Teaching English as a foreign language is a viable opportunity for just about anybody. Máximo Nivel has seen teachers from all over the world and of all ages walk through its doors. Some come to accept teaching positions and others who are just starting out enroll in our TEFL certification programs. And yet, there are many more suitable candidates that never board a plane because they think they aren’t qualified to teach English abroad. If you’re doubting your eligibility, keep reading for the top three myths that prevent potential teachers from beginning their lives abroad.
1. You have to know the local language.
Of course, knowing the local language might make you more comfortable outside of work. You could ask for the nearest ‘lavandería’ or make conversation at a local bar. However, very few job postings require you to be fluent or even conversational in a language other than English. Many people choose to teach English as a second language so that they can live in a variety of foreign countries. It would be unrealistic to expect applicants to speak the language everywhere they go.
In fact, most schools prefer that their teachers don’t speak the local language with their students. This encourages students to organically practice English in class and hone in their listening skills. So not knowing how to speak Spanish when you apply to work in Costa Rica can actually be an instructional advantage. If you aren’t able to translate directions or provide the odd vocabulary word in Spanish, you will rely more heavily on your ESL techniques. The linguistic divide is bound to make you a stronger teacher.
2. It’s dangerous to teach English abroad.
It is common to fear the unknown. But it’s more than likely that the community you’ll be living in abroad is just as safe if not safer than countless US cities. You should exercise caution wherever you choose to live much in the same way that you use common sense at home. I wouldn’t advise walking down the sidewalk wielding a bundle of cash or scampering across the street without looking both ways. But as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, teaching English in Peru is no more of a risk than attending a concert in Los Angeles.
And if safety is an ongoing concern for you, just make sure to do your research before you buy a ticket. Consider the political climate, social liberties and work regulations in the city where you’re hoping to teach. If you choose to join Máximo’s team in one of our Latin American communities, we have taken great care to situate our institutes in safe areas. If you go on to live and work in another region of the world, that’s okay. But heed the advice of locals and the staff at your new school or institute. Your employer will want to ensure your well-being as much as you do; so if you are unsure of a particular neighborhood, simply ask for advice. Exercise judgment and there will be no reason for you to live in fear.
3. You have to be a credentialed teacher.
When we hear the word teacher in many English-speaking countries, we assume there’s a lengthy and expensive credentialing process involved. In the United States for example, primary and secondary school teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in addition to a teaching credential in their subject area. There’s nothing wrong with thorough training but this process usually takes about five years and comes with a bill to reflect that. But if you think time and money are standing between you and a teaching job abroad, think again! Most TEFL programs do not require a college degree.
The certificate program in itself is your training. Once you have been accepted into one of Máximo’s programs, we will teach you everything you need to know about English grammar, instructional techniques, job placement procedures and more. And if you think the training process will be a waste of time because you have teaching experience already, remember that working with language learners is different. TEFL certificates are widely recognized by schools and institutes as the necessary qualification for English teaching positions. And the training you’ll receive is largely focused on techniques that are specific to ESL instruction.
So don’t let language proficiency, unfounded fears or lack of a degree stop you from making teaching English abroad a reality. Baseless myths shouldn’t hold you back from your future career path. If you have any other questions or myths you’d like debunked, feel free to reach out to Máximo Nivel’s admission team. But if you’re ready for a change and willing to work a little to achieve it, chances are you’re already the perfect candidate for teaching and living abroad.