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Hello. I have just completed a 20hour TEFL course and will be finished my Honours Degree in English Literature by May.

I hope to travel to South America by June/July, and already ahve accomodation agreed in Snatiago, Chile.

But I speak almost no Spanish, although I will try to learn before I arrive.

Will this be a huge problem if I would like to teach english???

We were assured at TEFL that we would pick up the language easily...

any information on this would be really appreciated from experienced travel teachers

Thanks

[Justin Trullinger]

Your lack of Spanish will present some inconveniences in life, and you should get to work to rectify it as soon as you can! It takes effort and discipline- I certainly wouldn't say you'll pick up the language "easily," but if you aren't afraid to put in some time and work, you'll get there.

For teaching, it shouldn't be too much of a handicap in any case. I speak Spanish (and should, after a decade in Spanish speaking countries!) but only use it in the classroom very occasionally. Many institutes have an "English only" classroom policy. Don't get me wrong, it's an advantage to have the language- but if you don't mind occasional confusions, you should be able to hang in there while you get the hang of it.

Probably the more significant barrier is going to be the lack of a credible qualification. I know, you've been told by your TEFL provider that you have one. But a 20 hour course (at distance, perhaps?) is simply not what people are looking for in a teacher. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Industry standard is usually 120 hours or more, real live observed practice teaching, qualified trainers, external accreditation. 20 hours can be a taster, or an intro, but it isn't a cert that makes employers comfortable putting you in the classroom.


Best,
Justin

[naturegirl321]

The 20 cert won't help you much. They should be at least 120 hour with 6 teaching students. That being said, in my five years in Peru, no one has ever asked to see my TEFL Dip and only one, out of four places have asked to see my degreee.

Try to talk to other teachers, observe classes, or read up on teaching in the library.

If you're interested in Peru, PM me

[sistaray]

I think I was a more effective teacher in LA, when my Spanish was weak and my students knew so. As time went on, and the temptation to work in a word or two into my lessons proved too strong, my students came to not quite rely on, but at least know that if the explaining got tough, the fact that I might be persuaded to cough up the Spanish equivalent.

Which is all to say, relish your time in the classroom, as an English-only speaker!

[Atlan Training]

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[Atlan Training]

Hello Andrew

I concur completely with Justin and Naturegirl, your chief problem is not going to be your lack of Spanish but your lack of proper certification. There are only three TEFL certifications that are globally recognized, despite what the promotions of the others claim. You need a Cambridge CELTA or a Trinity or SIT TESOL. Anything else really is a waste of money in terms of employability. As to your Spanish, I believe it will limit your choices in terms of employment since a significant number of employers will preferentially interview and hire people who have at least basic Spanish. It's something to work on. If you have the resources, I'd strongly recommend that you go to South America and take one of the certification courses I mention above and also learn Spanish. You'll be ready to enter the market with all the skills you need in about a month. If you want information about CELTA in South America PM me.