When teaching English in foreign countries, teachers often unknowingly make mistakes that undermine their position with students. Teaching English as a second language in different countries is an involved process.
As an English teacher, you mustn’t only adjust to the foreign environment, food, music, TV, etc. but also to students themselves. Breaking down the language barrier is the least of your concerns, avoiding a classroom culture clash should be your top priority.
Below is a list of common mistakes made by English teachers abroad and some tips on how to avoid them. By no means is this an all inclusive list that accounts for every possible scenario that may arise. However one way to avoid most awkward situations is to accept the folly of assumption. In other words, by accepting the universal principal of “never assume anything”, you are more likely to avoid cultural dissonance.
1. Don’t make the mistake of avoiding the dress etiquette
Many teachers make the mistake of not paying too much attention to the dress etiquette. In the U.S. we take many liberties for granted, dressing comfortably may not seem like a big deal, but in most parts of the world a neat appearance goes a long way.
Make sure to research the appropriate dress etiquette before your first day. In most Asian countries, teachers should generally avoid wearing bright colors. In most Muslim countries, teachers should avoid wearing sleeveless blouses and short skirts.
2. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the value of formality
Seeming authoritative and presenting yourself in like manner is often overlooked by English teachers abroad. Formality is very important to foreign students, especially in Asian countries. In the U.S. teachers often transgress the bounds of formality by treating their students as equals, without losing authority. Students in different parts of the world expect their teacher to command authority in the classroom.
3. Don’t make the mistake of assuming students are willing to participate
Teachers in the U.S. are very much accustomed to student-teacher interaction. Students in the U.S. are expected to participate in class discussions and group activities. In other parts of the world students are often taught to be passive listeners. Therefore promoting class participation and eliciting student involvement right off the bat may undermine your ability to build trust with the students. Make sure to avoid activities centered on class participation at least for the first few days.
4. Don’t make the mistake of being too democratic
Amongst all the liberties we take for granted is liberty itself. Teachers in the U.S. are not particularly accustomed to censure, therefore class discussions may range anywhere from capital punishment to euthanasia. In other parts of the world, especially those with a history of authoritative control, students are not accustomed to public debate especially on socially sensitive issues. English teachers abroad should exercise prudence when it comes to class discussions and choose topics carefully so as not to offend or upset anybody.
5. Don’t make the mistake of assuming students understand
Much too often, English teachers abroad mistakenly attribute various signs of agreement to students’ comprehension. In most parts of the world, especially in Asian countries, students often nod their heads not necessarily because they understand but out of respect or simply because they don’t want to be embarrassed in front of their peers. Teachers should often check for real signs of understanding. Make sure to try and recognize signs of boredom which often means that students are not engaged because they don’t understand you.
By no means does this list try and account for every possible mistake or ever y possible situation which may arise when teaching English abroad. Teaching English to speakers of other languages does not necessarily have to be a daunting or complicated task. It can be an extremely fun and a rewarding experience. There is a lot of helpful information and resources available online as well as various TESOL online courses, certifications, and degrees.
Guest post is written by Mark Bragi – social media blogger and a lover of travel, photography, and food.
Canadian expat Carrie Kellenberger has kept a home base with her husband in Asia since 2003. A prolific traveler, Carrie has funded her travels primarily as a writer, editor, travel blogger and photographer, but she has also worked as an educator, voice over artist, model and nightclub singer. She draws upon her 15+ years of travel experience to write about travel-related issues and the countries she has visited on her award-winning web site, My Several Worlds.
Her photography and travel articles have appeared in both print and online publications around the world, including Travel and Leisure Asia, Unearthing Asia and Hip Compass Escapes.
