I want to teach english in Germany?

Question

I'm in high school and I was just curious, would it be a viable option to learn German now and travel there to teach english as a seceond language in say 3-5 years? I've read that teaching in Germany is outdated and complicated because (1) they learn English very well in their school system and (2) i'm from the Usa, and not in the EU.

Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

Yes it is viable especially with people preparing for exams for their jobs that have been out of school for a few years and have not had the practice and need tutoring.

I tutored English for several months and supported myself with it.

Look at it this way, would you rather learn a language from a Native or a Non Native? That alone got me many jobs even though my German was only so so at the time.

You can get high school kids that just need help, and adults preparing for work exams. Or others that speak German but are not German and wish to learn English while living there. I think you could do well if you planned things out properly with the right permits etc etc.

You cant just up and go not with out collateral and a plan! It is possible though. I did it part time for a while and I loved it.

(I do not agree totally with below, yes they are Strong in English that I do not deny, but there is PLENTY of people still needing to learn English and some of them are Native and others not Native. Plenty of Natives preparing say like I helped one student prepare for their air line attendant job and had to speak fluent english, I tutored her privately for it was less expensive than a E.U teacher and it was AUTHENTIC English not school taught by non natives that cost more Euro. So As here in the USA I would rather a German teach me German than any other country, so with English I would want someone who speaks it natively to teach me rather than a non Native) Thats my opinion.

Answer 2

I'll note that although it is true that Germans are strong English speakers generally, that is less true in the former East.  So if you are willing to center yourself in Berlin or better yet, Dresden or Leipzig or something, then you might find more opportunity.  

Note that there are EU citizens who are native English speakers - that would be the British.  So that issue is real.

Answer 3

I´m an American living in Germany with my husband (who is German) and I see ads in the paper and the internet requesting native speakers to teach English here, and I live in Bavaria.

Don´t ever let anyone tell you no to your dreams...if you want to teach english in Germany, then go for it.  You might have some obstacles, but nothing is impossible.

Answer 4

you would be last on the list for english teachers, they would rather have e.u. teachers and germany usa relations are weak. most people in germany have a large knowledge of english.

Answer 5

I do agree with Wulf he gave a very good answer I would like to add there are special schools teaching languages eg the Berlitz school that also would be a posibility.

As for beeing an American citizen that doesn't make a difference it is slightly more difficult to obtain the working permit than for a British citizen due to EU but it won't be a big problem.