Teaching English as a second language (ESL)

Teaching English as a second language, better known as ESL, involves teaching English to people who do not know English at all or know little about how to speak and write in that language. People who usually learn English usually deal with foreign students or residents of the United States (those who have completed part of their education in the United States). Teachers can also choose to teach internationally, where they go to another country to study.

Currently, a popular trend for graduate graduates is ESL training in a foreign country. Since the cost of living is usually lower in other parts of the world, and these people usually get paid in Western countries, it is usually considered a decent way to make money. In some jobs, housing is provided even for teachers.

For those who prefer to teach in another country, other opportunities in related works may also be present. When the current ESL job is taking a course, most people understand that finding another similar position is a simple and quick process. ESL teachers are usually in great demand all over the world, since English is one of the most spoken languages ​​in the world.

When we work with foreign students who come to study in the US, teachers need to understand that they may not be familiar with American culture, and therefore it may be inconvenient to talk about certain subjects that are popular in the United States or interact in certain ways. These students may never come into contact with the environment where people mostly speak English. Teachers who interact with students who are not familiar with English can improve their knowledge of English a little. These students range from those who have a foundation in the basics of English for those who may simply need training in certain areas of the language. Different groups of students will require different teaching methods.

For people who think they may be interested in this path, there are several general qualifications that must be fulfilled. However, they may vary depending on the educational program in which the student is included, and where they plan to teach after graduation. In most places, a bachelor’s degree is usually required before obtaining an ESL certificate or curriculum. After receiving a bachelor's degree, students can choose to then get a master's degree. This is the most common way for those who are interested in teaching in higher education institutions or colleges.