The idea of teaching English abroad attracts a variety of people from all corners of the English speaking world, from university students taking a gap year, to long-term travellers to those who have decided to change their careers (and their lifestyles) and those who have retired. The opportunities to travel and teach are both endless and exciting. There is demand for English skills all over the world, and consequently there are English language schools operating in just about every corner of the planet. The most popular destinations for teachers are Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East, but the list doesn’t end there. Teaching English overseas is an unforgettable experience and will give you the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture, and to learn about a country and its people while travelling and earning money. In addition, many English language students travel to English speaking countries to enrol in English courses and immerse themselves in the language and culture countries like the United Kingdom, the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Teaching English to Speakers of other languages has evolved into a multibillion dollar international industry, with opportunities that appeal to all sorts of people aspiring to enter this specialised field of education.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a satisfying and rewarding career. There are positions available to teach various levels and age groups from kindergarten to tertiary education and specialised Business English. Most ESOL classes are student centred, communicative and activity-based so that the students are given the opportunity to interact and learn English in a stimulating and interesting environment while having fun.

The TESOL via Distance Learning course is designed for candidates who cannot attend on-site training for the duration of an on-site TESOL course. Studying online via Wits Language School is an excellent way to bring your studies directly into your home. You have the control and flexibility to design your study schedule around your existing commitments, and to study where and when you want to. The course is delivered by the same instructors who execute the on-site TESOL course at Wits Language School, ensuring that you receive the same high standard of instruction from experienced tutors. We have a number of start dates throughout the year, which means you may commence your studies at a time that suits you. The TESOL via Distance Learning course also includes a one-week on-site component in order to consolidate the theoretical and practical aspects of the course through observation, workshops and teaching practice experience. This course will prepare you well for a career in English language teaching.

This course has been designed for the following individuals who are unable to attend either the full time or part time on-site TESOL course at Wits Language School in Johannesburg:

	Individuals interested in a career in teaching English as a foreign or second language who have no experience
	In-service teachers who are interested in developing themselves professionally as teachers of English as a foreign or second language
	Individuals involved in education or training who want to develop their awareness of language issues in learning, as well as techniques for bridging the language gap in their current teaching or training practices

To be registered as a trainee on the TESOL via Distance Learning course you need to fulfil all the requirements below:

	Minimum of 18 years of age
	First language proficiency in English
	Minimum of a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
	A degree is highly recommended for employment purposes post-course, although not essentia
	Successful completion of the pre-course assessment and interview
	Must be able to attend a one-week on-site practical component in Johannesburg at the Wits Language School
	Reliable access to email and the internet

The aim of the TSAIL course is to develop the knowledge and skills required to teach South African and international languages.

On completion of the course, candidates will:

	Have developed an understanding of vocabulary in context
	Have developed an awareness of various teaching methodologies of TESOL
	Develop their teaching style to become more ‘communicative’
	Improve their understanding and application of teaching skills
	Improve their understanding of meta-language related to TESOL
	Identify the form, functions and learner problems related to teaching tenses and aspects in English
	Identify the ‘contexts’ that English tenses, aspects and grammar are used in
	Be familiar with a wide range of teaching aids
	Be able to plan, produce and present lessons aimed at improving learners’ reading, listening, writing, speaking and grammar skills
	Know how to use phonology to identify and assist in correcting learner pronunciation problems

The course is structured as a multi-modal course which includes:The course is structured as a multi-modal course which includes:

	An online component that students complete through self study, supported by weekly online tutorials. This component consists of a number of modules and assignments that are submitted at the end of each module.
	A one-week on-site component undertaken in Johannesburg. During this component additional instruction is given in the classroom, and students have the opportunity to observe real English classes in progress. In addition, students plan and execute a number of lessons to real English learners, applying the principles of TESOL that have been studied throughout the course.
	The online component Our qualified and experienced teacher trainers will guide you through the theoretical aspects of the course, such as language awareness, teaching methodology and the basic principles of the teaching and learning of ESOL. The support materials will be provided to you via email and an online virtual classroom, so that you have the opportunity to communicate with your TESOL trainer as well as other candidates completing the Wits/INTESOL TESOL via distance course. This approach ensures that you are supported throughout the course. Candidates are provided with a course file, and additional resources through email and the virtual classroom. Course notes can be mailed to you in print form or on a data disc, or they are available in downloadable form by email. Additional resources are posted on our virtual classroom for access during the course. At the end of each module you will have a set of tasks to complete and return to your course trainer via surface mail, email or the online virtual classroom. This simple way for you to submit your assignments means you can study from anywhere in the world. With each returned module you will receive an assessment sheet, which allows your trainer to comment on your progress, giving friendly advice and guidance for future modules. On registration, you will be given your instructions on how to access your course.’
	The on-site component During the week-long on-site component, you will have the opportunity to observe language classes delivered by experienced teachers, attend 20 hours of instructional workshops, and practice your teaching. Teaching practice is a valuable experience that offers candidates the opportunity to plan and present lessons to English language students from the local community. These teaching practice sessions are observed by an experienced team of trainers and assessors who provide constructive feedback and help you to develop your teaching skills. This means that you will have had the opportunity to learn and absorb the theory behind teaching and learning English before you are required to present lessons. You will already know a lot about lesson planning and classroom management from the online component. On-site teaching practice takes place at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg at scheduled times throughout the year. Candidates can complete this valuable teaching practice component of the course according to their availability, and subject to the number of candidates registering. Spaces for the on-site components are currently limited to 6 candidates, so early registration is essential.

