| Teaching English as a second language is an | | | | really like! |
| increasingly popular option awaiting adults in the US | | | | Most Americans are already qualified; they know |
| and Canada. It allows the teachers an opportunity to | | | | English! Of course, that doesn't mean they know how |
| get to know people from other cultures and also to | | | | to teach it. Therefore, most opportunities demand a |
| learn their culture through immersion. Such programs | | | | minimum certification such as TEFL (Teaching English |
| are abundantly available in local communities to help | | | | as a Foreign Language), TESL (Teaching English as a |
| natives who want to learn English. This article, | | | | Second Language, Canada), or TESOL (Teaching |
| however, will concentrate on teaching English abroad. | | | | English to Speakers of Other Languages). One |
| So why would someone want to teach English in | | | | example of ESL training is offered from ITTO |
| another country? First, it is an opportunity to learn | | | | (International Teacher Training Organization). In four |
| another language through immersion, and get paid for it! | | | | weeks of intensive training in Mexico, they guarantee |
| Unfortunately, the pay isn't always that great so don't | | | | certification and a job in Mexico! Programs available in |
| plan to get rich. It is, however, an opportunity to use a | | | | other countries are similar. A host of other certification |
| learned language daily and this is the best way to | | | | programs are also available. |
| make a language one's own. Students who have | | | | The first step to prepare for future employment as an |
| learned a language in school often find it a giant step | | | | ESL teacher is to learn English grammar well! |
| to use it in daily living. Teaching English abroad is a | | | | Volunteer to work with local ESL children and adults. |
| great chance to learn how the people use their own | | | | This will hone your skills in English. Read good English |
| language. | | | | literature that uses grammar correctly. Tell friends to |
| Second, it is a great chance to get to see other | | | | correct your grammar if they notice an error. In short, |
| cultures first hand. A culture is a combination of many | | | | get to know your own language as well as possible. |
| factors, including language, that make a people group | | | | Then, take courses in community colleges or |
| unique. Experiencing it in the country and with the | | | | universities that prepare you for ESL certification. One |
| people is the best way to learn it. That is exactly what | | | | school offers 12 additional hours of classes (beyond a |
| ESL teaching positions offer. Third, think of the reward | | | | B.A.) just dealing with ESL teaching. This seems to be |
| you will experience as you help others not only to learn | | | | typical. Online courses are also available. |
| English, but also to understand what Americans are | | | | |