OFO No: 235301

TESOL/TEFL Teacher

What is a TESOL or TEFL Teacher?

• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

English is currently used as the world’s primary business language and this means there is a great demand from non-English speaking countries (eg Korea, China, Indonesia, Thailand, etc) to employ either TESOL or TEFL Teachers. And parents want their children to learn.

TRAVEL

TESOL/TEFL Teachers may find work all over the world.  This can be a very exciting career for people who want to explore the world.  Many young people choose to do TESOL/TEFL teaching as part of a gap year before settling down however, some enjoy it so much they embrace this profession and continue to teach English for the rest of their lives.

Some teachers study further and specialise in ‘Business English’ etc. This is branch of English teaching is also in demand and particularly lucrative.

ONLINE

Another option to consider – is to teach English online.  If you have a computer and good internet access you can even teach from the comfort of your own home.

What does a TESOL or TEFL Teacher do?

• Teaches people (from very young to old) for whom English is a foreign language.
• Assesses exactly how difficult it will be for a student to learn English.
  Note: Many employers train their teachers and supply the lesson plans as well as assess the level of the students.
• Researches interesting tried and tested lessons
• Prepares lesson plans
• Designs new teaching materials
• teaches students one-to-one and in small groups
• Teaches students English language skills using a variety of different methods
• Gives homework, sets exams, marks exams and tests
• Gives positive feedback to students, parents or guardians or companies paying for the student’s tuition

Are you . . . ?

• In possession of a degree (preferably a BA English)
• Passionate about English as well being good at English grammar?
• Passionate about teaching?
• A clear speaker without a heavy accent?
• Tolerant and patient?
• Interested in other cultures?
• Creative – be able to design exciting lesson plans?
• Organised?
• A good communicator?
• Happy to live in a non-English speaking country – if you want to work overseas.

How do I become a TESOL or TEFL Teacher?

Many public and private schools offer the TESOL/TEFL programmes that are usually aimed at people who have a Bachelor of Arts degree.

These programmes usually range from 3 months upwards and include practical exercises/teaching as well as theory.

WARNING!

There are a lot of scams being run so please check out that there the training institution:

• a physical address,
• a landline telephone number and
• a registered business with permanent physical business address.
• the lecturers and trainers should also clearly list their qualifications on the TEFL/TESOL website.

This is an international organization with good accreditation and can act as starting point for your search for a reliable source of standards and information:

https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/tefl-tesol-accreditations

Here is a South African Organization:

https://www.tefl-southafrica.co.za/faqs.html

Find an employer

These sites list countries where you can teach and employers.
https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/

https://www.tefl-southafrica.co.za/faqs.html

VIDEO

This is a very informative video by Palessa Jonas, a South African who is teaching in Korea. But she also talks about online teaching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61qtAt19QEA

Once you have watched this video, there are many other videos on the YouTube channel which may be useful or at least interesting.

OFO No: 264303

What is a Linguist?

A Linguist studies a language or languages. These can be modern or ancient languages. These studies can be both theoretical as well as practical.

Examples of theoretical studies:

• Grammar – (the structure of a language)
• Syntax – (arrangement of words & phrases)
• Semantics – (meaning of words & phrases)
• Origin – (history of a word or phrase)
• Phonetics – (the sound of a language)

Examples of practical studies are found in careers such as:

• Translator
• Speech Therapist
• Language Teacher
• Interpreter etc

A person who can speak a lot of different languages may also be called a Linguist.

What does a Linguist do?

• studies languages – (grammar, syntax, spelling, etc)
• researches history of words and phrases
• studies the sounds of languages
• researches and monitors the changes languages over time
• keeps up to date with new words

Are you . . . ?

• interested in languages?
• a good communicator?
• a good speller?
• interested in research?
• detail orientated?
• organised?

How do I become a Linguist?

You will need a strong passion for languages.

A Bachelor’s Arts (BA) degree in Linguistics can be done at most of SA universities including UNISA (distance learning). Look under the faculty Humanities.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SOUTH AFRICAN APPLIED LINGUISTICS ASSOCATION (SAALA)

http://www.saala.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Copywriter, Crime Reporter and Scriptwriter

Is becoming a Linguist the right career choice for me?

Authors & Writers

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

OFO No: 264201

Other names for Copywriter:

What is a Copywriter?