The distance learning component of the course runs over a period of 10 weeks plus an additional week of on-site instruction and teaching practice. It typically requires 120 hours to complete the distance learning component. Each week candidates complete about an hour of online tutorial time with their course trainer, and around 10 hours of self-study.

It is possible to finish the online component of the course in as little as four weeks if you have the time to dedicate and really set your mind to it. If you're in a hurry, for example due to an overseas job placement deadline, inform your trainer, who will be happy to work with you to achieve your goal.

The TESOL via Distance Learning course consists of a series of modules, with each module being illustrated by practical methods and strategies for use in the ESOL classroom. The course aims to develop basic practical awareness and skills to equip candidates with the confidence, resources and knowledge that they will need in order to teach, as well as to continue their development as teachers. The TESOL approach involves participatory learning, where candidates are very much involved in the learning and teaching process. Most input sessions will focus on candidates discovering new concepts and information about teaching English through online discussions, research, activities and presentations. Candidates are also directed to a wealth of good online teaching resources that have been reviewed and selected by the course trainers. There are also additional books available for purchase from Wits Language School to assist with theory, methodology and grammar. Candidates are required to demonstrate learning by participating in discussions and completing tasks through email and online.

Accommodation and transport to Wits Language School are not included in the TESOL via Distance Learning course fee and candidates are responsible for arranging these. However, we can provide information regarding Wits approved accommodation, transport, visas, insurance and any other information you may need to plan your stay in Johannesburg.

The Wits Language School client liaison officer is on hand to assist all Wits Language School students with:

	finding suitable accommodation in a range of options such as host families, bed and breakfast etc.
	arranging study visas (although not typically required for the TESOL via Distance Learning course)
	arranging medical insurance if necessary’
	coordinating bus and transport for our students and trainees
	coordinating sworn translations

Wits Language School uses a carefully structured approach to learning and will help you every step of the way. If you feel you are in difficulties with any aspect of the course you are able to contact us by email or phone.

Assessment is continuous and formative, and there is no final exam. As you progress through the course you will receive constructive feedback about your performance to help you develop your knowledge and skills. Candidates are assessed on their practical teaching as well as a portfolio of written assignments. Candidates are required to achieve a grade of 50% in each of these components.

Both a certificate of competence in TESOL via Distance Learning and an INTESOL certificate are awarded on the successful completion of the course. The certificate of competence in TESOL via Distance Learning carries an internationally recognised NQF level 5 accreditation.

Wits is one of the leading universities in the country and on the continent. It is one of only two universities in Africa ranked in two separate international rankings as a leading academic institution in the world. The prestige and reputation associated with Wits transcends across all its faculties and departments. As part of the University, Wits Language School adheres to the proud tradition of academic excellence. Not only are we committed to quality and excellent service, we also encourage our learners to aspire to excellence and to draw inspiration from their teachers and fellow students.

Our courses and services are maintained through quality assurance procedures and all courses are aligned with the National Qualifications Framework. The teaching methods we employ are based on sound research and are designed to facilitate the learning process. The Language Teacher Education Unit at Wits Language School is a centre of expertise in the field of pre-service teacher education with a highly-respected language teacher education unit.

Wits Language School has the exclusive rights to offer the INTESOL NCFE accredited TESOL course throughout Africa.

INTESOL was founded in 1993 in Bristol, England by Lynda Hazelwood. INTESOL is established in the UK as an accredited centre by NCFE, a national awarding body in the United Kingdom. The INTESOL course fulfils the British Council’s requirements for a recognised TESOL certificate and an NQF level 5 accreditation recognised worldwide.

Wits/INTESOL is proud to bring you qualifications that have been accredited as being at NQF Levels 5 by NCFE, a regulated National Awarding Body, which is recognised worldwide, as well as by The University of the Witwatersrand, an international educational institution of excellence. This means that your qualification is respected by employers worldwide, giving you the best opportunities and working conditions.

	It means your training is of the highest quality.
	It means your qualification fits into the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), a requirement often asked for by potential employers worldwide.
	It means your course is moderated and the procedures are checked by an external body.
	It means you will receive 3 certificates, one from the prestigious University of the Witwatersrand, one from INTESOL and one from NCFE.
	It means you will receive an Accreditation Confirmation Report (Course Transcript) from NCFE showing what you have studied.
	It means that employers worldwide will know that your course is of a high academic standard.
	It means your course provider is inspected annually.

The course fee includes:

	your registration
	comprehensive course notes for all areas of study delivered via email
	access to the WLS online learning platform
	weekly online tutorials with a qualified and experienced training facilitator
	support and feedback from your tutor
	access to other learners via chat rooms and guided discussions
	access to a range of online resources to assist with your professional development
	one-week on-site training and observation with qualified assessors
	assessment of portfolio assignments and teaching practice lessons
	certification fees on successful completion of the course

The course fee does not include the following services, although they can be provided at the candidate’s expense:

	courier and standard postal service for surface mail delivery of materials and resources
	additional online tutorial assistance with a course tutor
	translation and notary services
	transport to Wits Language School for the one-week on-site training component
	accommodation in Johannesburg for the one-week on-site training component
	transport in and around Johannesburg during the one-week on-site training component
	assessment of any assignments that are resubmitted in order to achieve a satisfactory grade
	additional copies of certificates