The straightforward answer is NO. Aspiring TEFL instructors often wonder about this, but the primary requirement is a profound mastery of English. While knowing the native language of your destination country can offer advantages in daily life and understanding cultural nuances, it is not a prerequisite for most employers. Your expertise in English will foster an immersive learning environment, encouraging students to actively engage with the language.
Table of Contents
What will I need to teach English as a foreign language?
How will I teach English if I don't speak the local language?
What are the benefits of learning the local language?
How to learn another language while teaching English abroad
What will I need to teach English as a foreign language?
The prerequisites often differ based on the region and specific employer. Universally, a profound grasp of English mechanics is essential. Additionally, a TEFL certificate from a recognized institution is commonly required. Some positions may mandate a bachelor's degree, prior teaching experience, or native English proficiency. Interestingly, most employers prioritize English proficiency and don't necessitate knowledge of another language.
How will I teach English if I don't speak the local language?
Immersion is a potent tool in language learning, and as an EFL teacher, your role is to foster such an English-centric environment. Your primary asset is your proficiency in English; relying on the local language can dilute this advantage. While it might seem challenging at first, TEFL courses equip teachers with numerous techniques to enhance students' English comprehension and expression without resorting to their native language. Remember, the essence of EFL teaching is to immerse students in English, providing them a genuine linguistic experience.
What are the benefits of learning the local language?
Although it is not often necessary to learn the local language when teaching English abroad, it can have several benefits. Many TEFL qualified teachers actually use their overseas adventure as a way to learn another language as the immersion technique works just as well for the teacher as it does for their students. If you intend to go down this route it is often a good idea to find a job that is a little off the beaten path, which generally means that less people speak English making it easier to pick up quickly. Schools often provide free language lessons within their contract and you will have access to plenty of local people who will be more than happy to form a language exchange.
Learning the local language can certainly help your own teaching as you will experience the same process as your own students, which should enable you to empathize on a deeper level and appreciate the difficulties your students go through every time they enter your classroom. By learning the local language you will also find that you are more involved in the community and likely to have more interesting experiences as you pick up tips on interesting places to visit and places to eat that other visitors will likely miss out on. One other obvious benefit of learning a foreign language is that it looks great on your CV/resume. Whatever your long term plans, future employers are always going to appreciate foreign language skills.
How to learn another language while teaching English abroad
Simply by being immersed in the local language on a daily basis is a great start. You will be surrounded by restaurant menus, train timetables, and an entire population of native speakers just waiting to be asked directions or the price of bread, etc. Everyday essentials such as "please" and "thank you" should come easily, and simply by going about your everyday life you should pick up a good deal more. Most people will then need lessons to take their language skills to the next level and these might come through the school you are working for. Alternatively, there is almost certain to be a language school or private tutors available in your area, so find one that suits you and get stuck in.
On first arrival it is normal for people to gravitate towards the local expat community as it can really help you to settle in. However, if learning a language is a part of your journey, you should make a real effort to meet local people. Look out for local clubs that match your interests, whether its art, drama, or cuisine, social interactions are a perfect way to move your language skills forward. Playing or watching sport is a particularly popular option that encourages language learning. In most situations, local people will be happy and proud to assist your progress and to integrate you into the local community. Learning another language while teaching English abroad is usually not a necessity, but it can really help to broaden your understanding of the people and culture and provide even deeper and longer lasting memories.
