I didn't make much money, but my cost of living was low and I had three paid vacations to go travel, so I was fine with that.

My friends who went to Japan and south Korea basically did the same thing--start searching on the internet, reading what other people said about their experiences and whether the company they went with was shit, etc. I know that I've heard that for Japan, the main thing is to land a job that will at least get you there. Once you're there already, you can look for better. My friends all had a fairly shitty contract their first year, then found a better situation. Also be aware that you won't get paid for a while (I think it's over a month as I recall?), so you need enough money money to tide you over.