Why Complete a TESOL Course

Why Complete a TESOL course

Taking the TESOL certificate is a great way of having lots of fun while doing something useful! 

For those who want to teach English, it’s a perfect starting point as well as a formal acknowledgment of any teaching experience you might already have. In terms of having the certificate itself, TESOL is something a lot of employers require when applying for a teaching job. It demonstrates that you are able to plan lessons, deal with different kinds of students, and teach constructively. It also shows you are committed to teaching and will be able to tackle new or unexpected situations. More experienced teachers will also benefit as the course introduces you to different teaching material, and helps a teacher realise his or her own potential. It basically equips you with the skills employers are looking for in a teacher, and makes you more confident when looking for a job.

TESOL is internationally recognised. Which means that once you’ve gained the certificate you are technically qualified to teach English worldwide. The demand for English teachers is high in plenty of countries, and a TESOL will make sure you get the job you want where you want. It?s the perfect thing for anyone who wants to work and travel at the same time! TESOL opens up a lot of doors for a teacher, as work will enable you to meet new people and come into contact with other cultures. Its flexibility is perfect for both people who are itching to see the world, and those who want to teach in one specific country. 

The courses and certificates are open to anyone from 18 years of age onwards, whose native language is English. This means it is also perfect for people who want to take a few years out travelling and doing something completely different, as well as for people who want to start a new career and adventure.

The theoretical and practical skills that you learn with TESOL are universal. This means you can adapt them to any situation while teaching. TESOL provides a teacher with the tools necessary to go out there and teach. If you take a TESOL that offers practical experience, you actually get to spend time in a real classroom and practice your teaching before you are faced with the real thing. The courses are structured so that you focus on every aspect of teaching, from grammar to classroom management to lesson planning. 

As a teacher, it really challenges your existing knowledge and skills and encourages you to look beyond the standard methods and continuously test yourself and update your knowledge. TESOL makes you realise that teaching is something you learn and get better at gradually, and it gives you the confidence to take risks and to keep trying in order to get better and better.

It is also a fantastic learning experience in itself, whether you go on to teach or not. You will find that you learn a lot about dealing with people, being a leader as well as a listener, and about how to communicate with and relate to people in different ways. These are skills that will always come in useful in life, or any future job. In the end, TESOL is such a great life experience and you can only gain from taking it!

Why Complete a TESOL Course

There are many rewarding reasons why an individual would want to complete a TESOL course. Some individuals want to qualify in order to finance themselves while travelling and to enable them to experience the differing cultures first hand. Others wish to qualify in order to be able to relocate to a foreign country and have the means with which to find employment upon their arrival. There are even individuals who wish to further advance their own understanding of the English language and the TESOL course is a viable way to achieve this aim. 

The demand for qualified TESOL teachers across the world has increased immeasurably and the opportunities for individuals to earn while they travel are countless in many countries. On a personal note I have studied the course in order to work when I go to Thailand later in the year. Not only does the TESOL enable me to earn money while I am there the experience will submerse me deeper into the culture and the way of life of Thai people. This will enhance the travelling experience for me and give me a greater understanding of the people of the country. The TESOL will also enable me to go to other countries in Asia and experience different cultures.

It is also possible to earn enough money while travelling to not only support yourself but also to save some money for your return to your own country. There are opportunities for qualified TESOL teachers to gain 1-1 teaching lessons with business or families which can prove more lucrative than working for a school or college. In Japan and Hong Kong, although the salaries have stayed the same over the past couple of years, an individual can earn up to 250,000Yen a month for example. 

A TESOL qualification and ultimately teaching experience can further enhance an individuals career prospects upon their return to their own country. The skills learnt throughout the TESOL course can be applied to the workplace and employers are more than aware of this. People management especially is most applicable to the office environment and the TESOL teacher is constantly improving this side of their character whilst teaching. 

