You can help people in developing countries and the rest of the world if you decide to become a teacher of English as a foreign language or EFL teacher. It can help in terms of education, the economy and trade. We can also share each other’s cultures better when we can share a common second or first language. To become an EFL teacher you need enthusiasm to teach English, a degree and an EFL training certificate.
EFL teaching is a worldwide career but Africa is becoming a popular place to teach. Its colonial history lives on with many countries speaking French and German as well as their native language. English is common in those areas that were dominated by British colonialists however it remains relatively unknown in some places.
In Rwanda’s primary and secondary schools, the government has stated that lessons should be taught in English. They hope to use English so that the children of today will be able to speak English when they become government officials, academics, business men and women and diplomatic envoys.
French has been the traditional teaching language until now and the shift to English has been put down to the Francophone feelings since the genocide in 1994. Relations have cooled as both countries blame each other for the mass killings.
Although this is definitely not a reason behind the switch to English touted by officials, commentators view this as a large reason. The official line is that communication with the rest of the world will be easier with English as the common second language. This does not only apply to potential foreign trading countries like China, England and the US. Rwanda’s neighbours including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania also speak English as their second language.
Businesses also like their world wide offices to be able to speak English so that communication is quick and easy between them. You can teach English in nearly every country after you have completed EFL training.
