Teaching English as a second or foreign language
[12] Code-switching is a common communication practice where an individual alternates or shifts between different languages or dialects within the context of their environment in a social setting.Through the linguistic context of sentences and text, students can overtime develop and form connections between vocabulary from their hereditary languages and English.[18] However, in some cases, students refrained from using code-switching in the classroom, describing how they believed it was ineffective for complete fluency in English and only suitable for temporary knowledge.[25] Asian countries, particularly Thailand, tend to hire TEFL teachers based on superficial criteria such as race; Caucasian native speakers are preferred.[26] Internet-based TEFL courses are generally accepted worldwide, particularly in Asia, where the largest job markets are in China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.The Middle East is often cited as one of the best-paying regions, although better qualifications are usually needed: at least a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) and one or two years of experience.Spain has been criticized for its large number of small-to-medium businesses (including TEFL schools) which routinely avoid employees' social-security contributions to maximize profits.[35] International students applying to Australian universities had been required to be tested, and were accepted according to their academic performance and English-language proficiency.[35] Australian universities now provide alternative pathways to higher-education programs to allow international students to improve their English-language and academic preparation.Although Bengali is the official state language and the mother tongue of almost 97 percent of the population, English is widely spoken in the country as a result of two centuries of regional British colonial rule and is used in formal day-to-day activities.The country experienced civil war and political turmoil from the 1970s through the 1990s, which devastated the national education system (including second-language study).English teaching salaries in China depend on a number of factors, including hours, location, fringe benefits and bonuses, public or private sector, and an applicant's qualifications, educational level, and work experience.In larger cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, these positions offer over ¥10,000 RMB per month due to higher living costs.[44] These rules are often waived due to demand; schools can obtain work permits for teachers who do not meet the minimum standards, although this is less common in the major cities.Schools try to hire teachers from Anglophone countries; because of demand, however, others with good English-language skills and natural accents may find positions.A number of English-teaching institutions have opened in Hong Kong; private companies include Headstart Group and English for Asia, but some treat native-speaking foreigners dishonestly.Other teachers work in private Eikaiwa schools, universities, and as coordinators for international relations (CIRs) in government and on boards of education.The government began to promote foreign direct investment, and the introduction of Laos as an observer at ASEAN in 1992 increased the importance of English; the country became a full member of the association in 1997.The Peace Corps had 36 volunteers in Mongolia in 2024, many of whom are English teachers[56] primarily teaching in rural areas with a low population density.In addition to foreign instructors from the major English-speaking countries, Filipinos teach in Mongolian schools, institutes, and large industrial or mining companies.On 15 March 2008, visa rules changed; prospective teachers must undergo a medical examination and a criminal background check, produce an original degree certificate, and provide sealed transcripts.Hagwons can be small and independent or part of a large chain, and foreigners should be aware of all the education laws of their school of employment before going overseas.To teach English and live in Taiwan, one must have an Alien Resident Card supplied to passport holders from native English-speaking countries by hiring schools.Thailand has a demand for native English speakers and has a workforce in the form of travellers and expatriates attracted by the local lifestyle, despite relatively-low salaries.[63] Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other wealthy Gulf states are the main locations for instructors to work in the greater Middle East.Many positions provide good salaries and benefits such as free housing and flights, but tend to require extensive qualifications (a master's degree in education, English, or linguistics) and experience.English is also taught in Iran, Sudan, and Morocco at the primary-school level,[66][67] with demand for a lingua franca caused by the media, economic incentives and globalization.Language learning had not been part of its public-education curriculum, but Mexico said in 2017 that it has a plan to make students bilingual in English and Spanish within two decades.[71] Improvement is expected, since the level of achievement for ESL remains low due to corruption and the lack of a curriculum from the Secretariat of Public Education.[72] Institutions such as Mextesol provide learning opportunities, conferences, and training to help teachers prepare students for the labour force.