By completing a TESOL an individual is also in the position to move to another country and live there and gain employment immediately. Not only does this provide them with an income it enables them to be in a better position to learn the native language of the country by being surrounded by the new language everyday. This also gives the individual free lessons in the new language ? while they are teaching their students, the students are teaching the teacher in the same respect. 

For whatever reason an individual wishes to complete a TESOL course the rewards are varied and numerous. Not only does it enhance the travelling experience by submersing the teacher in the particular culture it also enables them to finance themselves whilst travelling. The experience gained throughout is priceless and the memories will be unforgettable. 

Why Complete a TESOL Course

In the spring of 2006, I was approached by one of my former students with the idea of joining her and her volunteer group to teach English in China. I was intrigued by the idea, but wondered how one who knew no Chinese could teach English. I had teaching experience from some twenty years prior, and had even majored in English with a BS degree in Education. Being assured that I was more than qualified, I volunteered to go with the group to Xian in July of 2006, and was appointed as one of the twelve, lead teachers for a private, summer camp school.

Though the experience was rewarding, as I look back I wonder if these students really received what they had anticipated. They, or their parents, paid a good sum to attend the ten day long session. But I was less than prepared to handle many of the problems that I faced while there. As a result, much teaching time was wasted, and certainly less teaching than expected was actually accomplished.

It is my intention to return to China on a more permanent basis, and teach English in either a high school or university setting. Obtaining a TESOL Certification is essential if I wish to fulfill this goal. But having now completed this course, I could wish that I could turn back the clock, return to Xian, and conduct those 10 days of lessons a second time. 

As an experienced teacher here in the States, I had little to no concept of what I might run into within a Chinese classroom. The TESOL course is very broad in its coverage and many items covered within the units would have been very helpful to know beforehand, and lessons would have been far more effective. For instance, if only I would have known that most Asian languages use just one tense, in comparison to our, for all practical purposes, twelve, different tenses, my struggles would have been far less with many of my lessons. The units within a TESOL course on verb tenses are worth their weight in gold in helping us examine our own language, as well as conveying that language to the learning foreign student.

Though I had teaching experience, the unit on EFL Methodology was extremely helpful. This unit is a must for proper lesson planning formats and producing creative ways to convey those plans. The unit on phonics was particularly challenging, but also assists the teacher in creative ways to communicate what needs to be learned. In many ways it puts the teacher in a similar role as the student and develops empathy for him/her. Without a TESOL course, many would not be able to actually hear themselves, and how their language is actually spoken, without the unit bringing this to their attention. We as teachers demand good listening skills, but our spoken words, which often run together, are difficult to discern, especially for the beginner. The TESOL instruction pointed out this glaring problem.

Teachers with ample experience may not think they need some of the units covered in a TESOL course, but basics such as lesson planning, classroom management, testing techniques, equipment issues, and materials all have a different twist in a foreign environment. Each of these needs to be addressed for their unique features. And those prospective teachers with no experience must cover all the above with even greater detail. 

A TESOL certification course is a must to be an effective teacher in a foreign land. The particular course which I completed was very helpful in pointing out areas in which I struggled while teaching in China. I look forward to implementing many of the ideas and practical steps exposed to me within this TESOL course. 

A Fresh Perspective: Why you should complete a TESOL course

As an energetic twenty-something, educated, and successful business woman I often daydream about pursuing life in another country, engulfed in another culture, thinking of a different take on the world. Life is definitely a journey and teaching would be a far cry from my daily office routine. After talking with my husband about together teaching abroad, I decided that I’d better find out exactly what ?teaching? was all about. I researched and realized that taking a TESOL course would allow me to learn how to teach the language, solidify my initial intentions, and given me a strong appreciation for teaching and admiration for teachers.

