I hear AAIEP accreditation is the most prestigious sort of certificate but I am confused because there are so many sites out there that have different accreditations and whatnot. Would I be better off getting an ESL Add on minor from my university? Would that be more prestigious than getting a certificate from a private company?
I am in the U.S. I am probably going to look at EFL certification as an alternative. Thanks for the help everyone.

Internationally, the two most highly recognized certificates are the CELTA (which is monitored by Cambridge University, England) and the Trinity TESOL (monitored by Trinity College, England). I personally would recommend the CELTA because you can get a DELTA certificate in a few years to get more advanced credentials.

Just google Cambridge and Trinity and read about those certificates. And, btw.. if you don't have an EU passport, you're going to have problems trying to teach in Spain.

Best of luck!

I think the ESL add on would be wiser because you could also use it in the U.S. and work for an adult ed. program. But, check out this book for more information : Teaching English Abroad by Susan Griffith. It's full of the ins and outs of how to get a job teaching English abroad. Also, try GoAbroad.com, there are many links to places where you can get the TESOL. www.daveseslcafe.com is another place to look for jobs, teaching resources, and TESOL certification. I hope this helps. I am living vicariously through you. Good luck.

Hi Gonzo
Do you live in the USA? (terms like AAIEP, TESOL and ESL suggest this) In Europe (and not only) I think the most prestigious TEFL qualifications are the CELTA http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/celta.htm and especially the DELTA (formerly known as RSA DipTEFLA) http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/delta.htm
I have seen job adverts for DOS in e.g. Middle East requiring either DELTA or an MA in TEFL so you can see how highly regarded this is.
Bear in mind that in Spain it is EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and not ESL (English as a Second Language) as it would be for immigrants to US. Other recognised TEFL qualifications include Trinity but CELTA/DELTA have the added cachet of Cambridge University.
Best wishes
Sunny