Every year, thousands of students enroll in English as a second language degree programs to acquire an ESOL certification.
But not all of them finish their degrees- the dropout rate is staggering.
In this article, I will outline some of the best strategies for succeeding in an ESOL degree program so you can avoid these pitfalls and have a better chance at graduating with honors!
Table of Contents
Know the Difference between ESOL, ESL, EFL, ESP.
Before we list some of the things you should know about ESOL, it might be best to discuss as well as familiarize yourself with these terms first.
Since we would be using some of these initials all-throughout this guide, we might as well provide you with the entire picture and give a background
ESL, English as a Second Language
Before ESOL, the ESL was the commonly used designation for the study of English by non-native English speakers. For instance, any student who came from a non-native English speaking country like the Philippines can enroll in a study program abroad and learn English as a Second Language.
TESL refers to the Teaching English as a Second Language
EFL, English as a Foreign Language
EFF is learning the English language in a non-English speaking country. This means that they learn the English language with their native language as their medium of instruction. For example, any student who resides in non-English speaking countries like Thailand can learn English as a Foreign Language. Rather than study in the United States (i.e. ESL track), the student chose to learn the English language in their own country.
TEFL refers to Teaching English as a Foreign Language
ESOL, English to Speakers of Other Language
ESOL is a relatively new term. However, their function is kinda similar to ESL and EFF as well. For example, some parts of Africa are much more fluent in French than in English. So when they learn English, it is technically not learning it as a second language, but more of learning it as another language. They have their own native language, French as their second language, and English as a third language.
TESOL refers to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
ESP, English for Special Purposes
ESP is studying English in a much more specific field or niche. For instance, ESP teachers teach science in English. Teaching this type of English requires further study of science in both the native and English languages. ESP teachers have to make sure that the science in their native language properly is in sync with their English counterparts.
Research the different types of ESOL degrees are available
The first thing to do is research the different types of ESOL degrees available and figure out which one will best fit your needs. There are a number of options, including associate’s degree programs for transfer students or bachelors degree programs that require you to take some prerequisite courses in English before starting. The latter option may be better if you need to work full-time and can’t spend as much time focusing on your degree.
There are also ESL and ESOL certification programs that provide specialized skills in teaching English to speakers of other languages, or English for Academic Purposes (EAP) certificates if you want to prepare for a more advanced career. These options may be better suited for those who don’t want to spend as many years in school, or who are unsure about what career they will end up pursuing.
There are many ESOL teacher degree programs available, and having a better understanding of these will be a great way to help you find the right path.
Becoming an ESOL teacher doesn’t mean you have to already know any given language. There are many degrees in which you can learn a new language to be able to become a proficient teacher in that language. Keep your options open.
Consider your career goals and find a program that will help you achieve them
The next thing to take into consideration is your career goals. Do you want to teach English as a second language? Or do you want to focus on something else, like business or engineering?
There are many things you can do with an ESOL degree, and having an idea of what you want to do with your degree after school will help you choose the right ESOL program to enroll in.
Here is a list of some careers that you can pursue with an ESOL Degree:
Adult ESL Teacher
Becoming an ESL teacher is a great way to not only help other people learn English, but it also can give you the opportunity to travel the world and experience new cultures.
With thousands of students in different countries who need someone like you for their life-changing education, this could be your perfect career path.
Academic Communications Instructor
Learning to teach proper English is a valuable skill in and of itself, but getting a degree in ESOL can also make you credible as an instructor. Your skills will be useful at the college level, high school, or even elementary levels where communication plays a significant role.
GED Instructor
One of the most rewarding things about being a GED instructor is getting to teach people that finally get an opportunity for better prospects in their lives. By encouraging them, helping them through difficult times, and providing guidance when they are ready to take it on themselves, you can be giving someone greater opportunities than they have ever experienced before – something everyone deserves.
TESOL Instructor
There are many different ways to help your students learn better communication skills, but you can also use those same techniques and strategies for other teachers in the field. If this is something that interests you then it might be worth considering becoming a teacher trainer so others can benefit from what they have learned too.
