Page 27 - ELG1706 Jun Issue 448

FEATURES & COMMENT

The hitchhiker’s guide to the (Te ) galaxy

What does it

take to be a

successful

Te er?

First of all, a sense of humour and open-
mindedness. ‘In order to survive in this
industry you must have a sense of humour,
be able to deal with the unexpected and
preferably speak a language in addition
to your own,’ Peter Harris tells Claudia
Civinini.
‘In some countries you need to turn could get a job to teach the language in duration – but ‘the terms and conditions
your clock back 500 years, in others the somewhere in the world. Those days aren’t necessarily that attractive compared
communication technology will astound are fast disappearing.’ Now most EFL to jobs in the UK or in international
you. Some of the parents you meet will establishments worldwide require a Celta boarding schools,’ Peter warns.
be aspirational, others will have less lofty qualification or similar. However, working abroad is still a
ambitions for their offspring but believe Finally, flexibility and a healthy dose fundamental part of the job. ‘To travel
that fluency in English will enable growing of wanderlust. While in the past Teflers and be immersed in different cultures and
exports for the family business.’ used to spend the year abroad and then go languages is an integral part of becoming
Then, of course, you need qualifications. back to the UK to teach in the summer, a rounded Tefler,’ he explains. ‘Be curious
‘A decade ago, if you spoke English you contracts abroad have now become longer and seize opportunities!’

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