Michelle
If I were to major in English, what credentials would I need to teach English abroad? TESL?
I am a senior in highschool, thinking about going into education as my career. I would like to major in English, as well as music. I asked many teachers about teaching abroad, but is something like a TESL( Teaching english as a second language) certificate, necessary? Or is it something that is overlooked upon?
What would seem to be more safe in approaching a credential teaching experience? I know people can teach English as long as they are fluent, but I feel like it cheats the learners if I am not capable of helping ESL students. I'm curious to learn about the opportunities provided for me abroad to get teaching experience.
Thank you to whoever answers. #esl #academic-english
2 answers
Emmaline Wilson
Emmaline’s Answer
Hi Michelle!
Good question. Teaching English abroad is a wonderful experience. The answer: it depends on the type of teaching you want to do, for how long, and how much you want to pay / get paid. There are plenty of internships and programs that teach you how to teach English abroad, but it will help you to have TESOL/TEFL coursework as well as practical experience. There are ESL classes right here in the US working with local immigrants and refugees—I highly recommend starting there before jumping in full time.
Degrees or certificates in teaching and language will also always be helpful :)
Your university may allow students to go for a semester to teach English abroad (nice to start with a shorter amount of time, like a semester, especially if its your first time going abroad). You can look into their requirements, record, and the type of teacher training they provide. Be wary of any programs that don't give you any support... you'll want it!
I personally went with an organization that didn't provide formal training, but after I'd had a few years' language teaching experience. I just went for a summer as a volunteer, and it worked out great—but please reach out to alumni to get the full story before committing to anything. Do your research on whatever program you choose to go with, because there are amazing programs and not-so-amazing ones, too.
In any case, best of luck—and I hope your experience is simply amazing!
Debbie Chow
Debbie’s Answer
Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly more important to have a CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate or TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) as more and more employers are more aware that having a college degree and speaking English as a native language aren't enough alone in one being able to effectively teach English as a foreign language. It's definitely a worthwhile investment in taking the time to get one of the certificates I've mentioned above as you can discover what it's like to teach English language learners. You can learn about cultural awareness, some grammar points, how to teach English in English, how to create lesson plans, and practice teach real English language learners in the program. It's absolutely valuable knowledge. I highly recommend attending one of the teaching English as a second language certificate programs as it opens up to you on what may happen in the EFL classroom.