 |
Teaching Abroad: a Guide to the Basics
Author: Joel Bleasedale  | Posted: 18-04-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 1 | Rating: (85)  (?) 
Teaching English as foreign language (or second language) is an excellent option for visiting new parts of the world. Because English is commonly used for diplomacy, higher education, business and technology, English teachers and classes are in high demand around the worldwide.
Knowing how to teach English also provides you with an excellent skill to be used in volunteering. There are opportunities around the world where people would benefit from knowing English, yet they do not have the funds to enroll in classes, or perhaps they don’t have access to any classes at all.
If teaching English isn’t for you, international schools require native English speakers to teach other subjects as well, such as mathematics, science, history, and the arts.
What is TEFL, ESL, EFL, etc.?
There are lots of different abbreviations and acronyms to refer to teaching English. Here is a quick simplifier…
ELT: English Language Teaching or English Language Training
EFL: English as a Foreign Language
ESL: English as a Second Language
ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
EAL: English as an Additional Language
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language
TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language
TEAL: Teaching English as an Additional Language
TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
All of the above abbreviations are used for essentially the same thing, however, you may notice that generally ESL is used for non-native speakers learning English in an English speaking country, and EFL is for non-native-speaks learning English in a non-English speaking environment, such as their own country. Moreover, Americans tend to use ESL more, and British teachers tend to use EFL. EAL is an attempt to bridge the gap between the two. Oftentimes people learn English not as their second language, but as their third, fourth or more. Also, EAL avoids using the word “foreign”, which is considered by the more politically correct to have an unpleasant inference.
Do I need a certificate to teach English?
There are many opportunities around the world to teach English without a certificate. However, certification does help, especially if there is an application process involved and positions are competitive.
Do I need to speak a foreign language to teach people English?
Theoretically, to teach English you should only need to speak one language. However, if you are teaching in a foreign country, there is no doubt that some knowledge of that country’s culture and language can make your job much easier, and probably allow you to make your lessons more relevant and interesting for your students. If your students are of mixed international backgrounds, then knowing one or two foreign languages may not be of assistance to the entirety of the group.
There is some benefit to your teaching if you do in fact know a foreign language or have learnt one. By having first hand experience of being a student, you are able to have a more complete perspective of the student/teacher relationship and the trials and tribulations of those you teach. Moreover, learning another language provides you with valuable insight about grammar, such as verb conjugations and tenses, which come naturally to a native speaker. Many other languages use similar grammatical formats as English, and by learning a foreign language you might be able to examine your native language more carefully.
Do I need to speak English as my native language to teach English?
You certainly don’t have to speak English as your native tongue; however you must have excellent fluency and writing skills to start a training course for certification. Oftentimes non-native speakers make the best teachers, however. If you’ve been through it yourself then you are able to relate to what your students will be dealing with.
How long will it take to become certified?
Certification is a pretty quick process, usually taking four weeks or considerably less. You can take the course full time, part time, or through distance learning. There are options to suit whichever method or time frame you prefer.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/teaching-abroad-a-guide-to-the-basics-390508.html
About the Author:Joel Bleasedale works for www.TravelTree.co.uk one of the largest directories of Alternative Travel and Gap Year activities online today.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Characteristics of an Esl/efl/tefl Teacher: Know What Schools Look for – Your Teacher Profile
By: Michael G. Hines | 17/06/2008 | Languages
When looking for an ESL/EFL/TEFL English teaching job, teachers should be aware the English language schools consider many things before hiring the English teacher.
The Skinny on Teaching English in China
By: Tom Carter | 11/12/2007 | Languages
Expat English Teacher Tom Carter reveals the truth about becoming an English language instructor in China.
Teach English in Korea and you Won't Regret it
By: Bei Maniago | 19/08/2007 | Careers
Even if the lifestyle in Korea is traditional and focused on the family, it regards the West as the viewpoint of its success and prosperity. It provides a warm welcome to multinational companies who are looking for good investments. On the other hand, when you walk about its major cities, you will notice that the citizens here are embracing the western culture.
An Overview About Teaching English in China
By: Bei Maniago | 19/08/2007 | Careers
While it is possible for you to obtain a teaching profession within your own country, your opportunity in other countries is also vast. This goes for countries which are looking for native English speakers to teach their students the language. Among these worldwide countries is China.
The Need for Teaching English in Japan
By: Bei Maniago | 19/08/2007 | Careers
There have already been a lot of individuals who are considering the idea of obtaining an English profession in other countries. Among these is Japan, where the demand is great, what with their urgent desire to learn the language. If you are interested in teaching English in Japan, there are several things which you have to know about. One of these would be the terms of the contract, the best school, the most comfortable city, and the benefits.
Teaching English in Korea
By: Bei Maniago | 19/08/2007 | Careers
Ever since the middle of 1990, a lot of foreign individuals have looked into the possibility of teaching English in Korea. This is because of the vast opportunity that is waiting for them in the country. With the increasing importance of the American economy within the global market or the desire to travel to the USA, a lot of citizens who do not know how to speak the language have decided to study it.
