If i want to become an ESL teacher do I have to be fluent in another language?

Question

I really want to live in south america and work as an ESL teacher there but I hardly know any spanish. I heard that you dont need to be fluent in another language to teach english but it helps. Do you think that if i just learned the basics of spanish and lived in south america for awhile i could make a decent living teaching english there? What age level do you think someone with my expirience should teach to?

Could I make a decent living as any other kind of teacher there if i taught in english?

sorry if this is confusing....

thanks =]

Answer 1

Dave's ESL Cafe has answers to all your questions.  Trust me.  http://www.eslcafe.com/

Answer 2

You should know some words, expressions, and commands in your students' native languages if you teach ESL.  It makes students (and parents) feel valued and less nervous if you can say something they can understand.  Imagine being in a class and not being able to ask the teacher if you can go to the bathroom.  With that said, it is fine not to be fluent.  You won't be tempted to talk to them in their own language if you don't know it.  Speaking consistently in English will help them in the long run.

Answer 3

No. ESL means English as a Second Language and it is taught in English. So to perform your ESL teacher duties, you do not need another language.

Answer 4

To be an ESL teacher in the U.S. you don't have to learn a second language. For example, you mentioned Spanish. If you taught ESL in Texas, they would tell you that you don't know Spanish that's fine since classes should be conducted in English, but it would definitely help you interact with the kids and their parents.

However, when you teach ESL in a non-English speaking country they STRONGLY suggest that you have a working knowledge of the language even if you aren't fluent because you have to be able to function outside of the classroom where people don't speak English. I know some countries require that you speak the language (Japan and Spain for example). Most programs will require you to do some language training so that you will have a grasp of what is called "Survival language": Things such as I need help, call the police, where is th bathroom, etc.

Whether it would be hard to make a decent living depends on your point of view. You will be paid in the local currency and the pay will not be anywhere near the U.S. level of pay. It'll be around $400 U.S. a month. That means you have to live near where you teach because it will be too expensive to live in tourist areas. It is also highly suggested that you have "back up" money to supplement your income (around $2,000 in the bank).