The job of a Copywriter is to create words, slogans, tag lines or scripts to promote a person, business, opinion or idea.

Their work is read in various marketing materials, sales letters, on postcards, brochures, flyers, posters, billboards, in email advertisements, on internet sites, in catalogues, in television or radio commercials, press releases and other marketing items.

Sometimes, Copywriters are expected to write the ‘body’ content for a brochure, document or other promotional items. 

Copywriters usually work alongside an art director or in a creative department/agency. They work closely with the client’s brief and the creative team to produce effective advertising campaigns.

What does a Copywriter do?

• discusses with clients/advertising agencies their requirements and understands their brief
• brain-storms
• researches client’s target market, company profile/image and their competitors
• creates ideas and concepts and presents to clients
• writes clear, original copy
• checks for spelling and grammar errors
• amends or updates copy in response to feedback from art director/client
• monitors and records the effectiveness of the advertising campaign
• keeps up to date with popular culture and trends

Are you … ?

• a person who loves creative writing?
• a quick and out-the-box thinker?
• excellent at communication both written and spoken?
• good at concentrating?
• a team player?
• a person with a good, all-round general knowledge?
• computer literate?
• able to work long hours?
• good under stress?
• deadline committed?
• quality driven?

How do I become a Copywriter?

A Copywriter does not need training but they do need a bucket load of talent and be particularly adept at creative writing.

A qualification in copywriting, journalism or linguistics will help you jump ahead of the rest and it may assist you in getting employment. 

Here are a few examples:

• AAA SCHOOL OF ADVERTISING: (Cape Town and Johannesburg)

Offers a 2-year or 1-year postgraduate Copywriting Diploma

Offers part-time copywriting courses 

• SA WRITERS’ COLLEGE:  (Cape Town)

Minimum requirements: 

Basic writing and computer skills.  Be able to email and have connection to the internet.

• UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL

Offers a Diploma in Copywriting

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Journalist … or … Author … or… Linguist 

Is becoming a Copywriter the right career choice for me? 

OFO No: 264302

Other names for Translator:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Translator

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Translator?

Are you bilingual or trilingual?

Do you have a love of languages and a flair for linguistics (the study of human languages)? Then a career as a Translator might interest you.

Translators put written, oral or sign language text into one or more languages, keeping the message the same.

Fields of translation:

• Commercial translation

Documents for the business sector including correspondence, reports, accounts, and tenders

• Legal translation

 Legal documents, such as contracts and treaties. Translators can also work for the courts system

• Literary translation

 Novels, poems, plays, and non-fiction literature

• Media translation

 Press material for newspapers, magazines, blogs, media websites, etc

• Medical translation

 Medical books, medicine instructions, manuals for medical equipment, etc. Mis-translation in the medical field can have serious consequences, so accuracy in extremely important!

• Technical translation

IT documents such as owner’s manuals, user guides, technical instructions, etc.

What does a Translator do?

• listens to tape of recorded conversations, translates and transcribes
• listens to live conversations or speeches and translates phrase by phrase trying not to lose context or style being conveyed
• reads and translates documents (technical, medical etc)
• proofreads and edits translated materials
• liaises with clients to ensure points, nuances, and context are communicated exactly and clearly
• follows ethical codes to protect the confidentiality of the information that they are translating
• identifies conflicts that might arise in relation to the meanings of words, concepts, practices or behaviours and being able to resolve them
• translates messages simultaneously into specified language, orally or by using hand signs, ensuring that the message content, context and style remain the same
• checks accuracy!

Are you … ?

• proficient in more than one language?
• a lover of languages?
• good a grammar, spelling etc?
• an active listener?
• accurate?
• an excellent communicator?
• good at memorizing information?
• able to communicate ideas effectively and clearly in writing?
• computer literate?
• good at comprehension?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Translator?

• THE SOUTH AFRICAN TRANSLATORS’ INSTITUTE: (SATI)

http://translators.org.za/sati_cms/index.php?frontend_action=display_text_content&content_id=1

There are various ways to train to become a Translator.