Taking a TESOL course has forced me to learn the English language. I say ‘learn’ and not ‘relearn’ because I grew up in a culture where communicating in English was a means of survival. I acquired the language skills by hearing it daily. I felt like I was learning English all over when I started the grammar portion of this course! It forced me to objectively look at how we form sentences and think about how I would communicate that to a non-English speaker. The course provided me the techniques to approach students who are learning language for the first time and for those who may be advancing their skills.

Not only did I need the grammar refresher, taking a TESOL course allowed me to solidify my initial intentions for wanting to teach abroad. I have always wanted to experience a different culture and TESOL would provide a good avenue to do that. In taking in this course, I have also realized that many of the skills I use in business can be brought into the classroom. Interpersonal relationships are key in my business practices as they are with the students in classroom. A connection to students will take you miles from where you start just like in business. The course has also allowed me to take my time before making an international move and really absorb the lifestyle change and impact that I could make in the classroom. 

Finally, taking a TESOL course has given me an appreciation for teaching and admiration for teachers. The TESOL course provided a good base for teaching methods and classroom approach. The concepts were clear and I will definitely take note from the teaching methods described. The course content also helped provide a historical glance at teaching methods and how they have changed. I found that helpful. The course also gave me a new appreciation for teachers. My husband teaches elementary school kids and I will never look at his profession with the same set of eyes. I oftentimes wished that I could have observed his classroom to see what teaching style he uses. Maybe I will!

Taking a TESOL course has provided me the opportunity to learn how to teach the language, solidify my initial intentions, and given me a strong appreciation for teaching and admiration for teachers. I would recommend that all individuals who have had no prior teaching experience to enroll and start their adventure?

Why Complete a TEFL Course?

Why Complete a TESOL Course?

To Teach, Travel, Work and Live abroad! says the ITTT website. Indeed, the main reasons for wanting to be a certified TESOL teacher are most probably these. If you are a student, to travel the world, discover different cultures, meet new people and learn the local language. If you are an office employee, frustrated by the routine and bored with your job, to escape to China or Japan to teach and learn about Buddhism. If you are an experienced teacher, to give a new dimension to your teaching. If you want to help others, to do volunteer work in Africa.

There are a multitude of personal and professional reasons that may motivate people from all walks of life to do a TESOL course. For me it was to be a real teacher. This is my story.

I am a native English speaker, but have lived in France for over half my life. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked to give private English lessons to students who were having difficulties at school, to a group of adults who wanted to improve their conversational skills or who wanted to go back and revise ‘all the basic grammar points (!)’, to professionals who wanted to prepare for exams, etc. These people assumed that because I could speak, read and write English correctly, this meant that I could teach. Wrong! I often accepted, but never took any payment for the help I gave as I knew I was not qualified. I learnt basic grammar at school, but this was hardly enough to teach it to others. I could write essays on Chaucer and Shakespeare, but ask me to explain complex language structures, forget it.

At 16, I knew I wanted to teach English, but was told by the careers’ person that in 1980 ‘the market would be saturated’. I accepted this as a fact (!) and followed another path. After over 20 years of working, I found myself in a situation where I could choose to make a major career change. This was a great opportunity, but I was moving to East Africa and the possibilities were limited. I had to present a feasible plan for my re-conversion and when asked what I really wanted to do I replied, without hesitation, to teach. But how could I achieve this so late in my life? My school days were over. Nevertheless, I started looking on the web, not really convinced that there was anything there for me. I remembered vaguely a friend of mine talking about TESOL many years ago. What was it? Didn’t you need a university degree? One must have previous teaching experience to qualify, surely. I ‘landed’ on the ITTT website and read (to my amazement): 

‘No knowledge of foreign languages or teaching experience required, the only requirement is a good command of the English language’.

Maybe there was hope!

The on-site courses in the Phuket, Barcelona, Rome or Auckland called out to me. Sadly, I had to accept that this was not an option. On-line was the only way. If it was, however, it had to be the best. I read on:

The vast majority of employers will require you to have a 100-hour certificate. ITTT is one of the few online course providers that meet this criteria. 

