Knowledge of student language for online TEFL

[Dragon76]

Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum. I wish to leave my job as a nurse and embark on a new career as an online TEFL teacher.
I am a native from England and educated to degree level. I don’t have a TEFL qualification as yet but that is my next step.
I can speak Portuguese to upper intermediate level and I am currently learning Arabic.
My question is, will knowledge of these languages increase my chances of securing teaching work online with speakers of these languages?
Many thanks

[odyssey]

In theory if you do a good TEFL course you will be equipped to teach a class of 12 learners all speaking a different language, all of which you cannot possibly be expected to know.

In TEFL we tend to use English to teach English on the premise that you can't learn French by speaking Chinese.

On that basis, whether you speak Portuguese or Arabic is neither here nor there.

However, in fairness, with online lessons there can be some advantage to speaking the student's language, depending on the student's level etc. But the temptation to use that language more than very occasionally should be resisted at all costs. So again, speaking Portuguese or Arabic is probably not going to be of much advantage to you.

Your best bet is to get a rock solid TEFL certificate.

[Dragon76]

Thanks for the reply Odyssey!

[WalterWaltt]

Yep, knowledge of Portuguese and Arabic languages may increase your chances of securing teaching work online with speakers of these languages. As a fluent speaker of these languages, you will be able to communicate effectively with students and provide them with accurate and appropriate instruction. Additionally, having knowledge of multiple languages can be seen as a valuable skill by potential employers and may make you a more competitive candidate.

[Dragon76]

Thank you for taking the time to respond Walter

[WalterWaltt]

You're welcome!*

[WalterWaltt]

So have you got that wished job or not?

[Dragon76]

I’ve not started looking yet, I have to do the TEFL first and try and research the job market