Notice for foreign working in China

Notice for foreign working/teaching in China

Ⅰ Prepararation before coming to China
The foreign cultural and educational experts shall complete the following two preparations before coming to China:

Mental Prepararation
The foreign cultural and educational experts shall complete sufficient mental prepararation before
Leaving for China. You might have visited some views and interests of one or more cities of China?
In very short period before, but the communication with Chinese and the understanding of Chinese culture and custom are far from deep. This time, different from the previous visit, you are supposed to live and word with Chinese for one or more yeas in a country where the history,culture,tradition and social system are entirely different from those in your own country. The people of China are hospitable. As long as you consciously blend yourself into Chinese people and treat yourself as a member of them, you will get further understanding of China and its people and may ever form an inseparable relashinship with China and Chinese people.

Material Prepararation
The foreign cultural and educational experts generally have the traveling experience and are aware
Of what kind of luggage and paraphernalia should be carried. Your host institution has prepared excellent living and working conditions for you. As is known to all, China is still a developing country. Except that some big-size and middle-size cities are in preferable conditions, the condions in romote areas in remote areas are much worse. However, in order to welcome the foreign experts, the host institutions have tried their best to make sure you are comfortable in life, convenient in work and have no latter worry. It is so good that the foreign experts have the mental preparations and are not overcritical in requiring the host institutions provide the same living and working conditions as in their own country.

Ⅱ The foreign cultural and educational experts shall provide the following materials to the host institution when applying for a job:

Personal Resume; Degree Certificate(copy); Recommendation letter written by professor of his country; Certificate of Teacher or relevant professional skill certificate; Evidence on marriage status; Health evidence(The foreign experts may ask for the Medical Examination Record of Alients made by ministry of Sanitation of China in the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country and do physical examination thereafter.) Notice:

According to the stipulations of Chinese law, the validity period of Medical Examination Record of Alients is 6 months. Therefore, the foreign experts should pay attention to the time for Medical Examination Record of Alients is valid within 30days desirable for handling of necessary formalities after entering China. Every item in the Medical Examination Record of Alients shall be filled in without blanks. The experts shall demand X ray film and original serology examination list of sexual disease and AIDS from the doctor,for after entering China,the sanitation and quarantine department of China will determine whether the Medical Examination Record of Alients is qualified according to the evidences.

Ⅲ After the foreign cultural and educational experts and the host institution formed the employment relationship, the uniform Standard Employment Contract made by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs shall be reached. In case the employment is by way of self-recommendation or other introduction, to ensure you are surely willing to take office in the institution, the host institution may require you render credit bail of ＄600-1000 in advance according to the stipulations of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. After receiving the bail, the host institution is ready to handle the formalities for you to enter China. After you take office or before the contract expires, the host institution shall return the bail to you. Some institution may provide you the out and home international airplane ticket, but you are probably expected to buy the international airplane ticket in advance, which shall be kept as the credit bail and may be reimbursed before the vexpiration of the contract.

Ⅳ According to regulationa of Chinese government, where the employment term of foreign experts is more than 6 months, the host institution is obliged to sent the Confirmation Letter for Foreign Experts(original piece, which proves the identity of the expert, to the expert themselves. Only when the invitation letter and the Confirmation Letter for Foreign Experts are possessed can the foreign cultural and educational experts apply to the Chinese embassy or consulate in his country for visa for working in China(Z);where the employment term is less than 6 months, visa for visiting China(F) can be applied by the invitation letter presented by the engaging unit.

Ⅴ According to stipulations of Chinese law, aliens who hold the working visa shall handle the Residence Permit for Aliens within 30 days after entry. If it exceeds the term, a fine of? RMB500 per day will be imposed. We hope the foreign experts settle down the residence permit within specified term and such unhappy things as being fined do not happen.
The handling of Residence Permit for Aliens shall be based on:
Valid passport (working visa)
Foreign Expert Certificate
Authentication Certificate issued by the sanitation and quarantine department that confirms the qualification of Medical Examination Record of Alients

Ⅵ Chinese government specifies that all the foreign experts engaged for work in China shall settle down the Foreign Expert Certificate so as to differentiate from the Occupation Certificate of Aliens acquired by the foreign employees from the department of labor. The Foreign Expert who hold the working visa or visiting visa may acquire the Foreign Expert Certificate. The
Foreign Expert shall return the Foreign Expert Certificate to the host institution when leaving China for the work in China has been completed. I n case the foreign experts want to keep the Foreign Expert Certificate as a memeria, the host institution may consent, but the certificate shall be concelled.

