How to Teach English Abroad without speaking the local language

To teach English, you need a range of skills. Fluency in another language, however, is not one of them, and it’s possible to teach English worldwide without speaking multiple languages.

There’s an assumption that you must be fluent in at least two languages to teach English abroad , but it’s not true. Sure, teaching English abroad is an excellent opportunity to learn other languages. When you move overseas, you’ll learn immersively, find fantastic opportunities to absorb culture and language, and grow. Everyone starts somewhere, though, and we’re here to shatter one of the most prevalent misconceptions in TEFL.

Here’s our guide to teaching English abroad without speaking the local language.

TEFL teachers are needed for English

It might sound obvious, but it bears repeating that English teachers are hired to teach English. In the TEFL world, your teaching skills and your English fluency are your most important traits.

Teaching entirely in English is arguably the most effective way to do it. Immersive learning is a popular form of English teaching, where learners are in a wholly English-speaking environment for an extended period. If learners are only exposed to English and can only speak English back to you as a teacher, their confidence and vocabulary will only grow.

English will usually be the only language of instruction in international schools and private language centres. International schools with British, American or International Baccalaureate curriculums will teach in English to students from all over the world. You may even teach other subjects in English, but not other languages.

Private language centres' needs are straightforward - learners pay for English lessons, usually for specific goals. Private language school students typically want to learn English quickly and effectively, and immersion is usually the best way.

Of course, having some classroom greetings in the native language is a great start. However, it's not a roadblock if you’ve moved to another country and are not fluent in the local language yet. Don’t fret - your job is to help students learn English. Being a TEFL teacher isn’t the same as being a translator.

Where can you teach?

Where can you teach English without speaking the local language? The short answer is “pretty much everywhere”. 

There are plenty of TEFL locations where English is an official language , which makes adapting easier. There are different reasons for this: historical links, economic ambitions, educational programmes, etc. Although English may not be the most spoken language in these countries, it is often used for official documents and education. This is the case in top TEFL destinations, including Singapore , Malta , and the Philippines .

In countries where English isn’t an official language, you still don’t necessarily need to be fluent. Again, TEFL teachers are hired on their strengths in teaching English. The vast majority of jobs won’t require you to speak another language, and though it’s helpful to know the basics, it’s rarely a deal-breaker. 

Many TEFL teachers only speak English fluently, but still move worldwide, teaching in exciting locations. You can teach English as a foreign language worldwide if you are fluent and have a TEFL certificate. 

Communicating in the classroom

Of course, it can feel daunting when you take your first classes in a foreign classroom, especially if you don’t know the language. How do you break the language barrier with learners of different ages?

If you can, use your body. Total Physical Response (TPR) is a standard teaching method that uses gestures and movements. Start with the basics: Say “hello” and wave your hand. Your learners will associate the English word “hello” with the movement. This works whether you’re teaching young kids or seniors.

Visual cues, like flashcards, posters, pictures, and diagrams, can be crucial if used correctly. As we covered in our guide to teaching young learners , physical materials can enhance vocabulary and build confidence. For older learners, use materials appropriate for each lesson. Different forms of visual media, like films or YouTube videos , can help introduce certain words, phrases, and topics without requiring fluency in another language.

Creating routines based on student-led activities is another way to get things moving. Start lessons by asking students to greet you and each other in English. After this, you can introduce more words and phrases and encourage students to speak to each other.

The key to all of this is confidence. Of course, it’ll be helpful to pick up some native phrases and greetings along the way, but if you maintain eye contact and energy, all kinds of learners will understand what you’re trying to teach them. Gaining a TEFL certificate was the hard part - you can handle this!

Life outside the classroom

Perhaps the biggest fear that prospective TEFL teachers have is about life outside the classroom. Day-to-day survival in a different country can seem scary when you aren’t fluent in the language. People imagine being unable to read road signs, order food, or convert money at the bank. It’s an understandable fear, but today, navigating the world is easier than ever.

When you first move, you’ll need tools for translation. While old-fashioned pocket translator books are great, they’re not the quickest. If you have a smartphone, use Google Lens or one of the better translation apps for your device. These apps aren’t 100% accurate all the time, and it’s not a long-term alternative to learning a language, but it’s a good way to get started.

Language learning tools are more widespread than ever. Of course, Babbel and Duolingo are popular and useful, but it’s worth trying out different apps to find the one that suits you.

Alternatively, you can find people to exchange language knowledge with and English-speaking communities in new locations. Networking before you leave for a new destination is worthwhile. Adjusting will be easier if you have contacts in a new country.

The best thing to do as a TEFL teacher abroad is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Going outside and exploring the world around you is the most effective way to learn a new language. Listen to people speaking. You can complement this with language lessons; you’ll talk like a local before long. 

You don’t need to be a foreign language expert to teach English as a foreign language

Don’t get us wrong - learn another language or two if you can. It’s a challenging, invigorating experience that makes life easier if you’ve moved abroad. It can also help you relate more easily to your learners, which is always helpful.

Still, it’s possible to be a fantastic TEFL teacher without learning lots of different languages to fluency. The most important skills you need are the bravery to try, the energy to engage with learners, and the attitude to keep going. With the right mindset, you can be one of those great TEFL teachers, thriving abroad and empowering English learners. It’s all about having the confidence to succeed.

So many people might think they can’t TEFL abroad without knowledge of other languages. Thousands of expert teachers will tell you that’s wrong. 

Are you excited about teaching English and learning a language abroad? Read our country guides and learn more about a range of top destinations.