ESL stands for English as a Second Language and allows you to gradually master the necessary skills to become a certified English language speaker. During courses, you will develop your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities through lectures, exercises, homework, and various evaluations.
ESL is often offered as certificates or pathway programmes, which can award official qualifications but not academic degrees. Some of the courses you can expect to take during ESL programmes include phonetics, grammar, formal and informal writing, intercultural communication, culture studies, etc.
As a certified English language speaker, you may pursue a degree and later a career in related fields, such as translation, interpreting, content writing, teaching, etc. Your English skills also enable you to work for an international company, collaborate with clients from abroad, or move to a different country.
To become a successful English language speaker, you need to learn the grammar and spelling rules, pay attention to details while you speak and write, read different types of materials, and practise your skills, which can often mean overcoming the fear to speak in public.
You should know that while most ESL courses are available as certificates or pathways, some are also offered as Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
It’s also important to keep in mind that ESL is not the same thing as Teaching English. ESL is about learning the English language when you’re not a native speaker. Teaching English is about becoming a licensed TEOFL, TESL, or TEFL teacher who can help people learn the English language.
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