Ⅶ According to stipulations of Chinese government, for the purpose of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of foreign experts in course of living and working in China,the foreign cultural and educational experts shall enter into the Standard Emplyment Contract uniformly made by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs with the host institution and definitely stipulate in form of contractual attachment the working assignment and qulity, the salary,treatment and other matters the two paties consider the Standard Contract has not covered. All these comprise an integral contract.

China 's Foreign Experts Certificates

1. The requirements for applying for the working permit:
The foreign experts who apply for the working permit in CHINNA should abide by Chinese laws and Regulations, with good health condition and have no criminal records and meet any of other requirements listed as follows:
(1) The foreign professionals and technical personnel or managers aiming at carrying out the agreements and treaties between governments and international organizations or economic and trade contacts in Hunan
(2)The foreign professionals employed to work in Hunan in the fields of education, scientific research, press, publication, culture, arts, sanitation, sports and so on
(3)The foreign advanced professional and technical personnel or managers employed to work in Hunan industry field as vice general manager or above level;
(4)The foreign representatives in the representative office of foreign experts organizations or talents intermediary agencies in Hunan that are approved by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs;
(5)The foreign professionals and technical personnel or managers who are specialized in certain technology or specialty and have special skills which are urgent needed in China and have been employed to work in the fields of economics, technology, engineering, trade, finance, accounting, taxation, tourism and so on. The foreign experts mentioned in article 2 and article 3 should be at least with bachelor degree or above and having more than five-year relevant working experience (the language teachers should be at least with bachelor degree or above and having two-year relevant working experience).

2. The materials for applying for the working permit:
(1) Forms of “The application of the foreign experts’ working in China” in duplicate
(2) Personal resumes written in both Chinese and English (including the educational background and working experience)
(3) The copy of the certificate of the latest educational level or the certifying documents of the professional qualification.
(4)The copy of the health certificate that is still effective within one year and given by foreign medical organizations authorized by Chinese embassies and consulates in foreign countries or by quarantine office authorized by Chinese government.
(5)For cultural and educational experts: the copy of the standard employment contracts printed by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and signed by educational experts and employers.
For Economic experts: the copy of the employer’s appointment, agreement or contract provided by economic experts.
(6)The visa form in duplicate provided by authorized institutions
3. The procedures of applying for the working permit:
(1)Employers get into “the management system of foreign experts working permit in China” from the links of the web page of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs --

Tips for Teaching Abroad

Here are some tips to help you avoid classroom culture clash in those heady first months of teaching abroad:

1. Be aware of cross-cultural communication styles. French students appreciate wit. Venezuelan students like boisterous rapid-fire exchanges. In Japan, where debate is not as valued as in the U.S., students appreciate long pauses in discussions and silent “think time” after you ask a question. “Hollow drums make the most noise” goes a Japanese proverb, and Japanese students are uncomfortable blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. American teachers, who are uncomfortable with silence, tend to anticipate the student’s words or repeat their original question—both irritating interruptions for the Japanese student.

2. Behave appropriately. When Judith Johnson asked 250 students at the Sichuan Institute of Foreign Languages in China what they liked and disliked about native speaker English teachers, the students’ main gripe was the informality of foreign teachers, who often seem to undermine their own authority by acting in undignified ways. In the U.S. teachers go on a first-name basis with students, sit on their desks, sip coffee, and even bounce off the walls without causing student discomfort or losing prestige. But these behaviors don’t export well.

3. Don’t worry if students seem unresponsive at first. Americans are used to participatory classrooms with plenty of teacher-student dialogue. Elsewhere, students are often trained to be silent, good listeners, and memorizers. In my classes in Poland, the Balkans, and Mongolia, students wore impassive classroom masks the first few weeks of class. It’s disconcerting to stand in front of a sea of blank faces, but expecting it reduces the shock. Introduce new concepts, such as discussion and role-play gradually. You’ll be surprised at how students will come to embrace the change.


4. Relax and enjoy yourself. Happiness in the classroom is contagious


Certain topics may be taboo for cultural reasons: Most Americans don’t want to discuss their salaries or religious beliefs; Japanese may be disinclined to talk about their inner feelings; the French think questions about their family life are rude.


Nor should you expect students to ask questions in class if they don’t understand something. A former student of mine told me: “In China, a student who asks questions is considered a pain in the neck.” Check understanding by asking students to paraphrase or write questions they have in groups.