Speech Instructor
If you are already fluent in English, why not also learn how to communicate more effectively? A speech instructor ESOL degree will allow you to be an excellent instructor for those who need help with basic communication skills such as speaking and writing fluently.
TESOL Training Program
Part of your journey towards success is attending several training programs. These programs provide an opportunity to hone your teaching skills as well as increase your chances of getting that teacher certification to jump-start your career.
According to the annual TESOL report, they have issued more than 300 certificates to aspiring educator. That said, here are the five ESOL training and certification programs offered by the TESOL International Associate
TESOL Core Certificate Program
This certificate program would teach and train you about the basics and fundamentals of English language teaching. Apart from career and professional development, you would also learn how to better communicate and teach English learners.
TESOL is currently redesigning the Core Certificate Program so applications are currently put on hold
TESOL Certificate: Advanced Practitioner
This program is designed for practicing English language teachers who want to build their knowledge and explore an area of expertise in-depth.
This program provides an opportunity for aspiring teachers to further explore and gain in-depth experience in teaching the English language. It generally takes one year to complete this program.
ELT Leadership Management Certificate Program
This training program is geared towards ELT professionals who are currently in any leader, management, or administrative role. Regardless of your experience, the program would train you to become a leader and at the same time, provide you with the proper training you need to excel. Participants are expected to spend 10 hours on the given coursework or ESOL course.
Leadership Development Certificate Program
The Leadership Development Certificate Program is the perfect training program for current or aspiring leaders of TESOL International. Apart from that, this program would also help you become the future leaders of other English language teaching associations. The program is a 40-hour self-paced lesson open to TESOL members only.
TESOL Certificate: Developing an Online Teaching Program
With the sudden shutdown of schools during the pandemic, teachers were forced to cope and adapt to remote or distance learning.
This training program would equip you with the language skills you need to effectively teach the English language in both the classroom and online setting.
To acquire the teaching certificate, you need to attend 3 courses, each lasting 6 weeks, as well as accomplish a 2-week capstone project.
Choose the best time for you to enroll in classes
The optimal way to be successful in an ESOL degree program is not just about making sure you are enrolled in the right program and the right school. Setting your schedule is key to being successful in any program.
Planning your activities is essential to understanding what you can realistically achieve with the time available. It helps to make sure that every day, there’s enough time allotted for important tasks and goals without feeling like it will be all work or no play.
The first step in any successful schedule starts by taking a look at your priorities:
What are you trying to accomplish?
How long does schooling take on average?
You may need more than one block of an hour if some things require less intensive focus while others demand undivided attention.
Full-time students who have to work are often in a difficult position of trying to balance their work schedule and going into ESOL classes.
There is no perfect answer for this, but it may be worth looking at the classes that offer evening courses during the week or online education options so you can still continue working without sacrificing your studies. In some cases, it might be best to do a part-time program or just take one class at a time. Again – there is no perfect answer here.
Try looking for an institution that will allow you to continue working without interfering with your studies and spend some self-reflection time figuring out what’s right for you. If after careful consideration you’re still not sure, it’s always okay to talk with a guidance counselor and ask for help on how you would organize your coursework.
Seek the advice of current students
Talk with current students about what they like most about their school and how being enrolled has affected their lives. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
This first-hand information can be invaluable when you’re trying to make a decision. They will be able to give you details about the schoolwork, teachers, classes, and other insights that will help set you up for success. Current and former students will also be able to give you personal advice on the best way to manage your time and studying habits.
Conclusion
As difficult as it can be to make this decision on your own – take some time away from everything else for self-reflection. Make a list of what’s important to you in life right now so you know what areas need improvement. Once you have this information, it will be easier to make a decision, enroll in the right program and set yourself up for success!
- Know the Difference between ESOL, ESL, EFL, ESP.
- Research the different types of ESOL degrees are available
- Consider your career goals and find a program that will help you achieve them
- TESOL Training Program
- Choose the best time for you to enroll in classes
- Seek the advice of current students
Todd VanDuzer
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