Topic 5:

English as a Second Language Teacher

Question: I teach English as a second language and want to work for a large multinational company whose executives and staff around the globe have first languages other than English. Can you tell me:
1) Where I can obtain a roster of companies that employ such trainers
2) If, in fact, large companies employ such trainers or use other means to teach business English.

--Andrea C. Williams, USA

Answer: Most global companies who have nationals working in branch offices usually employ people who already have a command of the English Language, especially at the executive and administrative levels. If they do have a staff need for improvement of business English, most likely an ESL teacher living and working locally is contracted for this service.

However, you may want to consider cross-cultural training as an option. Other people with ESL, language teaching, and TESOL backgrounds transition into T&D to do cross-cultural training which is a growing professional expertise. Read:
· "Developing Globally Literate Leaders" by Robert Rosen and Patricia Digh, T+D Magazine, May 2001
· "Training Across Cultures: What to Expect" by Williams Weech, T+D, January 2001

With your experience and understanding and awareness of cultural differences plus some additional education in T&D, e.g. a graduate degree or certificate, your skills will be highly marketable and you will be able to create your own individualized professional niche. Then it will be possible to work for a consulting firm that provides cross-cultural training programs or go out on your own as a consultant.

--AR