Job Discussion Forums

mortilap · Joined: 29 Sep 2013 Posts: 16

I will be graduating in May 2014 from a university in the USA, and I'm getting second thoughts about teaching English abroad.

1) I currently teach a class at university (a class on Personal Development- topics we go over are mindfulness, relationships, and happiness), and I love it, but my students are a bunch of fellow college kids. I don't know if I'm passionate enough about English to really have fun teaching it to someone. Do I have to have a passion for the English language in order to have fun teaching? I love connecting with other students and getting to know them on a deep level so that I can have a good impact on their lives- but I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that if I wind up merely teaching English to a bunch of elementary/middle school kids (regardless of what country I'm in). What are everyone's thoughts on this?

2) I feel that if I'm definitely going to teach English somewhere, it would be best to get some sort of TEFL certificate just to receive some sort of training about what methods work/don't work, how students best absorb information, etc. I want to feel confident in knowing that what I'm doing works and that the students are learning. I'm sure I could just wing it in South Korea- but I've been reading up on some great certification programs in Prague and Spain- I feel going through a program like that would make me a much better teacher. What are people's thoughts on this?

THANK YOU!!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

In answer to your first question, an easy way to see if you like teaching English is by volunteer teaching a couple of nights a week at one of your local non-profit, refugee/ESL literacy organizations. Granted, it's not the same as teaching EFL to a monolingual student base overseas, but it will still give you a taste of the types of cultural issues and teaching skills you'll need.

Regarding question two, ditto Spiral's suggestion about getting solid TEFL training. CELTA, SIT TESOL, and Trinity CertTESOL fit the bill as do some generic TEFL cert courses.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Well ..... what an interesting question!

I've found that it's getting to know the student, working with him / her to improve their level, overcoming the hurdles etc that is the most fantastic thing about teaching English.

You need to "know your onions" for this to happen, though. You do need a solid understanding of grammar, language progression, how to contextualise - all this to be effective at what you do. (So yes, get some training.)

But when you start working with an individual or a group and get to know their needs, interests, stumbling blocks, sense of humour etc etc - that's when you get into it and start to see ways you can help your student(s). I love teaching for this reason. I love seeing students becoming more confident or fluent, working their way through an exercise and getting it all right - I love to see that penny drop.

I don't think you need to be passionate about English (although I love reading widely, love English language blogs etc etc) but you do need to be passionate about helping people reach their goals. And for that to happen, you need to be interested in that person and care about their objectives.

A big disclaimer here: I tend to work with individuals or secondary / university level students. (And in Italy, which is a long way from Korea.) But it's the human aspect of what I do that I get the most satisfaction from. So much so that I forget that I'm badly paid and instead remember only the pleasure in helping them. (Fool and idealist that I am!)

So yes - go for it!

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

PS I should add that some of my most memorable and fun lessons have been with middle school kids. I don't teach at primary level, but you should check out some of the amazing stuff that's currently being done for this age group.

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

Hello, mortilap,

Ditto both of the suggestions to attend a teacher training course before looking for work. NS listed the three "brand name" courses for you, all excellent choices. If you should choose a generic course, be sure it offers 120 contact hours, and a supervised teaching practice of actual students (not your fellow trainees.) Teachers who begin teaching wiith no TEFL training more often than not imitate methods used by their own teachers--methods suitable for teaching content, but not so effective for EFL. Your chances of enjoying teaching English are greatly reduced if you spend your first year floundering ineffectively! Smile

.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Just my opinion, but I think you should also be particular about where you are going to work - getting to know students on a "deep level" and hoping to impact their lives is not necessarily appropriate in certain cultures and locations.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Yes, santi has just said much more succinctly what I tried to say earlier.

JN · Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 214

I thought I'd add my two bits worth. I taught a couple of semesters in a local adult program where I'm from in the U.S. before I got qualified. I can't say that I enjoyed it (also didn't hate it), but I went on to get qualified. I am glad I did because the more I teach, the more I enjoy it.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

We usually have similar thoughts spiral Smile

OP, if you really want to really "make a difference", I recommend that you consider elementary/secondary ESL certification or adult ESL for immigrants to the USA.

A lot of EFL students (most, correct me if I am wrong) see English as a means to get into certain universities, pass exams, business requirements, and sometimes plain 'ole drudgery. Remember why the students are there, because you want to help them succeed in their goals, which will likely not involve going into such detailed subjects with them. Talking about something like personal values is quite difficult in a second language and it can be frustrating to verbalize it, especially if it is sensitive to them.

Remember, different cultures have vastly different opinions on what mindfulness, relationships, and happiness are. This can be skillfully navigated in a North American adult ESL environment (and makes for wonderful conversation!) but if you tried this in (for example), Indonesia, you might really offend your class.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 3:44 pm Post subject:

That last point is quite relevant with regard to the anglophone world too. Colleagues from other parts of the world may have sharply differing views on various topics too, leading to 'strong words in the staff room' etc. : )

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 4:13 pm Post subject:

Hee hee! That is what Dave's is for. Feel free to banter/bicker with me on a range of teaching-related topics. Very Happy

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Teaching English generally does not mean social work. Teach English or get a job which involves intense interpersonal relationships, but not both.

TEFL can indeed be rewarding for both parties, but I am wary about looking for great personal depth in this. Your students may or may not appreciate it.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 4:22 pm Post subject:

Yes, Cole. In full ideological agreement with you there.

Actually, I am just a little curious. What jobs out there really do involve deep personal intense relationships? Can't think of any, legal or illegal.