For students who seek the opportunity to develop their teaching skills while experiencing another culture in an immersive environment, teach abroad in Germany programs might be a wise choice. Each program might have a different teaching environment, class size and age range of students so the possibilities are virtually endless! Whichever Teach English in Germany program you may choose, a teaching abroad experience might be just as enriching to your educational experience as it will be your students.
Teaching Abroad vs. TEFL programs
A teach abroad program is sometimes referred to a TEFL or TESOL program. TESOL is defined as teaching English to non-native speakers in an English speaking country.[i] If the prospect of teaching abroad following the completion of your degree excites you, be sure to look for a program that offers a certificate upon completion. Not every TEFL/TESOL offers a certification at the end, so be aware of this when choosing the right Teach English in Germany program.
Are Teach Abroad in Germany Programs the Right Choice?
Not sure if a teach abroad program in Germany is the perfect choice for you? Here are some unique facets to living in Germany that you might want to know.
Culture unlike Anywhere Else
Germany is home to many unique and nearly ancient traditions, and those seeking to teach abroad should explore and perhaps take part in such events. Oktoberfest, for instance, is the largest folk fair in Germany that usually runs from the end of September into the first week of October. Those who wish to see German natives dressed in their finest lederhosen, chow down on some wurst (sausage) and sauerkraut and experience Bavarian culture Oktoberfest is a must see.[ii] Another larger cultural events is the parade season, mainly Rose Monday. This is Germany’s version of Mardi Gras. If you attend Rose Monday you will be sure to see colorful parade performers, musical acts and a slice of authentic German culture. Whatever parade, folk fest or cultural event you may choose, you will be likely immersed in the German language and perhaps learn conversational techniques you might not learn otherwise.
A Place for Film Buffs
The city of Berlin is the annual host to a star-studded internationally known film festival known as the Berlinale.[iii] This event is something that should not be missed if you are interested in foreign films and taking a glimpse into Germany’s current events and culture. For students teaching abroad in Germany who want to brush up on their German speaking during their stay, the Berlinale might be an enjoyable educational outlet.
Barrier Free Travel
Germany prides itself on taking big strides in making much of the accessible to those with disabilities, so much so that they consider themselves a place of “barrier free travel”[iv]. This means that students who are impaired or disabled in any way may not hold back on their dreams of teaching abroad, especially if they have set their sights on Germany.
Live With Locals
If you want a more intimate teaching setting, look for a program that offers students the opportunity to live with German residents and teach their family English.
Take a Leap of Faith and Teach Abroad in Germany
Teach Abroad in Germany programs may enrich your educational, professional and personal experiences in a way you might not have had otherwise. Now is the time to act, and luckily you’ve come to the right place to look: here on StudyAbroad.com. Search for specific teach abroad programs by clicking the “select a duration” and the “select an audience” drop down menus. Programs that might interest you await you there. Enjoy your search!
Sources: [i] vec.ca/english/10/tesol.cfm | [ii] mawista.com/blog/en/14-good-reasons-to-visit-germany/ | [iii] berlinale.de/en/HomePage.html | [iv] germany.travel/en/barrier-free-travel/barrier-free-travel/barrier-free-travel.html
