One billion people worldwide now speak English; two-thirds of them as a first or second language. English is pushing French out of South-east Asia, Portuguese out of Southern Africa and German out of Eastern Europe.
It is rapidly becoming the language of science, business and the internet. According to the British Council 70% of the world’s scientists read in English, 75% of the world’s mail is written in English and 80% of global computer-stored information is in the language.
English teachers are in high demand; there are 10,000 opportunities in China alone and many more throughout the Muslim world.
It’s no surprise that English Teaching is the fastest growing avenue for getting the gospel into ‘closed’ countries.
The skills are easy to learn and provide a passport for crossing political boundaries and making contact with local people.
International Training Network (ITN) is a non-denominational Christian organisation offering courses in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
A one week course covers the basics (and tells you whether you’re suitable); a five week course leads to the internationally recognised TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
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