Here are some options:

• A National Diploma, BTech and MTech can be done at some universities of technology.
• A Bachelors of Arts in either Applied Languages, Translations Studies or Linguistics can be done at numerous universities. See list below. Further studies like Masters or Doctorate can also be done.
• A Bachelor of Arts in Court Interpreting can be done through UNISA.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Script Writer … or … Copywriter

Is becoming a Translator the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

• Print Journalist: 264203
• Radio Journalist: 264204
• TV Journalist: 264205

Other names for Journalists:

• See below

CLICK HERE

to meet Eric Markham:  Sports Journalist intern

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Reporter

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Journalist?

• Do you love writing? 
• Is your grammar and spelling good?
• Do you have a lively interest in people and events? 
• Are you are curious, determined and persistent?
• Do you want to know the story behind the story? 
• Are you scared to poke your nose in or ruffle feathers to get at the truth.  
• Do you have a balanced approach?
• Do you see both sides of an issue?
• Do you look at things objectively?

If you have answered yes to most of these questions, then maybe journalism is the right career path for you.

There are many different areas of specialisation in journalism.  As your studies progress, you will find out what suits you best, at community, regional, national or international level.

Some Journalists specialise in a particular field, for example:

• sports
• entertainment
• news
• crime
• politics
• human interest
• food and wine etc

Here are a few industries you might be interested in:

• print media: newspapers and magazines
• broadcast media: radio and television
• on-line media via the internet: blogging etc

What does a Journalist do? (this may depend on your field of expertise)

• researches stories before writing
• writes news and feature stories (usually topical with an in-depth approach) for example: interviews, travel reports, ‘how-to’ articles or opinion columns/blogs
• takes photographs – sometimes the job requires multi-skilling especially if you are working for a smaller company.  See Press Photographer on our website for more details.
• edits other people’s work (correcting grammar, writing headlines and making sure the publication has a consistent style)
• checks the facts

Are you … ?

• extremely inquisitive?
• confident?
• a good writer and communicator?
• a person who enjoys collecting and checking facts?
• persistent?
• aware of things around you?
• dedicated?
• prepared to work long and unusual hours?

How do I become a Journalist?

Good basic language skills are a great start.

It would be advisable to further your education and training in, for example, writing, media communication and/or journalism. With experience, you will learn to identify what will grab public attention and how to report on it in an easy-to-read, informative and entertaining way. 

Collecting and analysing facts gathered from interviews, investigation, observation and research will become a way of life for you.

PATH 1

Certificate in Journalism

• Tshwane University of Technology

PATH 2

Diploma in Journalism

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 3

Bachelor of Journalism

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 4

Degree in Journalism

Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism

• Rhodes University
• University of Venda

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Other names for Print Journalist:

Other names for Radio Journalist:

Other names for Television Journalist:

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Copywriter … or … Crime Reporter … or … Scriptwriter

Is becoming a Journalist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Script Writer / Screenwriter / Playwright?

Scriptwriters write scripts for plays or broadcasts.

People who devote their career to writing for the stage (theatre) are called ‘Playwrights’ while those dedicated to the screen, such televisions and movies, are called ‘Screenwriters’.

A script is a written piece of work which is either an original piece or it can be an adaptation of another, for example: a novel.

Scripts and screenplays tell a story through dialogue in a particular written form. 

A Script Writer/Playwright/Screenwriter will write:

• The dialogue (for the actors)
• Describe the emotions which must be portrayed (for actors)
• Describe the scene on stage (for set builders)
• Describe the various actions which must take place (for the actors)

Scriptwriting: whether for television, radio, movies, or stage – the competition is extremely high and competitive. Many Scripwriters work on a freelance basis.

Some Scriptwriters will have to hire an agent to book their play for performance. Others will try to get their plays published in books.

What does a Script Writer do?

• dedicatesa significant amount of time each day to writing (the more you write, the better you get!)
• meets with agents
• sends in multiple drafts to editors for rewrites (radio, movies, television)
• sends scripts to producers to get their interest
• works with directors and producers to make sure the wording is right for delivery

Are you …?

• someone who loves writing?
• someone who loves storytelling?
• creative?
• independent worker?
• able to handle criticism?
• persistent?
• humorous?
• able to hand rejection?

How do I become a Script Writer? 

• Bachelor of Arts: English Literature – most SA universities

• College SA Certificate Scriptwriting

• Bachelor of Arts: Motion Picture Medium, Scriptwriting

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS: Author/Writer … or … Film Critic   

Is becoming a Script Writer, Screenwriter or Playwright the right career choice for me?

Actor

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

Authors & Writers

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career