<p>I plan to learn a foreign language in college. I don't expect to become fluent through the classes alone. I'm also interested in studying abroad and the possibility of someday teaching English abroad as well for a year or two. </p>
<p>I took three years of Spanish in high school and excelled, but of course after not using it for years after that, I've forgotten much of what I learned. I'm also not particularly interested in studying aboard in Spain or in the culture in general. </p>
<p>Can anyone give me some tips on choosing a foreign language in regards to both studying abroad and teaching abroad? So far, I'm toying with French, Italian, Japanese, German, and Czech. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi. I’ve been a tefl teacher out in China in the past. I also love languages. </p>
<p>For teaching abroad, your English is your asset. A 4 week tefl course is your basic passport to a job. Some places don’t even need this. Some places want more. It can even vary between employers in the same country. Have a look online at the types of jobs on offer in the countries you’re interested in. Your major problem, if you’re American, will be getting a visa to work in the EU. EU citizens have the right to work in any other country. As such, non-EU citizens will find it very hard to get a work visa unless you can find a student or ancestry scheme in the country you want to visit. Each country keeps websites, often in English, to give more information. </p>
<p>As for the language, I’d recommend the one you feel most drawn to in terms of the culture, the sound and how it looks to you. I’m like you, but with French. The culture just isn’t me. I wouldn’t want to live in France or French speaking Belgium. But I did enjoy trips to Germany so I’ve recently started classes in it and the class is more fun as we all have an interest in the country beyond the language as several of the class have sons working out there now. </p>
<p>I’ve also had a long term interest in Chinese which I tried in college and finally got to continue while being out there and I love(d) the whole culture, warts and all. But some cultures, regardless of how well you try to assimilate and speak the language will always see you as ‘other’. This is the case in China. And also Japan. </p>
<p>Study abroad carries its own complications. You can study abroad in many countries in English, particularly with American college schemes. However, to go to classes with local students you need to have a very good grasp of the language which you’re unlikely to have after 2-3 years of college study. This is even less likely with Czech and Japanese which are seen as harder for English speakers. But if you want to study in English, then any language is fine. </p>
<p>Lastly, try and read some recent travel or autobiographical books on each country to feel it out. It’s another area of research and helps with your gut instinct.</p>
<p>Hope this is of some help. Very best wishes with whatever you choose.</p>
<p>Czech and Japanese are the two foreign languages I know the best. If you actually put work into them, i.e. learn stuff outside your classes, they’re not that difficult.</p>