5. Choose topics carefully. In the 1980s in totalitarian Yugoslavia I made the mistake of asking students to debate the pros and cons of capital punishment. A painful silence fell over the room. What discussion was possible, someone pointed out to me later, when the government’s position was clear? There are still many countries in the world where people are hesitant to voice opinions because of a fear of reprisal. If you’re conducting a classroom debate, remember that there’s a distaste for Western-style argumentation in Middle-Eastern societies, and in Japan it’s offensive for an individual to urge others to accept his opinion.

6. Avoid singling students out. Our society fosters a competitive individualism which is clearly manifested in our classrooms. American students are not shy about displaying their knowledge. In classrooms outside the U.S., however, showing solidarity with classmates and conforming to the status quo is often more important than looking good for the teacher. In Turkey and Montenegro students told me they disliked volunteering answers too often because it made them look like show-offs and attracted the evil eye of envy. This holds true in Japan and China, too, where proverbs express the cultural idea in a nutshell: “The clever hawk hides its claws” and “The nail that stands up must be pounded down.”

If you want to play a game, make the competition among groups rather than among individuals. If you need to discipline a student, do so in private.



7. Present a rationale for what you do in class. Your pedagogy is going to be very different from what students are used to. They’ll conform much more eagerly to new classroom content and procedures if they understand the benefits.

8. Don’t ask, “Do you understand?” In China and Japan, students will nod yes, even if they’re totally lost, in an attempt to save face for the teacher. Even in a country as far west as Turkey, yes often means no.

9. Expect the best of your students. They’ll be serious about learning English because their economic advancement often depends upon mastering it.

10. Dress right. Jeans, sneakers, and just-out-of-bed hair may be okay for teachers in the U.S., but in many parts of the world, a neat appearance counts far more than credentials. In Korea dark clothes lend an air of authority. Red is to be avoided at all costs. In Morocco female teachers don’t wear pants, sleeveless blouses, or short skirts.

Questions You Can Ask Using Past Tense Verb

Directions: Ask your partner the questions below. Write his or her answers on the lines provided. Use complete sentences.
1.       Did you watch TV last night?
2.       Did you eat pizza last week?
3.       Did your sister visit you yesterday?
4.       Did your mother go grocery shopping two days ago?
5.       Did you pick blueberries a week ago?
6.       Did your friends call you the day before yesterday?
7.       Did you get a birthday present last month?
8.       Did your classmates study for the test last Monday?
9.       Did you go to church last Sunday?
10.   Did your children play at the beach last Summer?
11.   Did you spend too much money on clothes yesterday?
12.   Did your neighbor clean his backyard last week?
13.   Did your son believe in Santa Claus when he was a child?
14.   Did you barbecue for the whole family last weekend?
15.   Did you pass your driving test three days ago?
16.   Did your parents tell you not to smoke?
17.   Did you finish your work on the time yesterday?
18.   Did you watch your favorite show last night?
19.   Did you cut your finger while you were cooking yesterday?
20.   Did your boss give you a raise last month?
21.   Did you ask for permission to leave the meeting an hour ago?
22.   Did you meet your employer five minutes ago?
23.   Did your co-workers greet you with a smile last Tuesday?
24.   Did your mother bake a lemon cake yesterday?
25.   Did you go to Hawaii last year?

Teaching in China

Teaching in china and living in China is an incredible experience. You will become the centre of attention. People will want to talk to you. They will want to know your opinion on everything and want to be your friend, such is the friendly nature of Chinese people.
Once you have arrived at your chosen school, you must familiarize yourself with your new environment. A foreign teacher is generally expected to complete 18-20 teaching lessons per week, each lesson is for a period of 40-45 minutes. These are termed academic hours.
As a teacher in China , you will probably not get rich. Salaries for foreign teachers are generally in the range of ￥3000-￥6000 per month, which is around $USD360-$USD730 per month. These are mainly with a college certificate through to Bachelor's degree (in any field). If you have a Master's degree, you can get a somewhat higher salary.

Salaries are also dependent on the number of teaching hours you do: the more hours, the higher the salary. In addition, you will get about ￥2000($USD180) extra as a travel allowance plus your airfare reimbursement.

With all this in mind, one must understand that the cost of living in china is extremely low, and your accommodation is usually provided by the school. In general we can say most teachers receive:
1. Competitive salary

2. Airfare reimbursement

3. Travel allowance

4. Fully-furnished and equipped, modern apartment

5. All utilities paid

6. Working schedule of between eighteen and twenty 45-minute classes per week

7. Airport pick up

8. School-sponsored excursions

9. And, of course, full access to our expertise and support

The Network arranges employment for foreign teachers throughout the country. Mostly, the work will be in large cities with many facilities and amenities readily available.
When the teacher arrives at his or her school, an introduction to the school's governing/leading bodies and most of the Chinese English-teaching staff will take place. Also, an orientation around the city will be provided.

