Overview of Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language

Teaching English or French as a second or foreign language is a field of study that focuses on the development of the proficiency levels of non-native speakers, and it is often part of a broader program in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). The coursework in teaching English or French as a second language (ESL or FSL) typically covers theories and methods related to second language acquisition, language-teaching approaches, classroom management, assessment and evaluation, cultural literacy, and ESL teaching techniques. Students can gain a deep understanding of diverse cultures and their language, and can even specialize in particular subject matter, such as literature, computer-mediated communication, or language and gender.

Career Opportunities Associated with Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language:

Career opportunities for those trained in Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language include international teaching and educational services, library services, administration or management, civil service, business communication, translation, publishing, and travel and tourism. There are also many opportunities to work in government, local education authorities, defense forces, immigration offices, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and diplomatic services.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language:

Internships and co-op opportunities related to Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language can be found in a variety of fields. Internship opportunities may include positions in international education, libraries, defense forces, non-profit organizations, and English language schools. Co-op positions may be available in language teaching or policy-making, translators’ offices, publishing, government and public service, and research.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language?

A number of specialized tracks or concentrations are available within the field of Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. These include Intercultural Communication, French for Specific Purposes, First and Second Language Acquisition, English and French for Professional Purposes, Pedagogy for Language Teachers, Applied Linguistics, and Curriculum Design and Materials Development. Each track may also have specific subject matters that can be pursued such as Adult Education, Language Testing, Language and Technology, and Teaching in Non-Formal Settings.

How Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education?

Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language courses provide a wide range of transferable skills that help prepare students for graduate school or further education. These skills include theory, practice, and research techniques, critical thinking, and written and verbal communication. Graduate studies in Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language are designed to develop a further understanding of language instruction and related fields such as linguistics, anthropology, and educational psychology. Graduate students may also acquire a working knowledge of topics such as second language testing, applied linguistics, education and technology, and curriculum design.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language?

The impact of artificial intelligence on Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language is being more widely explored. AI technology can be used to generate personalized language instruction for improving grammar and pronunciation, providing instant feedback to students, recommending courses based on a student’s strengths and weaknesses, and expediting grading tasks. AI can also be used to evaluate and improve assessment systems for language learners, and to create virtual classrooms and assist with pronunciation and accent modification for second language speakers.

The Career Outlook for Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language?

The career outlook for Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language are promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of adult literacy, remedial education, and ESOL professionals is projected to grow by 6% from 2018–2028. This growth rate is much faster than the averaged for all occupations. Education is a global industry as more countries are looking to increase their English and French proficiency, so there will be an increase in demand for qualified professionals who can teach these languages.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language:

Miami University-Oxford, Salary: $38,306

University of Northern Iowa, Salary: $35,795

Liberty University, Salary: $22,495

Kent State University at Kent, Salary: $17,468

University of Hawaii at Manoa, Salary: $17,290

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language.