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Teaching English Abroad
1. What is the
difference between the TEFL and TESOL certificate?
In the world of teaching English abroad, there is a wide variety of
terms and acronyms. For example, you can find references to CELTA,
DELTA, TESOL, TEFL, EFL, ESL, ELT, ESOL, EAL, TEAL, and TESL. These
similar sounding terms are often confusing for those who are
considering a career in teaching English abroad. However, the simple
truth is that many of these acronyms are virtually synonymous with one
another. For example TESOL and TEFL are virtually interchangeable.
Practically speaking, having either a TEFL or a TESOL certification
essentially enables native English speakers to teach English in a
variety of foreign countries.
TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
For all intents and purposes the terms mean the same with TESOL being
more common in America and with large state sector colleges in Britain
(e.g. the Institute of Education in London) while TEFL is more common
in U.K. Language Schools and in the U.K. press. There is a slight
technical difference since TESOL refers to all learners whose first
language is not English, including ethnic minorities living in this
country whereas TEFL refers only to "foreign" students. Potentially,
therefore, a TESOL course encompasses more than a more narrowly
defined TEFL course.
2. What do
these acronyms mean?
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
This applies where English is learned and taught in an environment
where English is not the official or unofficial first language.
Examples: China, Spain, Laos
TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language
This applies to situations where English is learned and taught in an
environment where English is used on a daily basis as either an
official or unofficial second language. Examples: India, Singapore,
U.S. immigrants.
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
This term is used for both the TEFL and TESL situations, where the
mother tongue of learners is for students is other than English. It is
the process of developing teaching skills among those native-English
speakers who aim at teaching non-English speaking students.
ESL - English as Second Language
This term is now widely used in situations where English is taught to
non native speakers in a native or non-native English speaking
country. Examples: U.S.A., New Zealand, India, Thailand, China,
Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Portugal etc.
ELT - English Language Teaching
A general term for the teaching of English in any of the mentioned
learning situations.
ESP- English for Special Purposes
The term is used for the particular English required for special
situations. Examples English required in business situations, for
academic purposes, or in the tourism industry. Some TESOL training
courses contain ESP courses.
EYL - English for Young Learners
English language courses that are specially planned and presented for
young learners. The focus here determines the entire handling of the
curriculum.
CELTA - Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults
3. What
are the prospects of teaching English Abroad?
English teaching jobs for either ESL, English as a second language, or
TEFL Teaching English as a Foreign Language are in the highest demand
to date. We have connections with teaching institutions all over the
world including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The
educational requirements do vary from country to country, but apart
from differences in requirements, we can help you find a position
teaching English in a variety of countries worldwide.
Teaching English abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences a
person will ever have. Not only is there a magic to traveling and
working, but the school schedule allows a person time for their own
cultural exploration and learning. For a recent college graduate, it
is the ideal way to get work experience, earn money and travel all at
once.
Obtaining a certificate to teach English abroad is simple, fast and
affordable with the programs offered at the American TESOL Institute.
Whether in a classroom setting or online, you can have your TESOL
certificate in two weeks. Following this short period, ATI will help
place you in a job. You will negotiate directly with your new employer
to work out pay, travel and lodging, but ATI will be available to help
you with this process.
4. What are the
eligibility criterions for the American TESOL Program?
The requirements for the American TESOL online courses are:
1. 1. High school Diploma or equivalent
2. Fluency of the English Language.
3. Ability to obtain a passport for job placement.
4. Background check for post certification job placement
American TESOL recommends that non native English speakers have a 550
TOEFL score (220 CBT) or an IELTS 6.0 to enable you to successfully
complete an online or in class American TESOL certification course.
5. Do I need
teaching experience to join the ATI Program?
No prior teaching experience is required to join the ATI program.
ATI online programs provide the tools and lesson plans for you to
successfully be an English teacher. ATI also provides optional
volunteer/observation ESL teaching for its graduates in the USA.
Potential teachers with no prior class room hours have the opportunity
to gain classroom experience in the USA before beginning a teaching
job abroad.
6. How
often do I speak with instructors while taking the online course?
Students and graduates chat online, by email, video, or telephone with
American TESOL instructors. American TESOL Instructors are online
twelve hours per day, giving ample opportunity for students to
interact. Certification is granted based on an evaluation of your
assignments and TESOL lesson plans.
7. Why
should I take a TESOL course from ATI?
American TESOL Institute (ATI) is an internationally recognized
teacher training organization with educational quality control
mechanisms that ensure ATI trained English teachers are of the highest
standard. They have been training students to teach English overseas
since 2002.
American TESOL certification, and a Bachelors or High School Degree,
are the standard requirements for teaching English abroad, and with a
certificate, you can teach virtually anywhere in the world. Some of
the most interesting teaching opportunities currently include, but are
certainly not limited to China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Turkey,
Vietnam, Thailand, Latin America, Eastern and Western Europe, and the
Middle East.
ATI offers TESOL courses to suit every individual’s learning needs and
objectives. The numerous programs are perhaps one of the most varied
in this field.
American TESOL Institute presents a whole range of in Class and Online
TESOL Programs that are designed to teach all age groups – from young
learners to adult business professionals.
The ATI courses are interactive and involve students in a broad range
of practical activities.
The American TESOL Institute is accredited by and affiliated to
organizations like AAIEP, iEARN, SAFEA, USETTA, USDLA, Interpark
Communications’ & Talkbean.
Upon successfully graduating from American TESOL Institute, the
company assists you in obtaining a teaching job.
8. How
does American TESOL Institute help the trainees in their job hunt?
At American TESOL Institute, we will provide assistance at every
stages of job search, and will work diligently to place you in the
country of your choice. American TESOL Institute provides teacher
placement in Asia, Latin America, The Middle East, Europe, or online
after completing TESOL certification. Different countries like China,
Poland, Spain, Greece, Korea, and Japan have slightly different
requirements regarding background education, and knowing which
countries you will have the best opportunity of finding employment can
be an invaluable asset. We are extremely knowledgeable when it comes
to job placement, and cater your job search to whichever country you
would like to teach English.
9. What is
the procedure to be followed by trainees in their job search?
There are 3 stages to be followed:
1. For job placement you have the option to post your resume online
for schools and Universities worldwide to view.
2. Next, your resume and picture are published in an email. American
TESOL then represents you, submits your resume to employers in the
country of your choice, and forwards you a variety of teaching options
to choose from.
3. Finally, you have the option to publish your video resume on TESOL
Café for thousands of TESOL employers to view worldwide.
10. Does
the American TESOL Institute provide lifetime job placement support?
With your certification from American TESOL, you will also receive the
benefit of a lifelong job placement service. ATI knows all the various
ins and outs of teaching English in a wide variety of countries, and
they work hard to get you placed in the country of your choice.
Getting an American TESOL certification is ultimately the first step
in an adventure that will change your life.
11. Can I
teach TESOL, ESL inside the USA with your certification?
American TESOL Institute currently provides volunteer, internship, or
online ESL positions inside the USA.
Each state in the Union has different requirement regarding teaching
ESL inside the public school system. Other qualifications such as
Bachelors or Masters Degrees, and specific requirements for teaching
in a particular state, will be the final determining factor for
employment inside the USA. TESOL graduates can also teach ESL inside
the United States of America.
If you want to give something back to the world community, and you
love working with students of all ages, you can find a job teaching
English as a second language. TESOL jobs are available in communities
all over the world.
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