Job Discussion Forums

[80daze]

Hi guy's,

I have a BA (Hons) in Business Management and a CELTA and a TEFL (Text & Talk) certificates. I'm currently teaching kindergarten/primary and some adults English but I really want to get into teaching Business English.

Is there a teaching certificate you can get to teach business, how long does it take to do, is it necessary and can you do it online? or if not can it be done quite quickly? ( like the CELTA)

Thanks for any advice/info

[sojourner]

Hi,

In China, if you wish to teach Business English it is not necessary to have some kind of formal credential in that subject.You mention that you are mainly teaching young kids - if you were to apply for a job at a uni, esp one that has a Business Studies School, mention that you would be willing to teach Business English.I have been working in the uni sector, here in China, since 2002. During most of that time I have taught Business English (or related subjects such as Business Writing or Business Communication). I do not have any "Cert in Business English" ! I have two Masters' degrees (inc. one in Economic Studies), a B.Ed and a CELTA.Probably more pertinent is that I have had over 20 years exp working in the public service in my home country; thus, plenty of exp with letter/report writing, customer relations, organisational culture, etc ! Have also taught Management and Marketing, here, in China.

Have you had any business/public admin exp ? If so, emphasise it in your resume !

If you feel that you must have some formal qualification in Business English, I believe that Trinity College (in London) has such a course - I'm not sure if it can be done externally - check out their website. I vaguely recall reading somewhere that the British Council might also have such a course. Another option would be the (external ) Master's level course in "Language for Specific Purposes", which is part of Macquarie University's M.Appl.Ling. programme. Admitedly, its not specifically oriented towards the teaching of Business English - but, nevertheless, it would still help you to develop ways of planning a teaching schedule (needs analysis, pertinent teaching material, etc).This course would, of course, also be helpful if you should ever decide to branch out into something like EAP.

You might also want to check out Dave's Teacher Forums - there's one forum devoted entirely to Business English - should provide you with some ideas.

You might also want to get hold of the following books:

- "Teach Business English", by Sylvie Donna;

- "Teaching Business English", by Mark Ellis & Christine Johnson;

- "English for Specific Purposes", by T.Hutchinson & A.Waters;

- "Decisionmaker", by David Evans ( consists of a number of case studies dealing with topics involving culture clash, business ethics, etc.) The 2nd and 3rd books that I listed are available in China - at least at the Foreign Languages Bookstore, in Shanghai.

In your post you mentioned that you have a "TEFL (Text and Talk) Cert" - what, exactly, did that course cover ? Did it happen to focus on certain things that are not covered by CELTA, or what ?

Good luck,

Peter

[80daze]

sojourner- thanks for all the advice, I checked out the site and there are some distance courses available for the certificate so I'm looking at the possibility of doing one quite soon.