Teaching English Offers Easy Opportunity to Explore Germany

November 23, 2011

When Brookfield global Relocation Services released their list of the top locations chosen by American businesses when planning to open international offices, the top countries would likely not surprise many people. China, at number one, represents a major emerging market and the fastest growing economy in the world, while number two, the U.K., has long established ties with the U.S. Number four on the list, however, is the often over-looked European powerhouse of Germany.

With the largest economy in Europe, smaller only than the U.S., China and Japan, Germany serves as the hub for the region’s financial, manufacturing and technology sectors. Even sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals have emerged in the country, making Germany an appealing place to live and work regardless of a person’s field. Germany also offers a largely under-appreciated, but incredibly rich culture, with cities like Berlin with well-established art and cultural scenes.

The country holds a particular appeal for Americans as well. The European Commission conducts a survey every few years and its most recent study (in 2006) found that a majority of Germans – 56 percent – spoke English. Aside from allowing for a far easier transition than countries where few people speak English, the strong interest in the language has created a major market for people capable of teaching English.

Cultural exchange organization InterExchange has created a program to allow native English speakers the opportunity to travel to Germany and teach English to children and adults who are looking to learn the language. For 15 hours per week working with students, participants receive full room and board, as well as support from a carefully selected host family and InterExchange.

Lasting between six and 12 weeks, this program allows English speakers the opportunity to experience German culture first-hand on a day-to-day basis. With locations in Berlin in the northeast and Bonn or Cologne in the southwest, participants will be well-positioned to travel the country and explore the areas that interest them most. And spending several months in the country gives participants ample opportunity to learn German themselves.

Such exchange programs are well-received among host families, given the careful scrutiny applicants must go through beforehand, as well as the support offered by InterExchange, making the experience positive for all involved.

With the increasingly global nature of the economy and the opportunities available to those who are familiar with foreign cultures, teaching English in a thriving country such as Germany provides a wealth of valuable experience for anyone.