Job Discussion Forums

[Solight]

I am preparing to do TESL within the next couple of years. I have been studying Spanish because I like the culture and their countries. However, I am curious about getting along in countries when you do not know the native languae. Do you feel isolated? How do you manage day to day activities with the non English speaking community?

One other question. Is there a demand for TESL specializing in medical or nursing? If so, where would I begin to search for this kind of job?

Thanks

[dorum]

It's much easier than you think! Just learning how to say/understand the numbers (money's always important) and little polite things like thank you and I'm sorry gets you a long way! Of course you'll eventually learn more, but if you put yourslf in this kind of situation, you'd be surprised how much you can sort out without a common language!
If I don't know how to say something, I can always find an English-speaker who can write it down for me (addresses for taxis and such)

Apart from deep and meaningful conversations, of course.....

[Solight]

I am new to this (any) chat forum so forgive me if I goof up.

Are you in China now? Do you have other English speaking coworkers?

[C76]

I just want to say, Solight, that I love your question. I'm looking forward to reading more answers.

Carry on.

[denise]

I generally just smile a lot and try to act meek and humble. Even if I do know what to say, I usually don't remember at the time that I need to say it. The one thing that I try NOT to do is just start babbling in English--I wince every time I hear native speakers rambling on, assuming that everyone will understand them. Of course, if someone does try to help me in English, I answer in very clear, simple English. I usually end up using body language, expressions, etc., and not speaking very much, in English or in the local language.

I do not mean to suggest at all that what I do is a good strategy. I've been reflecting recently on how ironic it is that I am a language teacher who encourages my students to get out there and practice, practice, practice (well, maybe not in Japan, where they have limited access to native speakers, but in the States I was always telling them to go out and mix...), when I myself am far too shy and too lacking in linguistic self-confidence to create or take advantage of opportunities to speak. I have, however, always been able to take care of myself.

d

[jgalt]

I agree with everything dorum and denise said, and just wanted to add to their helpful suggestions:

Learn how how to say "I'm sorry, I don't understand. Do you speak English?" This helps when someone on the street starts talking to you and you don't know what they're saying. Also, if you know even a little of another language, also ask whether they know that one.

Something else I always do is have my little phrase book with me at all times for the country I'm visiting. If I need to ask a question, I look it up. Some people who do know some English won't let on they do because they believe English speakers should make more of an effort to learn their language, or because they lack confidence in their own English skills. If they see you struggling to try to speak their language, they may take pity and help you out.


Good luck!
J

[tjpnz2000]

Good advice all round, my additions would be;

1) Focus on the task and not your inability in the native language. If you want something to eat the goal is to get something to eat not construct a perfect sentence.

2) Retain your sense of humour and your cool, frustration gets you no where. 9 times out of 10 people are trying help you they are not refusing to speak English for a laugh. Getting angry at them for not speaking the same language as you solves nothing.

3) Remember you are in thier country and nobody gets in trouble for being to polite.

Denise,

You wrote:

[Celeste]

[Solight]

Thank you all for your input thus far. I really enjoy hearing from you and knowing we are communicating from all over the world. WOW!

I am a person that needs to share daily with a friend and I usually do this at home by phone or in person. This socialization is a very important part of my persona and I am getting the feeling it would be abscent.

I attended an emersion language class in Nicaragua recently, lived with a Spanish family and it was a great experience. But, I really missed deeper conversations with friends.

The Peace Corp often sends groups to a location and I was kind of hoping that would be the same in TESL or even a couple of like-speaking individuals.

How about Teacher-Housing? Are there other TESL's living there or are you it?

[PanamaTeacher]

I teach mostly private classes and it is a little lonesome, since so few people do what I do and because I work round-the-clock 7 days a week. My best friends here have been some of my students, but I don't have much contact with other teachers. I don't know how it is for others.

As for mixing with people from here, it isn't hard if you speak the language even a little. Lots of people want you as a friend just to practice english. At first I liked it because people invite you to dinner or the beach, etc. But after a while socializing is almost a job, and you want to speak english with a person that you don't have to explain anything to. Still, I got my apartment from a friend (student), my car financed by a friend (student) and I get all my business from referrals from past students or parents who are still friends.

I hope this helps, Good Luck

[Solight]

Panama Teacher,

Thanks for your candid reply. I suspect a lot of everyones socialization in English is through cyberspace. I will have to come to terms with this before the time to make the move arrives. I guess that is why I am studying Spanish. I do want to, no, I NEED to talk to people more than just como esta usted...

This may be a foolish question but do you have any airconditioning at school or home? We did not in Estoli, Nicaragua. It was OK but it sure was nice to cool off at the mall or up in the mountains occasionally.

[PanamaTeacher]

i run my air 24/7 costs $200 a month in electricity in a very small 1-bedroom. all nice places/schools in panama have mucho a/c
kids carry sweaters to school

[Roger]

Am in China, have been here several years and am going to stay put for some more.
Initially, I felt communication was not a big issue. Everything basic was being taken care of. You don't even have to blurt out "I am hungry!" - either it was mealtime anyway, or people would ask you 'have you had lunch yet'?
Over time, however, I began noticing that a lot of miscjommunication occurs routinely here. Most TEFLers notice some problems when they have to discuss certain work-related issues with their colleagues or superiors. You get the impression your observations catch them off guard, and they can't be bothered to listen to you for a long time, or if you have to repeat complaints. Gradually you realise that you have to function in a narrowly-defined and perceived manner, not in a professional or personal way. You fulfill a role rather than a job. You suddenly know you are not teaching - but being taught lessons! You may think you are teaching them English, but they want to teach you how to view them and their society.

Many feel they have been taken for a ride - which may or may not have been the case!

Even in mundane things not to do with school you cannot fail to notice that you often get ignored. Can you invite a Chinese to dinner? A lot more difficult than the other way around! You may simply want to reciprocate their hospitality - they will possibly turn it down most vehemently. They ask you intimidating questions, but they also make it plain enough which types of questions you cannot ask them. Often they feel they can ask you things which they won't allow you to ask them.
It is not much better if you speak their language. To ignore a person is quite normal in Chinese society, more so if the person asking questions is an outsider.

[Solight]

Roger, this sounds very difficult to me. Yet, if you have been there four years and intend on more years the good must offset the difficult. I commend you.

The more I hear from you "all" the more convinced I am to stick to Spanish!

Thanks for your insight. I bet you have helped some others too.

Solight