Teaching English Abroad in Africa

Teaching English as a second or foreign language in other countries can be a rewarding experience. I will write my essay in detail and share some tips before teaching English in Africa.

Those who are willing to teach English as a second or foreign language abroad can find a large number of jobs that are available in almost every country in the world. Positions for those who are willing to travel to Africa are especially in demand, both at public and private schools.

Qualifications to Teach English in African Countries

As with other locations, qualifications to teach English as a second or foreign language vary from institution to institution. Generally, Transitions Abroad says that most public or government-run schools usually require some kind of teaching certificate or ESL background.

Experienced essay helpers at student support centers believe that private and religious institutions usually do not require formal ESL or TEFL certifications, but enthusiasm and a background in English, English education, or teaching may be of benefit.

Travel Requirements and Necessities When Teaching English in African Countries

As with any kind of foreign travel, there are some requirements and necessities that prospective teachers need to remember before leaving for Africa.

First, teachers need to secure a visa and do so as far in advance as possible. The type of visa an instructor will need depends on the length of stay in Africa; those who are staying for three months or less may be able to apply for a tourist visa, while a longer stay will require additional paperwork and travel documents.

It is also important to remember that processing such paperwork happens slowly in Africa, so teachers should account for delays in processing and keep in contact with the person who is working on his or her behalf to make sure the process is still moving forward.

In addition, it is extremely important to make sure one's immunizations are up to date and any additional shots are received before leaving the teacher's home country. For those who are unsure of recommended and required vaccinations for specific regions, they should check out the Center for Disease Control's travel alerts website.

Where to Find Jobs Teaching English in Africa

There are a number of agencies, organizations, and government entities that list and employ individuals to teach English in foreign countries. These include:

• Peace Corps
• WorldTeach
• national churches
• missionary organizations

It is always recommended that those looking to teach English abroad look for positions through agencies such as the Peace Corps to ensure that they are not being taken advantage of by a scam artist and that they receive proper training prior to departure.

Teaching Materials for People Teaching English in Africa

Transitions Abroad recommend that teachers contact their site in Africa to determine what kinds of materials are available and whether or not there is a standardized curriculum already in place. If so, it is recommended that future instructors consult a high school-level grammar book to refresh skills and to revisit how an English and grammar book flows.

For argumentative essay writers who are looking for teaching materials, consult books that are focused on teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) or teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL.) Standard ESL books are often culturally-focused on the western world and may not be appropriate for the African culture.

Teaching English in Africa can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. However, there is a lot of preparation and patience that goes into the experience, both at home and while overseas.

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