I only know English, but I want to move to Germany to be an English teacher?

Question

I currently live in Florida, and as nice as the weather may be, I really don't want to stay here forever. It's always been my dream to go and live in Germany, and I've been thinking about moving there to become an English teacher for a secondary school up there(high school). I'm a senior in high school right now, but the only foreign language I took was Spanish (we don't have German anymore). I know I'll need to find a tutor, or a really good software, to help me become fluent in German, and I'm willing to put the time and effort into that.

Right now, I'm planning on going to college to major in English and Music Performance, and maybe minor in Psychology as well. Could I get an internship from Santa Fe Community College that takes me to Germany? Or is that something I would have to wait until I went to a university and get my Bachelor's to do?

If not an English teacher, a Translator? Maybe work for a publishing company and translate German books to English? Would that be better?

Answer 1

you should definetly start learning german now. Get either a personal tutor or try Rosetta Stone language software. When you're in college you should obviously take german as your foreign language as well. You will probably have to find out the requirements for foreign language teaches there as they will most likely have a certain criteria you must abide by. You'd have to find out whether you need to have a masters in the language or if they would accept you will just a bachelors. You should do a lot of research to be sure. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

It is possible to teach German in Germany without speaking any German.

My girlfriend did that when I worked at a German company in Stuttgart.  She spoke no German when we got there - and learned a little while we were there - but never became fluent.

She worked for a company that sent out English speakers to train business people to speak English.  All of the students had a fairly good grounding in English already - so here lessons were all done in English.  There are big language companies like Berlitz that have offices in various German cities - and there are small, private operations who hire instructors fairly informally.

When you are in college - you will have the opportunity to take German classes.  When you are in a school - go to the special programs office (or whatever they call it there ) - all colleges have connections or contacts for doing a year abroad in almost any country.  You will find a good German program.

When  you are a polished performer - go to Germany and get a job as a musician!!!  You can always find a job doing something at an American military base (check out www.usajobs.com).

The future will sort itself out - for now - go to school, take German classes, find your semester in Germany - and follow your heart.  All of these opportunities will open up new avenues for you.

Also, check out the Concordia College Summer Language Villages programs.  You can be a camp counsellor - for young children learning German, you can take a summer in Germany for college credit studying German - take a look and see whether you like it.

Answer 3

I strongly suggest you go an visit before preparing for a move.

:)

Answer 4

You and I have a few things in common, haha.

I LOVE germany, and everything about it, i want to live there someday as well.

My business teacher's son just recently moved to Korea for a job just like the one you want.

He doesn't speak any Korean but wanted to be an English teacher, and when he found out about that job he asked if he needed to know any Korean. They said no, and that they'd teach him all he would need just to get around for a while, and he's doing very well.

I don't know about all the transfering and majors and things, im only a freshman.. haha, but i hope this was a little helpful to you!

I say, if you want to teach English in germany, go for it :)

Answer 5

Why doesn't your high school offer German? Mine offers Spanish, French, and German. I'm taking Spanish though I regret not taking French b/c I want to move to France. ; )

Well, you need to learn the language starting now. It's going to be hard to learn it when you get older. So start now, if you can afford it take classes b/c It's better to learn with someone fluent in German than just studying books yourself. You may not have the right pronounciation.

Also, when you move to a foreign country... You will learn the language FASTER than you think you will. You'll kinda force yourself to learn it. It'll stick with you b/c every where you go they speak German and you'll remember it. Trust me.

So I would start studying now and another 4 years in college - German. Then, go to Germany and the first year... don't become a teacher... just practice the language.... and then after that become a teacher. Besides you don't want the kids making fun of your American - German accent. or do you?

Answer 6

The biggest thing you're likely to run into is the Work Visa issue.  you need to be doing something that allows you to get a work visa/permit.  Your best bet may be to check with the Work Exchange programs (just search that), and see if you can find some program that will help you find a job, lodging get your work permit, etc.  That's what they do, though with the EU, the options have become more limited for Americans going to some countries.

You don't need to be fluent in German, surely the people will help you along.   You will make friends who will know that you are out to learn their language, and they will help you.  You can also take classes there, as well, though the better your base learned in classes, the better you will do, and the more fluent you will become.

Good luck.  You'll LOVE it if you go.