The Foreign Director will provide a detailed description of the teacher's employment requirements and a full description of all the details relating to foreign teacher rights, duties, and responsibilities.

Such details will be provided to the teacher prior to arrival in China through our Case and Placement Managers, who will be assigned to individual teachers.
Within approximately four weeks, all processing of details in China will take place and be completed: details such as medical examinations, Foreign Residency Permit (to reside permanently in China for the period stipulated on the permit) and Foreign Experts Certificate (a certificate which permits the holder/bearer to teach English in China).

Most teachers have access to textbooks and teaching materials; there are many resources available from the school, and assistance will be provided should you require more material. It is desirable that you bring with you some items of interest from your homeland that may be of interest to students during lessons.

Support from both our participating schools and The Network itself ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

History of Oral English Teaching IN China

In 1862, under the Great Qing Dynasty, the first English Language School was officially opened by the Chinese Government to train ten men for the newly created diplomatic corps (Deyi, Diary of a Chinese Diplomat, 1992 Panda books).
Now China annually recruits 60,000 “Foreign Experts” to teach English as a second language (ESL) at an estimated cost of 10 billion Yuan. According to some sources, there are 120,000 foreign ESL teachers working in china.
Foreign English teachers have been coming into China since the 1980's when new opportunities for private language education began to evolve. Many foreigners found their way to the cities to find themselves in demand for their natural oral conversation skills.
It did not take long for the word to spread to schools and other training institutions. With news of this escalating need beginning to reach foreign shores, recruiting programs were set up to cater for the growing numbers of prospective teachers.
Enter NETWORKESL, established to “build the bridge”. ESL is taught throughout China in public and private kindergartens, primary schools, middle schools, high schools, universities, colleges, private business institutes and language training centers.
The curriculum for ESL teaching in public institutions is broken down into separate classes for teaching vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening comprehension and oral conversation.
In private institutions, ESL is taught as a uniform subject. As a result, public school students with five or more years of ESL classes are quite well schooled in grammatical rules but less advanced in conversation. However, private English Language School students are quite capable of producing English conversation within eight to ten months and, thus, are able to advocate and debate in English after only about one year of ESL training.

What is TESOL?

TESOL is an acronym for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is an internationally recognized qualification that enables you to be an English language educator in countries where the native language is not English.

TESOL - Teaching English Tips

The main purpose of this diploma is to equip you, as a teacher, with the principal approaches to teaching and learning the English language. At the end of this course, you will have the necessary tools for teaching English to people who speak different languages, and you will learn to apply different teaching techniques based on different student needs and profiles.

TEFL and TESOL

The acronyms TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) can often be confusing. Both terms are used interchangeably and effectively mean the same thing. In both cases, the aim is teaching English to those whose first language is not English, worldwide.

TESOL - Teaching English Tips

A TESOL Qualification adds to your worth

Most countries consider a TESOL certification a pre-requisite to securing a job as a teacher in the English language.

The TESOL training program familiarizes you with systematic lesson plans, effective classroom management and efficient teaching techniques.

Your fundamental knowledge of the language and grammar skills is further strengthened before facing a classroom of learners.

The program brings out your best teaching skills, and the training imparted gives you hands on teaching experience.

There is a great demand worldwide for TESOL teachers and this opens a whole new vista of career opportunities.



TESOL - Teaching English Tips

Teaching Prospects after TESOL

Although the requirements for TESOL teachers vary from location to location, the general opportunities for you as a TESOL teacher could be any of the following:

If you are a new TESOL teacher, a private language school, where children and adults attend English classes (usually conversational), would be the best environment to kick start your career.



Primary Schools, High Schools, Colleges & Universities around the world need qualified English teaching professionals, and a TESOL certificate will add weight to your resume.



You may have the fortune to teach one or two-hour lessons once or twice a week in businesses.



Private Tutoring entails one-to-one interaction with your student and is also very lucrative once you have successfully set up a group of students.



TESOL - Teaching English Tips

The icing on the cake is that you can travel and see the world while you earn. The countries that you can visit and teach English with your TESOL qualification include Japan, Vietnam, South Korea , China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan in Asia; Turkey, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland in Europe; and Chile, Peru, Brazil and Argentina in South America, amongst others.

