Job Discussion Forums

[tonguetwister]

Hello,

I'm new around here, and I'm trying to get an idea of what I would need to do in order to prepare for teaching English abroad. I have an MA in speech-language pathology, however, I don't have any EFL/ESL certs.

Ideally, I'm thinking I would want to teach at the university level, considering that I have a master's from a well-known institution. Does anyone know of any SLP's who have transitioned to teaching English abroad? Additionally, I'm certified in an accent modification technique, so I'm able to train high-level students to tweak their communication skills (well, in American English). Some people argue that I could practice speech pathology abroad, but it's difficult to do if you're not fluent in the host language.

Some locations I've had in mind include Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries. I've read here and there online that the CELTA is often preferred in the Middle East, but since I'm located in Chicago, other certs would probably be easier for me to obtain. Are there any programs in the Middle East that would take me as-is with my master's and train me accordingly?

I'd appreciate any guidance/feedback.

Thanks,
BR

[spiral78]

I currently work with someone with a similar background, though she's gone so far a doctorate in phonology. Unfortunately, she's a very weak teacher - she never actually studied 'how to teach language' and it shows very clearly in her work. It's currently unlikely that her contract will be renewed.

This is only one single story, of course, and you may well be far more naturally talented as an instructor than my colleague.

However, at least minimal training in approaches and methods used in language learning classrooms is HIGHLY recommended in almost all cases!!