Teaching English in Africa

There's no doubt that Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is an exciting opportunity to see the world. But living and working in a foreign country can seem like a big step to take. If you're considering teaching English abroad, what better way to get your questions answered than to hear from someone who took the leap?

Victoria Johnson spent six months in Tanzania teaching English to primary schoolchildren. Now a communications officer, Victoria tells us how teaching English helped her in her career and why she wouldn't swap her TEFL experience for anything.

Why did you decide to teach English abroad?

I wanted to spend time in Africa. I'd been fascinated with Africa ever since a project at primary school and had followed media coverage from a young age. Discovering TEFL gave me an avenue to spend time there. I didn't want to backpack around the continent because I wanted to live in one place and avoid just seeing the culture from an outsider's perspective. I wanted to actually live within it, learn a bit of the language and socialise with African people.

I heard that there were charities that organised volunteer placements across the globe, giving me the perfect opportunity to live in Africa. The best part of it was that the charity helped with organising the trip, offering me some training beforehand and introducing me to fellow volunteers; so although it provided the challenge I was seeking, it was in a relatively safe and supportive environment.

What were the highlights of your time doing TEFL?

Where do I start? There were so many! I particularly enjoyed doing additional one-to-one lessons with kids that were struggling with their main classes. It was amazing watching these children start making academic progress, and great fun spending time getting to know them too.

About halfway through my time there, I heard a rumour that another local school was short of teachers to act as supervisors on a school trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, so I volunteered. It was an amazing experience travelling through rainforests, savannahs, deserts and then finally, a glacier, with weather, scenery and animals of all kinds. I'm so grateful to have had such an opportunity and that I spent it with some incredible children.

What were the biggest challenges?

It was difficult spending a long time so far away from family and getting used to another culture, diet and climate. But as I settled down it began to feel more like a home away from home. In fact, by the time I left Tanzania I was so at home there that I found the return home more upsetting than I did leaving England and my family!

The biggest challenge was probably having to cope with corporal punishment being used in the school. Although my charity made sure I wouldn't be encouraged to use corporal punishment, knowing about it made me feel really uncomfortable as it is not something that I believe to be right. When experiencing another culture it's inevitable that there will be things that do not adhere to your beliefs or culture, and that's probably the biggest challenge.

What makes a good EFL teacher?

To succeed in TEFL you need an open mind and an adventurous nature. Obviously good English skills are important, but the level of English you need depends on where you are and whether you're a volunteer or not. I think that personality is more important for being an EFL teacher, particularly in developing countries where the culture is so different to Western culture.

A sense of humour will take you far with the children and your colleagues. Patience is also very important, as I think any teacher will tell you. Children are energetic the world over, so plenty of energy and enthusiasm will capture both pupils' hearts and imaginations.

What kind of skills did you take away from your experience?

The main skills I picked up were general life skills. By putting yourself out of your comfort zone, you can realise how much more you're capable of than you originally thought. I think I gained a sense of self-belief that I'd never experienced before, which has been very useful in my career since.

Also, there's nothing like travelling to the other side of the world to make you independent and resilient. TEFL gives you a unique insight into another culture, and an understanding of its ethics and values, which has helped me to become considerate of cultural differences. Plus I would like to consider myself more open-minded and receptive to new experiences since my TEFL placement.

An amusing story from your time doing TEFL?

Each morning before school there was a 20 minute exercise slot which had previously been a serious, military-style affair. I was asked to lead morning exercise one morning and, being a little bit barmy, decided that to try and spice things up a little. I didn't know what to do, so I took aerobics and "the Macarena" as my inspiration.

Before too long, 250 Tanzanian school children and 20 teachers were doing a combination of "the Macarena" and "Saturday Night", lead by me, a slightly crazy, very hyperactive and completely rhythm-less EFL teacher. It was a sight to behold!!!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of doing TEFL?

GO FOR IT! I can't describe how much I enjoyed it or how big an effect it had on my life. It's a scary risk to take; leaving your responsibilities, friends and family behind and heading off to another country. It was absolutely worth it though. Sometimes when you take the biggest risks you have the most to gain and that certainly applies here. Travel light, have a sense of humour and keep your mind open! 

There are a number of qualifications that can help you launch your overseas teaching career. Read all about the routes into TEFL in our EFL teacher job profile. Our advisers can also help you decide on your route into TEFL. Call 0800 100 900 anytime from 8am to 10pm seven days a week.

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