7 Resume Tips For ESL Job Seekers
By: Josef Essberger | 31/07/2006 | Resumes
Your resume (CV in British English) has one mission and one mission only: to get you a job interview. Your resume is usually the first impression an employer has of you.
Getting English Jobs in China
By: Bei Maniago | 18/08/2007 | Careers
All over the world, individuals who are not capable of speaking the English language find time to learn it. This is due to a lot of reasons, mostly for business purposes and for educational purposes. On the other hand, most non-American citizens study the language because they want to make their travel to the USA and other American nations easy. Students from other countries also learn English because of their plan to study abroad.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive from tangiers to casablanca?
By: RICK | 08-07-2008
Can you drive from tangiers to casablanca?
Hotel Stars
By: Shikina | 08-07-2008
What's the difference between a 3 star and a 4 star hotel?
Hotel Stars
By: Shikina | 08-07-2008
What does the number of stars associated with a hotel mean in terms of amenities?
Schengen visa validity period and the duration of stay...
By: Colombina | 08-07-2008
I got my Schengen visa today from Belgian Embassy and the validity period (19 days) differs from the duration of stay (6 day). I intend to visit a few European countries and I need at least 2 weeks. Does it mean that the whole duration of my visa is only 6 days?
Paris Boat Trips
By: gc4321 | 08-07-2008
What's the best way to arrange a boat trip on the Seine in Paris? I don't want the full night time dining experience - just one of those sight seeing river trips that seem to potter about on the river all day. Do I need to book in advance or can I just turn up and get on a boat?
Passport travel requirements
By: Ralph | 08-07-2008
On May 18/08 a U.S. citizen was denied boarding because her passport had expired 6 months before. She had her U.S. birth certificate and driver's license in addition to the expired passport. I thought what she had was sufficient for travel to the Bahamas/ Please advise.
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Exotic Locations Articles
Iquitos and Cusco
By: Ross Heaven | 19/07/2008
IQUITOS AND CUSCO
TWO VERY BEAUTIFUL BUT VERY DIFFERENT PERUVIAN CITIES
Paradise on Earth- the Maldives
By: Clare Mutch | 11/07/2008
If your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees and pure white beaches surrounded by crystalline lagoons of varying shades of blue - then the Maldives Islands will definitely fit the bill. Sunny, unique and unspoiled, the islands of Maldives offers you sunshine, no matter what time of the year you decide to visit the Maldives - islands that are truly heaven on Earth.
Tropical Islands Make the Best Vacations
By: Ling Tong | 10/07/2008
With tropical islands all over the world, you have a great choice when it comes to choosing an island as your vacation destination. How does spending a week on a private exclusive island in the Caribbean sound? Nekker Island is such a place that you can rent daily or weekly when the owner is not using it.
Top Costa Rica Tourist Attractions
By: Ling Tong | 10/07/2008
The Caribbean island of Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination. Along with the many resorts, hotels and beaches, tourists have opportunities to enjoy beautiful scenery and exquisite shopping.
Popular Tropical Vacation Spots in the World
By: Ling Tong | 10/07/2008
There's nothing like lying on a sandy beach under a bright blue sky when you look for an exotic location for a vacation. This is why most people choose to visit the Tropics, where they can experience the sun, warmth and culture for two or three weeks a year.
Nigeria! the Tourist Mecca of the Black Continent!
By: chinemere onuekwusi | 10/07/2008
the tourism potentials this great nation, and why every person should take this serious and consider his or her next vacation to see this tourist edifice
Scuba Diving in North Sulawesi - the Natural Wonders of Bunaken and Lembeh Strait
By: Scubaworld | 08/07/2008
Full of natural wonders, and offering an almost unparalleled levels of marine biodiversity, North Sulawesi has become one of the worlds premier destinations for ecotourism and adventure travel in recent years. Today, large numbers of scuba divers travel to this distant part of Indonesia, to sample some of the finest dive sites to be found anywhere throughout South East Asia.
Pushkar Camel Fair: Culture and Tradition Come Alive at Rajasthan
By: rajendra sharma | 08/07/2008
Witness the vibrancy of land with Pushkar camel fair.
More from Joel Bleasedale
The World Could Use a Hand
By: Joel Bleasedale | 21/05/2008 | Travel Tips
Travel to exotic destinations while lending a helping hand to volunteering projects around the globe. If you have had enough of boring beach vacations and are ready to sink your teeth into another culture and really get involved, volunteering abroad is a great option. Have the experience of a life time and know that you have made a difference!
What is a Gap Year? What Can I Do?
By: Joel Bleasedale | 15/04/2008 | Travel Tips
A gap year, also known as a year out, is that year taken between high school and university, or after university and before getting a job, to travel and explore the world. There are so many ways to spend your gap year, from volunteering on a wildlife reserve in Africa, to learning Spanish and kitesurfing in Ecuador!
|
|
Travel 