This was it!

I liked the fact that ITTT did not say their course was better than others. Instead, they simply put forward good, valid reasons for doing their on-line course. I could work through the training materials and tasks offline (unlike many other courses) which is essential when you live in a country where internet connections are unreliable, to say the least. I could progress at my own pace (a definite plus when you have to juggle family responsibilities and a personal goal) and I would have an on-line tutor to give me guidance and advice. Once I had completed the course I would receive assistance at all stages of my job search: help with preparing my CV, interviewing techniques, preparation for interviews and even arranging interviews with potential employers: ?ITTT also offers course graduates ongoing employment advice and assistance throughout the duration of their teaching careers . ‘A serious commitment. What more could I ask for? I must admit I was very nervous when I started. I hadn’t studied for 25 years and although I was had worked in many fields (Law, Advertising, IT, Human Resources) this was a new challenge and very daunting. The support I received from my on-line tutor from day 1 was fantastic but what really motivated me was when he told me to ‘remember to have fun’! Yes, the fact that you are studying doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what you are doing. The first Unit on What makes a good teacher and what makes a good learner was fascinating. I was inspired! 

As I worked and learnt, I kept thinking ?I can’t wait to get into a classroom?. I did not have to wait long. Half way through the course, I was offered a job to teach English at a local school and I accepted. Was I mad? Probably. The only support I had were the Units! They became my Bible/Koran. I can honestly say that I put into practice nearly every piece of information and advice!! I taught all levels: beginners, intermediate, advanced and apparently, successfully (judging from the feedback I received from fellow teachers, students and their parents). As I continued to work through the Units and applied the methods and skills in the classroom, my confidence grew. The tips on classroom management and discipline not only looked good on paper, they actually worked! I was confident when teaching grammar as I had tested myself in the Units. In addition to the practical benefits, I began to realise that it was changing my attitude towards others: how I communicated and interacted, not only with my students, but with my family, friends and colleagues. 

I have suggested to my daughter that she take this TESOL course. Why? To make her aware of her own needs concerning the English language, enable her to help her classmates, appreciate her teachers more and even to get a part-time job at a new hotel in Djibouti. I have also recommended it to the non-native English teachers at the local school. I’m sure they would benefit from the experience. As one of them admitted ?However much experience we may have, we must never forget that there is always something more to learn?. 

I know that I am only at the start of my teaching career and have a long way to go, but completing this course made me believe in myself and gave me the courage to say, ‘It’s not too late. Yes, I can be a real teacher’. 

Thank you ITTT, I could never have done it without you!

Why Complete a TESOL Course

Why complete a TESOL course indeed. What are the mitigating circumstances that lead a person to search on the internet and to click on the link for TESOL? After 7 days of asking myself that question, and thinking about the reasons that drove me, I came up with the following. I don’t however; believe for a second that I have fully answered that question. I just feel as though I have touched the surface.

Somebody who is genuinely interested in teaching: Through their own decision making and the choices they have taken in their life or from other peoples experience, they may be with more maturity than previously, be feeling that teaching is something that has started to interest them. And through the power of the internet and searching for information regarding teaching and what possibilities are out there for them, they have stumbled across the TESOL Website and have decided, after reading the appropriate information, to take the plunge.

Maybe a person wants a change of career. They are sick and tired of their monotonous job; however they still possess responsibilities, loans, mortgages and credit cards to repay. Well, with TESOL it gives them the opportunity to try a new career as well as to earn a wage while doing so. And after completing the course and receiving their certificate it is always another feather to that person cap and can do absolutely no harm on that persons resume.

One of the best things that TESOL can give you is the ease at which you can travel to different parts of the world. Once you are qualified, then it is fairly straight forward to get a working visa from your new country. And the normal length of a contract is 12 months, which isn’t particularly long, and before you know it you are already planning to move to the next country. Within 4 years you’ve lived in 4 different continents; not many people can boast that sort of life experience.

