Language Teacher’s Experience When Teaching in International Contexts

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the experience of four language teachers working in international settings in order to learn how this practice can contribute to their teaching perspective and competence. Teachers from countries such as Canada, Mexico and Italy who have taught English, Portuguese and Italian in different countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia participated in this study. For this purpose, the study inquiries into the beneficial aspects and challenges they have faced and how this has become a factor of progress in their professional trajectory. Aspects related to the motivation to teach in international contexts, the language barrier and culture shock are also approached. The results suggest that language teaching in international contexts is an enriching experience that has contributed to broadening their knowledge, abilities and viewpoints, and becoming aware of the multicultural and linguistic diversity of our world.