Why study TESOL

As a native speaker, it’s easy to take English for granted. But did you know, English is one of the world’s most difficult languages to learn? So why not use what you already know to carve out a rewarding teaching career?

Through Open Universities Australia (OUA), you can study a range of qualifications that prepare you to teach English to people who don’t know the language. This is commonly known as ‘TESOL’ – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

The best part? All courses are available to study online – making it achievable to gain a TESOL qualification with leading Australian universities without having to cut down on work or sacrifice your family life.

More than meets the eye

Apart from graduating with the ability to work abroad in beautiful countries, there’s a lot you’ll gain from a qualification in TESOL. You’ll discover what it takes to teach English to primary, secondary and even adult learners.

Ultimately, helping non-English speakers expand their opportunities by learning one of the world’s most-spoken languages. “For many people around the world, the only way out of poverty and disadvantage is through education.” explains Toni Dobinson.

Toni is the course coordinator for TESOL at Curtin University – just one of the universities you can study with online through OUA. “Often that means learning the English language.”

Language aside, many TESOL courses develop skills in understanding different cultural backgrounds. “The cross-cultural understanding you’ll develop will help you better educate students in your class who have different cultural backgrounds, different first languages, or English dialects.” adds Toni.

Beyond this, TESOL courses also explore how culture influences the way we use English. This often takes place in an unspoken manner, which can be difficult for non-English speakers to interpret. With a qualification in TESOL, you’ll become an expert in interpreting unspoken communication, as well as encouraging dialogue in the English language.

A growing field

If the idea of helping others learn English sounds like a career for you, it’s an ideal time to make the move. At present, there’s a world-wide demand for specialist English language teachers. Graduates of TESOL courses often find work in language centres in Australia or TESOL streams within schools.

Aside from roles in Australia, TESOL courses can also lead to teaching overseas. “It’s a passport to the rest of the world,” says Toni.

Learn from expert teaching staff

Choose to study TESOL with leading Australian universities through OUA, and you’ll have access to experts in the field. Take Toni for instance. She earned her doctorate in applied linguistics and has over 36 years teaching English as a second language, with 26 years as an educator at Curtin University. Her career took her to Egypt for 3 years, and to many destinations since. She’s a part of a team of experienced teachers of English, whose expertise with different cultures, and understanding of language nuances, provide students with an in-depth learning experience.