Other TESOL Advantages

TESOL - Teaching English Tips

As a TESOL teacher, you will be able to avail continuous guidance, support and information long after you graduate from your course. You have unrestricted access to worldwide job databases, recruitment services, discussion forums and country guides. Internet chat rooms allow you to interact with the teaching fraternity, and share views and seek guidance. You also have access to a vast pool of resources and dynamic lesson ideas that you can download and use in the classroom.

What 's TESL

TESL stands for 'Teaching English as a Second Language' and relates to the many English teaching certification courses being provided worldwide. Special training programs are conducted as part of these special curriculums (mostly in English speaking regions) to teach English to non-speakers of the language.

Here the expression 'non-speakers' represents people who are speakers of other languages and hence in countries where the mother tongue of the natives is English (e.g. UK, Ireland & New Zealand), TESL comes to acquire a new acronym TESOL (or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). In US though, TESOL incorporates both TESL and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).

TESL - Teaching English Tips

With English continuing to be the 'lingua franca', more and more people are trying to pick up English other than their mother tongue. People belonging to all age groups, professions, cultural and social backgrounds are flocking to learn English; no wonder that TESL is fast emerging as a promising new career.

Basic Qualifications Of A TESL Instructor

In the US, the qualification of a TESL instructor varies from state to state; however, in most cases the basic qualification is an MA in TESOL. A Bachelor's Degree with a minor in English or linguistics or in a foreign language is a must for admission to MA in TESOL. MA in TESOL comprises a graduate work in the English language on one of the classical liberal arts (literature/linguistics/media studies) and a theoretical pedagogical module at the tertiary level.

TESL - Teaching English Tips

Most elementary and state-run schools in US conduct ELL (English Language Learner) programs for children coming from non-English speaking homes. The selection of these teachers is usually based on the issuance of teaching certificates/licenses for public instruction. Of course, the issuance of these teaching certificates involve a string of exams and assessments like the PRAXIS as well as other state-sponsored exams. The instructors are also required to prove their proficiencies as teaching interns through brilliant pedagogy and command over language. Performances of interns are evaluated throughout the tenure and the professional teaching certificates are awarded only upon successful completion of the program.

Job Description Of A TESL Instructor

Teachers involved with ESL work with adults and children whose first language is not English and are yet (or are seeking to be) permanent or long-term residents. Children are helped on one to one basis to nurture their cultural and language proficiency. Similarly, special tutorials are conducted for adults at colleges, in community and language centers to sharpen their linguistic skills.

TESL - Teaching English Tips

Your job profile as a TESL instructor is not limited to teaching in classes and tutorials. The development of the teaching materials, researching with easy yet effective teaching techniques, assessment of students' progress, etc., all fall under the purview of a TESL instructor. As a result, you will be required to keep records, arrange meeting and training sessions.

In fact, there is always a bit you can do on your own. Try to win over your students and the best way to woo them is to befriend them. Play ESL quizzes with your students, encourage them to join ESL forums and see them make progress.

TESL - Teaching English Tips

Professional Help For You

You may need help as a TESL instructor. TESOL Inc., a professional organization and other large statewide affiliates such as CATESOL in California and Illinois are always there to extend a helping hand.

What 's TEFL

TEFL or 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language' programs, like TESL courses, refer to professional courses wherein non-English speaking people are trained in the English language. The only difference in this case is that the teaching programs are conducted in 'NON-ENGLISH speaking REGIONS'. Training programs for TEFL are usually conducted in English-speaking regions (although this is not a rule) but the coaching is offered in the student's native land.

TEFL - Teaching English Tips

Career Opportunities

Truly speaking, with the growing importance of English (both written and conversational), TEFL is becoming a rewarding career option day-by-day. People trained as EFL teachers are usually appointed by commercial language schools, government departments, large companies and other renowned private and voluntary organizations like The British Council. They are also offered lucrative jobs and fixed-term contracts abroad.

Job description of a TEFL instructor

TEFL - Teaching English Tips

TEFL instructors help their students improve their English writing and speaking ability by packing their instructions with the most useful information, presenting it in an extremely interesting manner. They impart their knowledge through various TEFL lessons to develop the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing of the learners. Consequently, the job involves a lot of researching and planning on the part of the teacher.

As an instructor, you can make use of varied course materials and a variety of audio-visual aids to assist your students. You will also need to boost their confidence by engaging them in social and cultural activities or by taking them on outings. You can also try teaching on 'one-to-one' basis. Whatever be your approach, you ought to make the learning process easy and enjoyable to ensure success.

