Job Discussion Forums

s0436 · Joined: 27 Apr 2008 Posts: 16

I am 24, have a Masters degree in geography and no teaching experience. I want to Teach Business English to professionals in the UK and abroad. What should I do next, what is the most reputable courses to do?

Much appreciated.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

WHich professionals? You aren't going to find a lot of map makers or geography teachers who will need EFL/ESL, so you might want to consider two things:

Getting work experience in some field where you can teach the business English, and

picking up some TEFL training.

Many companies that offer business English lessons for their clients will ask that you have the necessary work background. To teach scientists, you may be better off having a science background so you don't have to ask for definitions all the time. Same with law or accounting or whatever.

s0436 · Joined: 27 Apr 2008 Posts: 16

So you can't just do a CELTA + a 'Teach Business English' short course?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

A CELTA will, indeed, prepare you adequately to teach general business English. Most newbies don't have relevant degrees, and many haven't got direct experience in business, either. CELTA will give you the basic tools to get started.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You can have a BA in geography or a BS in zoology and get business English gigs. If you want the better ones that actually try teaching English for business purposes, heed my previous post.