“What are the challenges of being a non-native teacher of English in Taiwan?” I started my career as a high school EFL teacher in Taiwan in my mid 20s. As with other careers, this job has its ups and downs. In the past 20 years, seeing my students’ progress and Read more…
“What should I know about teaching in Spain?” When asked about the qualifications needed to become a qualified teacher in Spain, I answer like a Galician. You see, I have been living in this area of Northern Spain for so long that I have acquired some of the characteristics of Read more…
“What are German students like to teach?” Stereotypes The stereotype of the humorless, sometimes arrogant German with the harsh, syllable-timed accent and flat intonation is still to some extent present in certain circles in the UK. However, having taught in Germany for over ten years, I can confirm that in Read more…
“I am moving to Europe to teach ESL. What are attitudes to American teachers like on the old continent?” I am moving to Europe to teach ESL. What are attitudes to American teachers like on the old continent? As an American, I have sometimes faced discrimination from learners– mostly from Read more…
“I am a university professor at the University of Bergen in Norway. My students and I have some difficulty communicating the international students who arrive at my university from China. They are extremely formal and we are unable to ‘read’ their faces. Where should we start?” In traditional Chinese culture, Read more…
“As an Irish teacher of EFL, what stereotypes have you encountered?” I have worked as a language trainer in Germany since 2004, and the vast majority of my students have been native Germans. As this was largely my language teaching context, it gave me an insight into how Germans view Read more…
“I have just qualified as an English as a Foreign Language teacher. Is Taiwan a good place to have my first experience?” This post was written by Peng Lin, a PhD student, and her father, a professor in Taiwan. It is written from the point of view of a student. Yes, Read more…
“So what’s it like to be an Irish person living in Germany?” Well there are obviously quite a few cultural differences. I think the main one is just friendliness, politeness, showing consideration. I miss that in Germany because it’s different here. And small talk. I am not a big fan Read more…
The first surprise for me, as an American new to Denmark, was how good most Danes were at speaking English. The second surprise was that, as a consequence, there were not many language schools around. This meant I had to start up English classes as a freelancer. I quickly realized Read more…
“I recently did the Celta online. I am a non-native and I am hoping to teach in my own country. What are the pros and cons of being the same nationality as one’s students?” There are plenty of pros in being born in the same country as students and being Read more…