#105, Article: ‘English Language Teaching Experience – In Greece’ by Patricia Walters

Why People Are Interested In Teaching In Greece – Apart from job availability within the T.E.F.L.,(teaching English as a foreign language) industry, people enjoy Greece because it is bestowed with an abundance of natural beauty and an extremely good climate.

Furthermore, it is a country that is steeped in history and tradition so there is always a historical site to visit or a festival near at hand to take part in. Greeks are well known for their laid-back way of life and zest for outdoor and night-time entertainment, which significantly peaks during the summer months, not to mention, the extremely irresistible food which tantalises your taste buds. This way of life can become rather addictive, making Greece a very pleasant location in which to combine a teaching experience.

Why People want to Learn English – Greece is a country whose citizens avidly learn English, This situation has arisen not only because English has been tagged as the global lingua franca but it is also because Greece relies heavily on its tourist industry and languages are a pre-requisite for finding work in this and of course, other fields of employment.

The students’ objectives are to initially acquire the Common European Framework B2 level of English which shows that they have a good understanding of the language. However, a growing number of children continue to the next levels of attainment namely, C1 and the ultimate goal of C2 which awards them the distinction of being competent speakers of English.

So you see, passing examinations is a very important goal in Greece in the students endeavour to find a place in the workforce. Therefore, there is a need for skilled teachers who can prime them to achieve these levels.

What An English Teacher Can Expect –There are several avenues students can take to learn English. Although English is taught in state primary and high schools there are several practical difficulties which impede the development of this learning process within the school system so children attend a language school (‘frondisterio’) or have private tuition to improve their language skills.

Language schools are privately owned businesses and have a long tradition in Greece.

Children attend from approximately eight-nine years old and they continue to approximately fifteen-sixteen years old. Adult learners also attend.

English language teachers are employed on a yearly contract basis which means a scholastic year of approximately eight-nine months, commencing mid-September and ending mid-June, depending on each language school’s programme.

Salary is usually calculated on an hourly rate which is subject to a pay scale and full national health and holiday benefits should be received. Furthermore, teachers often supplement their income by providing private language tuition and there are many teachers in Greece who depend entirely on this type of tuition for their livelihood.

Changes In Learning – Back in the eighties until the mid-nineties, which I would say on reflection were the golden years for learners, teachers and school owners, the learning process was far more leisurely as students were more focused on learning English because it was more or less their choice to study.

Nowadays, most students learn English as a ritual in the quest to find work and all children are obliged to learn the language whether they want to or not – usually not!

Learning has become a ‘hard slog’ for most students because English is only one part of their very overloaded school programme and extra-curricular activities and their time is thinly spread out. Subsequently, it has become harder for the teacher who has to continually enthuse and motivate jaded students and raise their dwindling levels of interest to achieve the coveted certification standards. This situation contributes towards why parents are opting for private tuition in order to gain time and short-circuit the learning curve where possible.

Even though there are a multitude of resources, books, gadgets and other learning tools that have infiltrated the market to ease the learning experience, students’ response to all these seems short-lived. However, teachers persevere and do a wonderful job of dragging them across the finishing line and many acquire their desired certification – so it would appear that they are at least learning something, even by osmosis – whatever works!

The Changing Employment Situation – In the seventies there were a few qualified native speakers working in language schools and in private schools. As interest in learning the language increased, demand outweighed supply and it was extremely easy for English speakers to find work either privately or in language schools, with or without qualifications.

During the eighties, many second generation Greeks returned to their mother land from America, Canada and Australia and entered the English language teaching profession thereby swelling the ranks of existing teachers. Furthermore, as young students achieved proficiency level in their English, they turned to teaching. A teaching license can be acquired from the Ministry of Education if the applicant has completed their Greek state schooling, is twenty one years of age and holds a proficiency certificate in English. Simultaneously, more and more young people have continued with further education and have studied English at university. Although, the objectives of the latter students are to enter the state schools many are employed by language school until they are appointed a state school position.

As you can see, there is now a steady stream of English language teachers supplying the system from within Greece but this does not mean to say that a native English teacher could not find work here. However, you can no longer turn up on the doorstep and expect to find an abundance of opportunities whereas, you once could. Therefore, it is advisable that a work placement is found before arrival and any interested party should thoroughly research the establishment offering employment and the location.

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Having done all your research and safeguarded your interests in every possible way, I will just add that teaching English can be a very fulfilling experience whether in Greece or elsewhere in the world and I wish you all the best in finding your desired job and location.

Patricia Walters has lived and worked in Halkidiki, northern Greece since 1980. She has been working as a T.E.F.L. teacher for many years (teaching English as a foreign language). However, initially she worked as an Area Manager for a British Tour Operator and her work provided her with extensive trips throughout Halkidiki, thus acquiring an intimate knowledge and love for the area.