Shawn McConaughey is the NWYM associate superintendent of Global Outreach.
Each year, I lead several workshops and presentations on teaching internationally. I enjoy it more and more. It was not always that way. I must admit that when I started in my role working with NWYM Global Outreach, I was skeptical that English teaching would be anything I could get very excited about.
In time however, I have come to see things differently. It is true that teaching abroad can be simply a way to have an “international experience,” but I want to argue that when we are intentional it can be vital kingdom work. Here are a few reasons why.
It opens opportunities to promote justice: I find that well-done literacy programs and many English teaching programs have a mission to reach out to the poorest of the poor. In many cases knowing a foreign language like English can provide new opportunities for someone who is a member of an oppressed minority, a lowly caste member, or may have simply been born on the wrong side of the tracks. A common weapon of oppression is the lack of access to education.
It opens doors: Parts of the majority world have an ever-growing hostility toward the West. Teaching, especially English teaching, has provided an avenue for Christians to better love the world and shatter those stereotypes.
If the world wants to learn English from native speakers, then why shouldn’t Christians be the ones to teach it? Unfortunately many learn western culture and English by watching Survivor, Glee, and American movies. I am certain that Christian teachers could offer a contrasting experience that is seasoned with the fruit of the Spirit.
The teacher and learner share a life-changing experience: there is a level of intimacy in that relationship. Caring teachers want the best for their students, and learners often feel drawn to those who spend their lives opening new worlds to them. Students care what their teachers think/believe. The transfer goes both ways as something of the student and something of the teacher is exchanged.
By definition, learners are always transformed. Of course knowledge and facts are not the ultimate transformers. We understand God to be the one who transforms us most completely. But I don’t think it is a stretch to consider how we can be God’s instruments as we teach. Especially when we do it well.
These are just a few reasons I wish more people would consider teaching abroad. Common responses are: “But I am not a teacher” or “I don’t think teaching is for me.” I understand that it won’t be for everyone. But I think more people ought to consider it. Teaching in another culture is very difficult work and requires a deep well of love and hopefulness that teaching is God’s work.
I hope you will give me a call or e-mail. Organizations are recruiting new teachers right about now. I would be happy to talk with you about options for those just out of college to those empty-nesters or retired folks and everyone in between.