TEFL - Teaching English Tips

Qualifications For A TEFL Instructor

As such, there is no recognized/certified organization to oversee the issuance of qualifications in general and hence there is no accepted standard qualification. The qualification of an instructor is usually decided by the organization for which the coach is to be recruited. Thus, in the European nations, an undergraduate degree and a TEFL/TESL certification is the average requirement. In USA, the basic qualification is a Master's degree in TESOL. In some nations, far less qualified instructors are appointed. Institutions like Berlitz do not recognize the CELTA / CertTESOL and train their teachers as per their own standards. (Proficiency in English is essential. Knowledge of other languages will be of immense help.)

TEFL Certification Courses

TEFL - Teaching English Tips

However, much we say that there are no set standards/ qualifications for being appointed as a TEFL coach or instructor, most commercial professional ventures are quite discriminating in their choice. TEFL certification courses and core curriculums help you develop all the positive skills and techniques that you need to become a successful EFL instructor.

Thus, you are tutored in the ways of training your students in grammar and vocabulary. Classroom management, motivating students and advanced trainings that help your students attain mastery over spoken and written English are some other tricks being imparted through these programs. In brief, the TEFL certification is a proof of your efficiency as an EFL instructor and most employers judge you on its basis.

TEFL - Teaching English Tips

Certification courses like CELTA, CELTYL, CertTESOL, etc. are conducted at a number of campuses in both UK and USA. Localized certification courses are also offered by individual organizations or institutions. You can even opt for a certification course online.

Conclusion

As a career, TEFL promises a good pay packet in addition to creating opportunities for you to visit interesting destinations. Overseas teaching ventures as a TEFL instructor help you with your career prospects. Exposure to different cultures and traditions, likewise, help you make all-round progress as an individual.

What 's ESL?

English is unquestionably the most commonly spoken language in the world. About 12% of the world's populace communicates in English. People with English as their mother tongue do contribute to this statistics. However, they are far outnumbered by those who pick up English as a Second Language or ESL.

ESL

English continues to be the 'lingua franca' even today and the appeal of the language never seems to be waning. People belonging to different age groups and coming from different walks of life learn English as a second language. In fact, when it comes to transactions and interactions on an international level, English is the only means of communication. No wonder that TESL or Teaching English as a Second Language curriculums are gaining worldwide popularity. You will indeed render a great service to the society (as well as to yourself) if you resolve to become a certified teacher/instructor of ESL!

Requirements And Qualifications

Basic requirements and qualifications for ESL instructors vary from country to country. Some countries stick to relevant teaching qualifications of that particular country in appointing teachers of ESL, but most TESL jobs specify approved ESL certifications as the basic criteria. (Of course, ESL certifications themselves specify an undergraduate degree in English as a must).


ESL certificates and diplomas issued by UCLES ( University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate ) and Trinity International Examinations Board of Trinity College, London are recognized the world-over. UCLES CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and Trinity CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) suffice as the initial qualifications for new teaching trainees. Diploma courses such as the UCLES DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) and Trinity LTCL DipTESOL (Trinity Licentiate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are considered ideal for recruitment to higher positions, say, to become ESL teacher trainers.

The US MA in TESOL is another widely acclaimed curriculum and qualification for TESL (as well as TEFL) jobs.

Remember, you must be at least 18 years of age to be appointed as a teacher of ESL abroad. In some assignments, the minimum age is 21 years and even more.

Job Description

The typical job responsibilities of an ESL teacher involve planning and preparing teaching materials and delivering lessons to ESL students either group wise or on one-to-one basis. (With the development of communication, i.e., the improvement of the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing being the chief aim of TESL programs, you will be required to make the lessons interesting).

As an instructor, you will also be required to assess your students, providing them appropriate feedback. You will be required to involve your students in social and cultural activities.

Career Opportunities

The present times are ripe with opportunities for those who are training themselves as teachers of ESL. If you are one of those, you will have twin choices - you may choose to remain in the US, teaching speakers of other languages to speak, read and write English or else you may go to a foreign (non-English speaking) nation and teach the natives English.

Whichever be your choice, you will stand to gain! As such, the jobs offer lucrative pay packages. A career as an ESL instructor brings you in contact with many people belonging to different cultural and social backgrounds, creating enough scope for you to develop as an individual. Overseas assignments, in addition, pack highly interesting travel-packages for the travel-freak in you!