Job Discussion Forums

innes · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Belgium

Hi,

I would like to start teaching English next year in September. I would like to go to South Africa.

Has anyone have any experience there? Has anyone already taught in South Africa?
Any suggestions?

Best regards,
Innes

j. remy · Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:43 pm Post subject:

English and Afrikaans are the principal languages of South Africa.

http://www.country-studies.com/south-africa/english-speakers.html

I don't think foreign English profs are in demand. Oddly enough, in a recent EFL job (France), I used some fashion magazines from SA as authentic materials for a lesson on clothing.

However, with that said - good luck, it seems like an intriguing country in which to live - however traumatic its past... Great beaches, at the very least.

innes · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Belgium

Thanks for your reply.

Well, I am Dutch, so I understand Afrikaans. It's similar to Dutch, so I hope that helps. There are also international schools and language schools so normally they should also seek teachers. Don't you think?

How many years of experience do you have in TEFL teaching? Can you recommand another country or place?

Best regards,
Innes

buddy bradley · Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Posts: 89 Location: The Beyond

I'm South African, and the problem is that Afrikaners don't like the Dutch. In fact, one thing that makes Afrikaners really angry is when someone calls them a 'Dutchman'.

But the question remains: Why would a South Arfrican want to learn English from a European when we have native English-speakers???

Makes no sense to me, but then again what the hell do I know?

Lizbee · Joined: 22 May 2005 Posts: 1

I am a TEFL teacher in Cape Town. There are a lot (probably too many) language schools operating in the city and job opportunities are there but I am not sure about how one would obtain residency and work permits. Especially given the competition from previously advantaged (white) South Africans who are now scrambling for jobs.

Many students come from Korea, China, Turkey etc, for periods ranging from 6 months to a year. Homestays are organised by the language schools. The appeal of this is that South Africa is relatively cheap compared with other English speaking countries. There are also loads of refugees from other African countries, though needless to say, there is not much money to be made in this field.

My opinion -- come for a holiday. You'll have a great time!