Misconception #2: You need to be fluent in another language.
"But I don't know another language!" There is a common assumption that you need to be bilingual to serve overseas. For Bible translators and church planters, knowing the language of the host country is essential to the effectiveness of the work.
The nature of the ministry of TeachBeyond is a bit different. The vast majority of roles within TeachBeyond are carried out in English. Most of our partners are international or bilingual schools, which means that English is the common language of communication or one of two primary languages of instruction.
New TeachBeyond members are not required to attend pre-field language school. We recognize that their primary mission fields are their classrooms, residence halls, and offices, and as such, most of their ministry will be conducted in English.
We do, however, strongly encourage our members to study language. Being able to engage with neighbors and other "locals" opens incredible doors of opportunity. I'll never forget praying for my landlady the night before she was scheduled to have surgery. It was the first time I had prayed aloud in German, and it was a sacred moment.
Am I glad that I had taken four years of German before moving to Germany?
Absolutely.
Were there people at Black Forest Academy who knew next to no German?
Yes, there were.
If God is calling you to go, commit some time to studying language before you get on a plane. But if you haven't taken a Spanish class since eighth grade, don't let that preclude you from considering TeachBeyond.
Chiang Rai International Christian School, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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