TESOL is something unique and should be advertised a lot more, in my opinion, than just on the internet, as far as I am aware. It can offer a person something that maybe their own country couldn’t/can’t offer and that is the chance to save a substantial amount of money and to be given the time and the space to breath from known pressures within their life. It allows the person to take stock; of course I’m not talking about walking away and abandoning one’s responsibilities to society, but there are times and circumstances that are unique and this offers a so called ‘second’ chance to get your life back on track. I’m sure if more people knew about TESOL and the option it can offer, then I’m sure more would enroll to do the course. To feel better about yourself in learning something new; I am a realist and I don’t really believe in that answer unless a person was totally content with their life. I’ve never met anyone however, who is at one with themselves and are happy with the materialistic things that they currently own. Human nature always demands and wants more. In all honesty I thought it was a lame answer within the course material as well.

To have the opportunity to work abroad in a full time job, to interact with other people (you are now the foreigner) and to test yourself out of your comfort zone. This sort of experience is invaluable within life and in the past, it has been normally only available to those who are financially secure but now with TESOL, this experience of working and living abroad is easily available.

For me personally, I did the course because I needed more time and space to take stock of my life again. Whatever the reason is for each individual, once you’ve started the course, then it’s another certificate/qualification that you are aiming to complete and it might in the near future, give you the edge over somebody else for a job/promotion. Therefore money well spent.

Why complete a TESOL course

Why complete a TESOL course

Each individual may have their own reasons for completing a TESOL course, they may want a serious career in teaching or they may just want to fund their travels. Either way a TESOL course gives you the knowledge, skills and increased confidence to teach English. Whatever an individual’s goal, living and working in different parts of the world created valuable experience.

A lot of people may have the view that just because they are native speakers of English, they don’t see the need of taking a certificate. They should be aware however, that being a native speaker does not automatically give you the ability to teach.

A good teacher needs patience, good understanding of grammar, creativity and most importantly they should love teaching.

Taking a certificate shows a future employer that you have the skills and knowledge to make a good teacher. Not only that, it gives you an advantage over any other candidates applying for the same job who do not posses the qualification.

Teaching English as a foreign language in less developed countries especially such as those in the Far East and South America really gives the TESOL teacher the chance to make a real impact on the students’ lives, especially those who want to better their lives by going to University.

The ITTT TESOL course itself covers all the major aspects of teaching English as a foreign language. Grammar is covered in detail, as mentioned in the course, we as native speakers of the language were not taught this at school and although we use it every day we are unaware why and how we are using it. Tackling the exercises in this unit and really focusing on the grammar sections brushed up my own understanding of grammar before even considering teaching it.

I also found this the same case in the tense system, before I took this course, my knowledge of the present continuous and the present perfect was not all that great. Taking this course and tackling the exercises has given me the knowledge, understanding and confidence to be able to teach.

Even if a prospective TESOL teacher was confident in all these areas, without taking the course, they would still probably not be aware of how to manage a class, what problems may occur, why, and how to best deal with them.

It gives tips on discipline, how to best arrange classes, how to establish rapport etc; ideas that cannot be achieved from reading a grammar book.

Lesson planning is a very useful thing for the inexperienced teacher, it s a working document, keeps the teacher on target and gives the teacher something to refer to during a lesson. Not only does this course explain how lesson plans help it tells you what should be included and gives examples of how one should look as well as creating exercises to put planning into practice. I see this as greatly valuable to a new teacher.

The CD was a unique unit of the course in that it gives the opportunity to see how lessons are conducted, both in a positive and a negative way.

One of the most beneficial aspects of taking the course was the teaching ideas it presents, from lesson warmers such as hangman to more original ideas, it has definitely made me aware of how we can use fun activities to improve teaching and learning skills, learning doesn’t have to be dull. In fact, taking this course shows just the opposite, that a fun, inspiring approach achieves the best results.