Teaching English?
I'm starting to dream of traveling to Spanish speaking countries for long periods after my husband retires in 10, years more or less. The more I get into Spanish, the more I'm fascinated by language in general in a way I never have before. I've started thinking about teaching English. I know I'm not qualified now. One of my stumbling blocks is not knowing English grammar as well as I should (I can use it well, but I can't tell you the rules of grammar). Are there programs or required certifications for teaching English in a foreign country? For those who have done it, how did you prepare for it, and are there any experiences you would like to share?
4 Answers
I think it all depends what you want to do. If you want to earn a salary, you must be qualified.
I help with English and Maths as a volunteer, for which you only need enthusiasm. I always tell the organization clearly that I'm not a qualified teacher and therefore I only want to teach 4-6 children at a time. This way I can keep their attention and they stay motivated because I can give a lot of personal attention. I have made a "First Aid for Education" box, which is a box full of flashcards with the multiplication tables, English per subject (animals, adjectives, telling time etc.). With 4-6 students that is very stimulating for the children, because I give them the card if they know the word in the other language (or the answer of the multiplication). At the end we count who has most cards. Believe me, they all want to win, so next time they do know that word. There are also very useful sites for worksheets which you can download free of charge. I have loads of them in my laptop and I could print them out for the children, but most of the time I let them copy it into their notebooks because that doesn't get lost when I'm home again. If you want to know more, feel free to send me a PM.
Here's a great resource for you: eslcafe.com Under the heading Stuff for Teachers, you'll see Teacher Training Forum.
Just a general comment: The current trend is that many institutions are increasing the requirements for teachers; just being a native speaker isn't enough. But you can do it! A friend of mine who is now 57 took an excellent intensive training course 4 years ago and has now logged 3 years of overseas teaching. I wish you luck with your dream!
If you wish to be employed to each English as a foreign language and receive payment for doing so you must be qualified! There are two principal English courses which can qualify you to teach English:
1 T.E.F. L. (Teaching English as a foregn language)
2 T.E.S.O. L. (Sorry I do not know what this stands for) I think this maybe a higher level qualificationas my friend already has a TEFL and is going to study for his TESOL certificate.
I have a friend in my church who, I believe is TEFL qualified and teaches English to foregn students in England. How well qualifed you would need to be beyond that may depend to a great extent on the competetition in the labour market and the qualifications of other people applying for the same positions/posts as you are. The more competition for the post .....the higher the level of qualification you would need; and vica versa!
It would be worthwhile making enquiries nearer the time (within two years of applying for a course) to ask employers eg Colleges of Further Education what their requirements are to teach English in this way. I say nearer the time because qualification requirements can change over time and courses to train/qualify you can also change.
Someone here who maybe able to help you more is Ian Hill as I think this is what he does for a job. (Please forgive me Ian, if I am mistaken on this point !)
I hope this helps 
Check out my answer here:
http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/199389/anyone-living-in-spain-and-teaching-english-or-spanish
