The scope of English teachers worldwide is making the field of teaching English abroad lucrative with each passing day. In addition to this, the opportunity to travel across countries is what tickles young TEFLers the most. With that being said, moving to another country may also come with a lot of cultural shocks.
Therefore, TEFLers who are planning to move across while they teach also need to make themselves prepared with the right mentally of living a life away from home. For starters, a good amount of research is a must-have, this includes not just the technical part of where you are going to work and where are you going to live – when you decide your destination, take time to know the country, culturally as well as socially.
The number one thing to keep in mind is that you are a visitor to the place. The community and the culture of the host country must be dealt with integrity. However, this in any way does not take away your identity as an individual. The balance lies in finding ways to incorporate your ways of life in a new surrounding – respectfully.
How can you be respectful while teaching English abroad?
Appreciate the Country
Think about the reasons you chose the country to teach in. there must be many ways you connect to that foreign place, it can be the culture or the lifestyle, and many more – whatever the reason is to make that you anchor to connect with the land the people. Additionally, though it may not be mandatory, learn some basic lines and use the native language when possible. It will encourage you to learn a new language and also people around you will be appreciative of the effort you take.
Maintain Culturally Appropriate Behaviors
When we talk about cultural appropriation, the topic covers a wide range of areas such as dresscode, public behaviors, and going to places that are available for visitors. Although the freedom of expression and individuality is our sovereignty, each different countries especially countries that have a religious influence on their societal behavior –there are certain things like social norms and etiquettes, the right way of dressing can be a huge deal. A huge of this also directly relates to your safety.
The way we need to conduct ourselves in a public place may not always reflect the totality of ourselves, but it can certainly be done in a respectful way. When it comes to carrying ourselves in public, the more we are in sync with our surrounding the more practical we can be while walking down the street.
Be Thoughtful While Amusing
Traveling to another country can bring a lot of hyped-up energy. And of course why not! That is what travel endeavors are for right. But you also need to be careful not to behave like an invader. In this 21st century, many people live to take photos and post them on social media. Depending on where you are, especially if you are taking photos of local people, it’s good to ask permission first before clicking.
In addition to this, if you are asked not to take photos of places like religious or historical sites, ensure you maintain that. Above all, try to cherish the memory you create than to constantly taking photos or being on the phone while you are traveling.
Takeaway For TEFLers
In many ways when we go to a foreign land, we automatically become a representation of our own home country. people perceive the ways of your country through you. Make sure your value of exchanging your native culture and ethics represents a quality.
Since you may not have much experience in traveling, especially for aspiring TEFL trainers with online TEFL courses, making a conscious choice to be respectful must be navigated delicately. Overall, knowing the ways of the place you are about to land in can give you a lot of confidence to bring more peace in the way you carry yourself around as a global citizen.
Written By : Ashwini Chandra
