Teach English in China - Start the Journey Now

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News

It’s hard to imagine, but just 50 years ago, places like the former Soviet Union and China were closed to Christian workers and the West. Now, in this age of globalization, you can serve God in almost any country in the world, and all you have to do is open your mouth and say something...anything…go ahead and try it.

If the words that come out of your mouth are in English, then you’ve hit the jackpot! English is the gold standard in today’s currency of international communication. Thanks to your natural talent as an English speaker, you can talk your way around the world.

The international market for English teachers has never been better. People in countries as diverse as Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Morocco and Slovakia are all eager to learn English from native speakers. Being able to converse in English can improve their job prospects and help their countries engage in the international community.

Of course, as Christians, we long to do more than just teach people to talk about the weather. Many times, classroom activities can open doors to more significant conversations. Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are natural ways to share about American culture and the historical events that have inspired these important celebrations.

In addition, class discussions on values and dreams help students to think beyond what they’ve been taught all their lives. This is an important way to stretch their thinking, especially if they have been raised in a culture where Christianity is not considered a valid belief system.

The credibility you build as a teacher is a significant point of connection with people who long for deeper meaning in their lives. Many students have never met a “real” Christian before and are eager to learn more about what motivates you. You can be the person who speaks peace, hope and joy into their lives.

Teaching English is a wonderful, practical ministry that seamlessly combines the Good News in both word and deed. Ralph Winter, a noted Christian leader has said, “Teaching English as a Second Language is perhaps the very best of cross-cultural opportunities. It deals with people face to face; leads to significant discussions about life; and is needed everywhere in the world.”

Amazingly enough, teaching English as a Second Language is also one of the most accessible ministry opportunities available today. You can serve for just a summer, for a year, or for as long as you feel called. Because your primary responsibilities are in English, you don’t need to spend years learning the host countries’ language. Students are more than willing to get a little extra practice as they help you “get around” town.

You also don’t need to have extensive training as a teacher. Many good organizations have built-in training programs for people with any undergraduate degree. For example, TeachOverseas.org, offers a one-month training course that covers teacher training in the morning, cultural training in the afternoon, and practice teaching in the evening. It’s an intense four weeks, but the results are well worth it. Christianity Today calls TeachOverseas’ training, “Good work, well done – one of the finest models of preparedness.”

The Bible is full of stories of “ordinary” people who commit themselves to God and find themselves in the midst of something “extraordinary.” You may think that it takes some kind of extraordinary talent to serve God overseas. But, if you are fluent in English, you already posses a valuable skill that can lead to fruitful ministry in some of the most interesting places in the world.

So, if you are looking for a practical, friendship-based outreach opportunity, take a good look at teaching English. Finding the right niche for your talents and interests may be as easy as opening your mouth and saying, “Yes, Lord. Send me.”

Author Sabrina Wong is Vice President of TeachOverseas.org. She was part of the Stanford IVCF chapter and got her first taste of missions on a Global Project to Hong Kong. She taught English in Beijing for 2 years and received her MA in InterCultural Studies from Fuller Seminary. She has served in various roles at TeachOverseas.org for the last 10 years and is glad to be a part of the ministry of sharing Christ’s love through teaching.